Glutino English muffins are a popular gluten-free alternative to traditional English muffins. They are made by the company Glutino, which specializes in gluten-free baked goods. For those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or who follow a gluten-free diet, Glutino English muffins provide a tasty option to enjoy in place of regular wheat-based English muffins.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in Glutino English muffins are:
- Cornstarch – This provides structure and texture in place of wheat flour.
- Potato starch – Another gluten-free flour alternative.
- Tapioca starch – Helps bind ingredients and add chewiness.
- Water
- Sugar
- Yeast – Leavening agent.
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Vinegar
- Guar gum – Thickening agent.
- Xanthan gum – Helps bind ingredients.
- Baking soda
- Soybean oil
The main gluten-free flours used are cornstarch, potato starch, and tapioca starch. These starches help give the English muffins structure to mimic the texture of wheat-based English muffins. Xanthan gum and guar gum act as binders and thickeners in the absence of gluten.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for 1 Glutino English Muffin (around 56g) are:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 3g
The English muffins are relatively high in carbohydrates, providing 25g per muffin. They are low in fat and contain 2g of fiber per muffin.
Gluten-Free Certification
Glutino English muffins are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). They undergo rigorous testing to verify that gluten levels are under 10ppm (parts per million). This very low level of gluten makes them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Manufacturing Process
Glutino does not provide full details on their proprietary manufacturing process. However, a general overview of commercial gluten-free baked good production can be described:
- Dry ingredients like flours, starches, gums, yeast, salt, sugar, etc. are added to a mixing bowl.
- Liquid ingredients like water, oil, vinegar are added and the dough is mixed thoroughly.
- The dough is proofed to allow yeast leavening action.
- The dough is portioned and shaped into rounds.
- The rounds are proofed again.
- The English muffin dough is griddled on both sides to set the shape and create a toasted exterior.
- The English muffins are cooled, packaged, and distributed.
Dedicated gluten-free facilities and equipment are used to prevent cross-contamination with gluten. Surfaces and equipment are thoroughly cleaned. Testing is conducted routinely to verify no gluten contamination.
Where to Buy
Glutino English Muffins can be purchased in the bakery or frozen foods section of many major grocery stores such as:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Wegmans
- Harris Teeter
They are often stocked in the gluten-free baked goods section. Glutino English Muffins can also be found at natural grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s.
In addition to in-store retail locations, Glutino English muffins can be purchased online via sites such as Amazon, Instacart, Walmart.com, and direct from the Glutino Food Group website.
Price
On average, a 6-count package of Glutino English Muffins retails for $4.99 – $5.99 USD. However, prices may vary depending on the retailer. Some key price points include:
- Walmart – $4.98 for 6 muffins
- Target – $5.39 for 6 muffins
- Instacart – $5.49 for 6 muffins
- Amazon – $16.99 for 4 packages (24 muffins)
Gluten-free specialty products tend to come at a premium cost compared to conventional wheat-based baked goods. The higher retail price of Glutino English Muffins accounts for specialty ingredients, dedicated production facilities, and gluten testing procedures.
Pros
There are several advantages to choosing Glutino English Muffins:
- They offer the taste and texture of traditional English muffins, but are 100% gluten-free.
- The English muffins are certified gluten-free to less than 10ppm.
- They are conveniently pre-shaped so no baking is required.
- Glutino uses quality ingredients like whole grains and contains 2g of fiber per muffin.
- They can be toasted and customized with toppings like butter, jam, avocado, eggs, etc.
- Glutino English Muffins have a longer shelf life than homemade muffins.
- They are widely available at major grocery chains.
For those maintaining a gluten-free diet, Glutino provides a quick and tasty English muffin option. The convenience factor and close similarity to regular English muffins makes them an easy substitute.
Cons
Some potential drawbacks of Glutino English Muffins include:
- Higher cost than wheat-based English muffins.
- Although tasty, the texture and eating quality differs somewhat from traditional English muffins.
- Contains less protein (3g per muffin) than a whole grain wheat English muffin.
- Some variations do include sugar.
- Packaging generates more waste than homemade muffins.
- Pre-shaping means you can’t customize size or shape.
While Glutino does an admirable job mimicking the taste and texture of wheat-based muffins, there are minor differences. The higher price tag may deter some consumers. And homemade English muffins can be tailored to specific dietary needs.
