Dairy-Free Pillsbury Refrigerated Doughs
When seeking dairy-free options from Pillsbury, your first stop is the refrigerated dough aisle. While many products in this section may seem off-limits, several are formulated without milk ingredients. It is crucial to check the ingredient label every time you purchase a product, as formulations can change over time.
Biscuits
Surprisingly, many of Pillsbury’s refrigerated biscuit varieties are dairy-free, despite some having names like 'Buttermilk'. The key is to check the specific product's ingredient list. All frozen Pillsbury biscuits, however, contain dairy.
- Flaky Layers: Look for Flaky Layers Original Biscuits and Buttermilk Biscuits.
- Grands! Flaky Layers: The Grands! Flaky Layers Original Biscuits and Buttermilk Biscuits are also typically dairy-free.
- Southern Homestyle: Grands! Southern Homestyle Original Biscuits are often free of milk ingredients, though checking the label is essential.
Crescent Rolls and Dough Sheets
The classic Pillsbury Crescent Rolls are a well-known dairy-free option for many. They use vegetable shortening instead of butter, making them a safe choice for dairy-free diets.
- Original Crescent Rolls: The standard original crescent rolls do not list dairy ingredients.
- Original Crescent Dough Sheet: This versatile dough sheet is also typically dairy-free.
- Other varieties: Certain flavor variations, like Sweet Hawaiian, may also be dairy-free. Always check the label for confirmation.
Pizza Crust
For quick and easy pizzas, Pillsbury offers dairy-free crust options. Both the Classic and Thin & Crispy pizza crusts are made without milk ingredients.
Pillsbury Baking Mixes and Frostings
Pillsbury also provides numerous shelf-stable products that are free from dairy. These often require the addition of oil, water, and sometimes eggs, so you can control the other ingredients you add.
Brownie Mixes
Many Pillsbury brownie mixes are dairy-free. They typically only require the addition of eggs, oil, and water.
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
- Zero Sugar Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
Cake Mixes
Some cake mixes from Pillsbury are dairy-free, but it is critical to read the label carefully. Many of the moist supreme varieties and Funfetti mixes do not contain milk ingredients.
Frostings
Pillsbury's tubs of frosting are almost entirely dairy-free, using soy lecithin instead of milk ingredients for emulsification.
- Creamy Supreme Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry
- Funfetti Frosting (all varieties)
- Whipped Vanilla and Chocolate
A Note on Cross-Contamination
While a product may not list dairy as an ingredient, the manufacturing facility may process other items that contain milk. For those with severe dairy allergies, this risk of cross-contamination can be a concern. The most accurate information will always come from reading the 'Contains' section on the product packaging, which will alert you to any milk ingredients.
Comparison Table of Dairy-Free Pillsbury Products
| Product Category | Dairy-Free Options (Check Label) | Products that Contain Dairy | Key Ingredient to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Biscuits | Original, Buttermilk, Flaky Layers, Southern Homestyle Original | All frozen biscuits, Sweet Biscuits with Icing, Grands! Cornbread Biscuits | Buttermilk powder, Whey, Sodium Caseinate |
| Refrigerated Crescents | Original Crescent Rolls, Original Crescent Dough Sheet, Sweet Hawaiian | Frozen versions, filled varieties (e.g., apple, cherry), some specialty options | Whey, milk solids |
| Refrigerated Cookie Dough | Sugar Cookie Dough (tubs), some Ready to Bake! varieties (e.g., Reese's Peanut Butter) | Most Ready to Bake! varieties with chocolate or cream cheese chunks (e.g., Pumpkin, Funfetti with candy bits) | Milk, nonfat dry milk, whey powder |
| Pizza Crust | Classic Pizza Crust, Thin & Crispy Pizza Crust | Pizza kits with toppings or cheese | Whey, cheese |
| Baking Mixes | Many brownie mixes, some cake mixes (e.g., Yellow Cake) | Funfetti Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix, Funfetti Donut Mixes, some cake mixes | Buttermilk, milk ingredients |
| Frostings | Creamy Supreme (most varieties), Funfetti, Whipped | None identified, but always double-check | Whey, casein |
How to Find Dairy-Free Pillsbury Products
To ensure you are selecting a dairy-free item, follow these steps:
- Read the Ingredient List: This is the most crucial step. Look for milk, whey, butter, casein, and lactose in the ingredient list.
- Check the 'Contains' Statement: Below the ingredients, manufacturers typically list major allergens present in the product. If it says 'Contains: Milk,' it is not dairy-free.
- Read the 'May Contain' Statement: This optional statement indicates potential cross-contamination. If you have a severe allergy, it may be best to avoid these products.
- Consult Reliable Resources: Websites like Go Dairy Free often maintain updated lists of allergen-free products and can be a valuable tool for confirming information.
Conclusion
While Pillsbury offers a wide array of products that contain dairy, a significant number of their refrigerated doughs, baking mixes, and frostings are surprisingly free of milk ingredients. By carefully checking the ingredient list for specific product variations, those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet can still enjoy many Pillsbury favorites. Always remember that recipes can change, so reviewing the label on each purchase is the safest approach. Be aware of potential cross-contamination for severe allergies, and use reliable resources to confirm product safety. With a little diligence, you can easily find delicious dairy-free Pillsbury products to enjoy.
