Does Pillsbury Offer a Gluten-Free Biscuit Product?
As of October 2025, Pillsbury does not manufacture or sell a ready-to-bake refrigerated or frozen gluten-free biscuit dough. A review of Pillsbury's product lines, including their "Grands!" and "Country Biscuits" series, confirms that these products contain enriched wheat flour, which is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. All of their standard biscuit products contain wheat ingredients, and in some cases, may also contain milk.
Where Pillsbury's Gluten-Free Focus Lies
Pillsbury's commitment to the gluten-free market is primarily concentrated on baking mixes and flour. This approach allows consumers to bake a variety of items at home, offering more versatility than a single ready-made item. The Pillsbury Baking website features a specific section dedicated to its gluten-free product line. These products include:
- Pillsbury BEST™ Multi-Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend: A versatile, cup-for-cup replacement flour for baking various recipes, from cakes and cookies to the company's own buttermilk biscuit recipe.
- Pillsbury Gluten Free Premium Cake and Cupcake Mixes: Including Classic Yellow and Funfetti® mixes.
- Pillsbury Gluten Free Brownie Mixes: Such as the Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix with Chocolate Chips.
- Pillsbury Gluten Free Cookie Mixes: A simple mix for delicious chocolate chip cookies.
By focusing on these foundational ingredients, Pillsbury empowers individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy fresh, baked-from-scratch goods using a tested gluten-free flour blend.
The DIY Alternative: Baking Gluten-Free Biscuits with Pillsbury Flour
For those who were hoping for the convenience of pop-and-bake, Pillsbury provides a reliable alternative: baking from scratch using their Multi-Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend. The process involves combining the flour blend with baking powder, baking soda, salt, cold butter, and buttermilk. The dough is then shaped and baked until golden brown.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the oven: Preheat to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the Pillsbury gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Use a pastry blender or fork to mix in cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk: Stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough, cut out rounds, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Other Gluten-Free Biscuit Options to Consider
If baking from scratch isn't an option, several other brands and products cater to the gluten-free market. From convenient mixes to pre-baked options, the market offers a range of choices for consumers.
Comparison of Gluten-Free Biscuit Options
| Feature | Pillsbury (DIY with Flour Blend) | Bisquick (Mix) | Red Lobster (Mix) | Cappello's (Ready-to-Bake) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Widely available in most grocery stores and online. | A common brand, also found in most grocery stores. | Available in grocery stores and online, especially through Amazon. | Found in the freezer aisle of specialty markets like Whole Foods. |
| Convenience | Medium. Requires measuring and mixing from scratch. | High. Requires adding a few wet ingredients and mixing. | High. Requires adding wet ingredients for Red Lobster's famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. | Very High. Frozen, ready-to-bake dough. |
| Ingredients | Rice flour blend, potato starch, pea fiber, tapioca starch, xanthan gum. | Rice flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and other stabilizers. | Contains a blend of rice flour, cornstarch, and other ingredients. | Almond flour base, less conventional for a traditional biscuit. |
| Taste/Texture | Classic, fluffy biscuits when baked correctly. | Known for reliable and consistent results. | Creates a savory, cheesy biscuit similar to the restaurant's offering. | Described as buttery and flaky, with an almond-flour taste profile. |
Conclusion: Navigating Pillsbury's Gluten-Free Offerings
While the popular image of popping open a can of Pillsbury biscuit dough is familiar to many, those on a gluten-free diet will need to manage their expectations. Pillsbury's refrigerated and frozen biscuits are not gluten-free due to their wheat-based formula. However, this doesn't mean Pillsbury has left the gluten-free community behind entirely. Their readily available gluten-free flour blend and a variety of other mixes provide a reliable path to enjoying homemade baked goods, including delicious, fluffy biscuits. For those seeking maximum convenience, exploring other brands like Cappello's or biscuit mixes from Red Lobster offers excellent, certified gluten-free options.
By understanding the specific products Pillsbury offers in the gluten-free space, consumers can make informed choices to satisfy their cravings while staying safe within their dietary restrictions. The flour blend is a testament to the fact that while a ready-to-bake product isn't available, Pillsbury still offers a way to enjoy fresh, homemade gluten-free biscuits.
Potential Cross-Contamination Concerns
For individuals with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease, it's crucial to be mindful of potential cross-contamination. While the flour blend itself is certified gluten-free, the environment in which it's used at home may still contain gluten from other products. Always take the following precautions:
- Use dedicated, clean utensils and mixing bowls.
- Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly before baking.
- Ensure ingredients like butter or spreads have not been cross-contaminated.
Following these steps can help prevent accidental gluten exposure and ensure a safe and enjoyable baking experience.
