Does Jiffy Cornmeal Have Gluten?

November 9, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the ingredient list on their official website, Jiffy's popular corn muffin mix contains wheat flour, meaning it is not gluten-free. This critical fact is often overlooked by consumers who mistakenly assume that all corn-based products are safe for a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

Jiffy corn muffin mixes are not gluten-free because they contain wheat flour and other wheat-based ingredients. The manufacturer also processes all mixes on shared equipment, posing a significant cross-contamination risk. This makes all Jiffy mixes unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Key Points

Ingredient Alert: Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix contains wheat flour and wheat starch, making it unsafe for those on a gluten-free diet.
Celiac Risk: Due to the use of wheat and shared manufacturing equipment, Jiffy products are not safe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
Not All Cornmeal is Equal: Pure cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, but it is often combined with wheat flour in commercial mixes like Jiffy.
Cross-Contamination: For strict gluten-free diets, even pure cornmeal must be labeled 'certified gluten-free' to avoid cross-contamination risk from shared milling facilities.
Safe Alternatives Exist: Many brands, such as Bob's Red Mill and Krusteaz, offer certified gluten-free cornbread mixes that are safe for consumption.
Homemade Option: Creating a copycat Jiffy mix at home using a certified gluten-free flour blend and cornmeal is a reliable, safe alternative.

What is Actually in Jiffy Mix?

While many assume Jiffy's corn muffin mix is gluten-free due to its cornmeal base, the ingredient list clearly shows the inclusion of wheat flour and wheat starch. This makes the product unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The company has also confirmed they do not produce any gluten-free items, indicating a risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment for all their mixes.

The Danger for Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming products containing wheat flour or those processed on shared equipment can cause adverse reactions and intestinal damage. Due to the presence of wheat and the risk of cross-contamination, Jiffy mix should be avoided.

Understanding Pure Cornmeal vs. Jiffy Mix

Pure cornmeal, made solely from ground maize, is naturally gluten-free. However, many commercial mixes, including Jiffy, add wheat flour. To ensure safety for a gluten-free diet, always choose cornmeal and cornmeal mixes that are certified gluten-free, which guarantees processing in a facility free from gluten cross-contamination.

Comparison Table: Jiffy vs. Certified Gluten-Free Mixes


Feature	Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix	Certified Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix	Certified Gluten-Free Cornmeal
Gluten Status	Contains Gluten	Gluten-Free	Gluten-Free
Key Ingredients	Wheat Flour, Degermed Yellow Corn Meal, Sugar, Wheat Starch	Certified GF Cornmeal, GF Flour Blend, Sugar	100% Pure Ground Maize
Celiac Safety	Not Safe (Contains wheat and shared facility)	Generally Safe (Look for certification)	Safe if Certified (Check for 'GF' label)
Manufacturing	Shared equipment with wheat products	Dedicated gluten-free facility	Can be processed on shared equipment unless certified GF
Typical Brands	Jiffy	Bob's Red Mill, Krusteaz (GF version)	Bob's Red Mill, Arrowhead Mills

Certified Gluten-Free Jiffy Alternatives

Many certified gluten-free cornbread mixes are available as safe alternatives to Jiffy. Brands like Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur Baking Company, and Krusteaz offer such options. Always verify the 'certified gluten-free' seal on the packaging.

Making a Homemade Jiffy Copycat Recipe

Making a homemade mix allows for complete control over ingredients and ensures it is gluten-free. A basic recipe includes certified gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. You can find a simple recipe and more information on preventing cross-contamination from reputable sources like Food Allergy Canada.

Conclusion

Jiffy corn muffin mix is not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour and processing on shared equipment. This makes it unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, numerous certified gluten-free alternatives are available, from store-bought mixes to homemade options. Always check labels for official gluten-free certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while pure cornmeal (ground maize) is naturally gluten-free, it can be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing in shared facilities. Always look for a 'certified gluten-free' label to be certain.

No, the vegetarian version of the mix is not gluten-free. It still contains wheat flour as one of its primary ingredients.

No, the honey-flavored mix is not gluten-free. Like the original, it contains wheat flour and other gluten-containing ingredients.

No, this is not possible. The wheat flour is finely milled and integrated throughout the mix, making it impossible to remove. Any attempt to do so will still leave dangerous trace amounts of gluten.

Several brands offer certified gluten-free alternatives. Look for mixes from brands like Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur Baking Company, or the gluten-free version of Krusteaz cornbread mix.

Jiffy's official website confirms they do not produce any gluten-free mixes. The all-purpose baking mix also contains wheat flour and is processed in the same facility, making all Jiffy products unsafe.

You can create a homemade copycat mix by combining a certified gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend with certified gluten-free cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This allows you to control all ingredients for a safe result.