Nutritional Comparison to Wheat English Muffins
Comparing the nutrition facts, Glutino English Muffins stack up as follows against an equivalent wheat-based English muffin:
| Nutrition Facts | Glutino English Muffin | Wheat English Muffin (Thomas’) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 134 |
| Fat | 2g | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 26g |
| Fiber | 2g | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g | 2g |
| Protein | 3g | 5g |
The Glutino English muffins are comparable to wheat-based muffins in calories, carbohydrates, and fiber content. They offer 1g more fat, 1g more sugar, and 2g less protein than traditional Thomas’ muffins.
Are They Healthy?
Overall, Glutino English Muffins can be part of a balanced gluten-free diet. Some health considerations include:
- They are enriched with vitamins and minerals like folic acid, iron, and B vitamins.
- Provide a good source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Low in fat and contain no cholesterol.
- Higher in sugar than homemade muffins, but still a relatively low 3g per muffin.
- Lower in protein than wheat-based muffins due to gluten-free flours used.
- May not be a whole grain, depending on variety. Check for “whole grain” on label.
When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced breakfast, the Glutino English Muffins can be a healthy gluten-free option.
Uses
Glutino English Muffins can be used in all the same ways as traditional wheat-based English muffins:
- Breakfast sandwich – Toast an English muffin and top with eggs, cheese, meat, and veggies for a handheld breakfast sandwich.
- Breakfast bread – Split and toast the muffins, then top with butter, jam, peanut butter, or avocado.
- Eggs Benedict – Use toasted English muffins as the base for poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
- Pizza crust – Top halved English muffins with pizza sauce and toppings for mini personal pizzas.
- Breadcrumbs – Grind stale or leftover muffins into gluten-free breadcrumbs for coatings.
- Stuffing – Cut English muffins into cubes and use to make stuffing or dressing.
The pre-shaped Glutino English muffins perform well as sandwich bread, bread bases for toppings, and as foundations for breakfast dishes. Their mild flavor pairs nicely with sweet and savory ingredients.
Storing Glutino English Muffins
Freshness and texture are important when storing gluten-free baked goods. Follow these tips for storing Glutino English Muffins:
- Leave muffins in the original packaging or place in airtight container.
- Keep on the shelf or in the pantry for 2-3 weeks.
- For longer storage up to the “best by” date, refrigerate the muffins.
- The muffins can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
- Avoid excessive humidity, heat, or cold.
- Eat within 3-5 days after opening the package.
Be sure to check the package for any specific storage instructions. Follow the “best by” date for maximum freshness and use opened muffins within a few days.
Glutino Brand History
The Glutino Food Group was founded in 1983 by Elizabeth Meyers. After her daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease, Elizabeth sought tasty and convenient gluten-free foods that would allow her daughter to still enjoy breads and baked goods safely.
Glutino was one of the first companies to offer shelf-stable, packaged gluten-free products. Over the years, Glutino has expanded their product line to include items like:
- Breads
- bagels
- Pizza crusts
- Pretzels
- Cookies
- Crackers
In 2011, Glutino was acquired by Boulder Brands. Today they offer over 100 different gluten-free products, including the popular English Muffins.
Glutino helped pioneer the gluten-free movement. Their products can be found in thousands of major grocery stores, allowing those with gluten intolerance to conveniently enjoy foods many thought they had to give up after a celiac diagnosis.
Popular Glutino English Muffin Recipes
Here are some top recipes using Glutino English Muffins:
Breakfast Sandwiches
Build a quick breakfast sandwich by toasting a Glutino English muffin and topping with sausage patty, egg, and cheese for a handheld meal.
Avocado Toast
For a fresh take on avocado toast, use a toasted Glutino English muffin as the base. Top with mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Mini Pizzas
For an easy weeknight dinner, top toasted halves of Glutino English muffins with pizza sauce, cheese, and mini pepperonis or veggies. Bake until cheese melts.
English Muffin Bread Pudding
Cube day old Glutino English muffins and make a bread pudding by combining with eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and raisins or fruit. Bake until set.
Eggs Benedict
Use Glutino English muffins as the base for a gluten-free Eggs Benedict. Top toasted muffins with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
Conclusion
Glutino English Muffins provide a convenient gluten-free alternative to wheat-based English muffins. Made with corn, potato, and tapioca starch, Glutino muffins mimic the taste and texture of traditional English muffins. While nutritionally similar to regular muffins, they do come at a higher price point. Glutino English Muffins can be used in recipes calling for English muffins, making them an easy substitute. Overall the muffins are tasty and kid approved, making them a pantry staple for those on a gluten-free diet. Check the gluten-free section of your local grocery store to pick up a package and enjoy Eggs Benedict, mini pizzas, avocado toast, and other muffin recipes, gluten-free.
