Dairy in Betty Crocker Decorating Icing: The Facts
For those avoiding dairy, most Betty Crocker decorating icings and gels are safe. These products, found in tubes and pouches, do not have milk or dairy ingredients. The main ingredients are sugar, vegetable shortening, water, corn syrup, and stabilizers and colors.
It is important to distinguish between decorating icings and products like ready-to-spread tub frostings. Some Betty Crocker tub frostings, such as Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese or Rich & Creamy Coconut Pecan, list milk. The best practice is to check the specific product, as the brand offers various decorating choices with different recipes.
Comparing Ingredients: Decorating Icing vs. Gel
Understanding the specific ingredients helps in choosing dairy-free options. Both decorating icing and gel are generally dairy-free, but they differ in formulation to achieve different consistencies.
Decorating Icing (Tubes)
The icings are thick for piping and include:
- Sugar
- Vegetable Shortening (Palm, Sunflower and Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oils)
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Modified Cornstarch
- Salt
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Coloring agents
Decorating Gel (Tubes)
Gels are thinner and translucent, for writing and designs. Their ingredients are:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Water
- Modified Cornstarch
- Salt
- Carrageenan (a stabilizer)
- Preservatives and coloring
Neither type includes dairy ingredients. Both are often produced on allergen-free lines to prevent cross-contamination, a measure noted by the company.
Always Read Labels for All Betty Crocker Products
While decorating icings and gels are safe for dairy avoidance, not all Betty Crocker products are. It's always best to read the full ingredient list, especially with allergies. Formulas can change, so what was once dairy-free might not be in the future. For example, some online discussions mention formula changes over time, stressing label checks.
Understanding Kosher Certifications
Many Betty Crocker products are Kosher certified, which can be confusing. Some tub frostings, which contain dairy, are Kosher Dairy (Kosher D). The 'D' means dairy is present. Some non-dairy products may have 'Kosher D' if made on the same equipment as dairy products. This suggests cross-contamination risk, not a dairy ingredient. For decorating icings and gels, produced on dedicated lines, this is less of a concern, but understanding the difference is important. For details on Kosher certifications and dairy avoidance, consult Go Dairy Free.
Comparison Table: Dairy Content in Betty Crocker Products
| Product Type | Example | Dairy? | Ingredients | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorating Icing | White, Pink, Blue (Tubes) | No | Sugar, Vegetable Shortening, Corn Syrup | Produced on allergen-free line |
| Decorating Gel | White, Red, Green (Tubes) | No | Corn Syrup, Sugar, Stabilizers | Produced on allergen-free line |
| Ready-to-Spread Frosting | Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese | Yes | Sugar, Palm Oil, Water, Corn Syrup, Milk | Milk is listed on the label |
| Ready-to-Spread Frosting | Rich & Creamy Chocolate | Likely No | Sugar, Palm Oil, Water, Corn Syrup, Cocoa | Many flavors are dairy-free, always check the label |
| Frosting Mixes | May need milk, butter | Dependent | Mix has no dairy, but requires milk/butter | Dairy use depends on user |
Conclusion: Dairy-Free Decorating
Betty Crocker offers a convenient option with its decorating icings and gels. These do not have milk ingredients and are usually made on dairy-free equipment, reducing cross-contamination risk. Always check the ingredient list. Certain tub frostings contain dairy. With care, choose the right icing and meet dietary needs.
