Shortening is a type of fat used in baking and cooking to help make baked goods tender and flaky. Common sources of shortening include vegetable oils like soybean, cottonseed, and palm oil. Shortening can be purchased as a solid block or softened spread. Major brands of shortening include Crisco and Copha.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. A gluten-free diet avoids these grains and any foods that contain them or may be cross-contaminated. This diet is necessary for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. It has also gained popularity among the general public.
Dairy products are made from the milk of cows, sheep, and goats. They include foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream. A dairy-free diet omits dairy products and is followed by those with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or as a personal preference.
This article will examine if common shortenings are permissible on gluten-free and dairy-free diets. We will look at the ingredients and manufacturing processes behind shortening to determine if trace amounts of problematic proteins or ingredients exist. Recommendations will be made for the best shortening options for special diets.
Are Typical Shortenings Gluten-Free?
Shortening is naturally free of gluten because it is made from vegetable oils, not grains. Leading brands of shortening like Crisco underwent testing by the Gluten Intolerance Group, which certified them as gluten-free to less than 10 parts per million. This strict standard gives confidence to those with celiac disease or sensitivity that they can safely use traditional shortening to bake gluten-free goods.
Shortening goes through extensive processing and purification on its way from vegetable oils to solid shortening. This helps remove potential sources of contamination like gluten-containing grains. The oils are extracted and undergo partial hydrogenation. This process adds hydrogen to the vegetable oils to convert them into semi-solid fats with a creamy, spreadable texture. Additional steps like deodorizing and bleaching further refine and purify the oils into finished shortening.
While shortening starts gluten-free, some brands add minor ingredients after processing that could introduce gluten. Examples include flavorings, preservatives, antioxidants, and vitamins. To be labeled gluten-free, shortening products may not contain prohibited grains or any ingredients derived from them. Reputable brands use gluten-free sources for any minor added ingredients.
Homemade shortening offers the most control over ingredients. You can whip together a simple shortening by blending oils like coconut oil, palm oil, or olive oil with dairy-free milk and butter. Adding beeswax helps it set up into a solid. This ensures no gluten sources are present.
Best Practices
To safely use shortening on a gluten-free diet:
– Look for reputable national brands that are certified gluten-free to less than 10ppm, like Crisco
– Check labels for wheat, barley, rye or problematic ingredients
– Call manufacturers if you have any concerns about ingredients
– Make your own shortening at home using pure oils
Are Standard Shortenings Dairy-Free?
By nature, shortening is dairy-free because it is made from vegetable oils. Dairy products like butter contain milk fat, while shortening is purely plant-based fat. Leading brands of shortening are vegan and contain no animal products, including dairy.
Again, purity is maintained through the extensive processing and refining vegetable oils undergo to become shortening. The oils are extracted and separated from any non-oil compounds, including potential dairy contaminants. Deodorizing and bleaching help remove any traces of milk proteins or lactose.
As with gluten, the area of concern would be any additional ingredients added to enhance shortening. Some brands include milk or whey powder, though most stick to non-dairy additions. As long as the shortening avoids milk-derived ingredients, it will be dairy-free.
You can easily make your own dairy-free shortening at home by choosing plant-based oils and other ingredients. Coconut oil is a popular choice. For a butter flavor, turn to plant-based margarines or oils like olive oil. Dairy-free milk adds creamy richness.
Best Practices
To safely use shortening on a dairy-free diet:
– Look for reputable national brands that are certified dairy-free and vegan
– Check labels for milk, whey, casein or problematic ingredients
– Call manufacturers if you have any concerns about ingredients
– Make your own shortening at home with plant-based oils
Are Specialty Shortenings Better Options?
Those adhering to gluten-free or dairy-free diets often turn to specialty products made specifically for their needs. When it comes to shortening, there are some dedicated options:
Gluten-Free:
– Betty Crocker Gluten Free Shortening
– Nutiva Organic Shortening
Dairy-Free:
– Spectrum Non-Hydrogenated Shortening
– Veganeka Vegan Shortening
These provide added assurance that they avoid gluten or dairy during processing. The downside is that specialty shortenings can be harder to find and cost more than mainstream brands. They may also use less common oils like palm fruit or coconut oil instead of soybean or cottonseed oil.
When recipe testing, keep in mind that these alternatives may perform differently than conventional shortening. The taste and texture may also vary based on the oils used.
You can also make your own shortening at home tailored to your diet. This gives you control over the ingredients and is budget-friendly. Find recipes using oils and fats permitted on your gluten-free or dairy-free diet.
Key Considerations
When choosing a specialty shortening:
– Ensure the brand is certified gluten-free or dairy-free
– Understand if uncommon oils are used and how that affects baking
– Factor in availability and cost compared to conventional shortening
– Make your own to customize ingredients based on diet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shortening safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, conventional shortening that is certified gluten-free to less than 10ppm is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease. Leading brands go through extensive processing and purity testing to avoid gluten cross-contamination. Always check labels for any ingredients that could introduce gluten.
Can you use shortening on a paleo diet?
The paleo diet avoids modern processed foods, so conventional hydrogenated shortening would not be permitted. However, rendered animal fats like lard, tallow, and duck fat provide paleo-friendly shortening alternatives. Coconut oil is another option to mimic shortening in paleo baking.
Is coconut oil a good shortening substitute if you are dairy-free?
Yes, refined coconut oil can be an excellent substitute for shortening in dairy-free baking. It provides similar fat content and texture. Coconut oil gives a slight coconut flavor, which may be desirable or not depending on the recipe. Reduce oven temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning.
Can you make pie crust with shortening if you are vegan?
Definitely! Conventional shortening is vegan, providing flaky crusts without butter. For a dedicated option, use vegetable shortening sticks from brands like Spectrum that are certified dairy-free and vegan. You can also make pie crusts with coconut oil or vegan butter sticks.
Is shortening high in cholesterol if you are on a heart-healthy diet?
No, shortening is cholesterol-free because it contains no animal products. However, shortening is high in saturated fat, so it should still be used moderately on a heart-healthy diet. When baking, try substituting half the shortening called for with unsaturated oils or applesauce.
The Bottom Line
Traditional shortenings made from vegetable oils are naturally free of gluten and dairy and suitable for specialized diets when verified through label reading and contacting manufacturers. Those with celiac disease or on dairy-free diets can feel confident using conventional shortening for baking based on processing methods that remove contaminants.
Specialty shortenings cater to gluten-free and vegan consumers, but availability and cost may be barriers. Homemade alternatives allow customization of ingredients to suit individual diet needs. When choosing a shortening, check for certification and double-check labels to ensureingredients align with your dietary restrictions.
References
[1] “Is Crisco Gluten-Free?” From The Gluten Free Society
https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/is-crisco-gluten-free/
[2] “The Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diet Support Guide.” Celiac Disease Foundation
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/is-it-gluten-free/fats-oils-shortening/
[3] “Shortening Substitutes for Baking.” Verywell Fit by Abbey Sharp
https://www.verywellfit.com/shortening-substitutes-for-baking-562889
[4] “Gluten-Free DIY Shortening and Pie Crust.” Art of Gluten-Free Baking by Kelli and Peter Bronski
https://www.artofglutenfreebaking.com/gluten-free-diy-shortening-and-pie-crust/
[5] “Vegan Baking Substitutions.” VegNews by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
https://vegnews.com/2017/10/vegan-baking-substitutions