“JIFFY” Vegetarian Corn Muffin Mix bakes into a tasty, golden muffin or cornbread. This vegetarian mix can be used instead of America’s Favorite “JIFFY” Corn Muffin Mix because it goes well with any dish, soup, or salad. Create your next family dinner with our many delicious “JIFFY” recipes or your own signature treat.
The ingredients include wheat flour, degermed yellow corn meal, sugar, vegetable shortening (palm oil, soy bean oil), and less than 2% of the following: baking soda, tricalcium phosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, wheat starch, natural flavor, dextrin, and corn starch.
Cornbread is a beloved staple across America, especially in the South. A warm golden square of cornbread can transform chili, stew, soup or a simple plate of greens into a satisfying, hearty meal. When time is short, many home cooks turn to tried and true Jiffy cornbread mix to whip up a quick batch. But if you avoid pork for dietary, religious or personal reasons, you may be wondering – does America’s favorite cornbread mix actually contain pork?
In this comprehensive article, we will examine the ingredients in Jiffy cornbread mix to definitively uncover whether it contains pork, lard or other animal products. We’ll also provide helpful tips on how to modify Jiffy mix to be vegetarian, vegan or halal-compliant. And suggest other pre-made mixes or easy homemade recipes that align with your diet.
Tracing Jiffy’s History
To understand Jiffy’s formulation today, it helps to know a bit of history. Jiffy mix was created in 1930 by Howard O. Lewis in Chelsea, Michigan. He tested over 500 cornbread recipes to develop the signature mix of cornmeal, flour, baking powder and shortening that could be whipped up in a “jiffy.”
Jiffy became known for value, convenience and the ability to bake warm, homemade-tasting cornbread fast. Through generations, its vintage blue boxes have been a pantry staple for millions of households and remains popular today.
Ingredients in Jiffy Cornbread Mix
When examining a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin mix the ingredients listed are
- Enriched bleached wheat flour
- Yellow corn flour
- Sugar
- Leavening (sodium aluminum phosphate, sodium bicarbonate)
- Salt
- Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (soybean and/or cottonseed)
- Dextrose
- Wheat starch
The key ingredient is the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil which indicates the mix does not contain pork fat or lard. Instead the oils (commonly soybean and cottonseed) have been hydrogenated, a process which makes the oils solidify into a shortening-like texture at room temperature.
This means Jiffy cornbread mix avoids animal ingredients altogether making it vegetarian halal and safe for those who avoid pork. However, the hydrogenated oil means it is not vegan compliant.
How to Make Jiffy Cornbread Vegan-Friendly
While the original Jiffy mix contains no pork, the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil poses a problem for vegans. Here are a few simple tips to make Jiffy cornbread vegan:
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Substitute regular vegetable oil – Use liquid oil like canola or sunflower instead of shortening.
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Use vegan butter – For best texture, use vegan butter sticks or spreads.
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Try flax or chia eggs – Swap the egg called for with a flax or chia seed “egg.”
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Explore other egg replacers – Ingredients like banana, applesauce or aquafaba also work.
With simple ingredient tweaks, anyone can enjoy fluffy Jiffy cornbread that aligns with their diet!
Store-Bought Vegan & Halal Cornbread Mixes
In addition to adjusting regular Jiffy mix, there are some excellent vegan and halal cornbread mixes available:
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Bob’s Red Mill Vegan Cornbread Mix
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Nature’s Eats Non-GMO Cornbread Mix
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Simple Mills Paleo Almond Flour Cornbread
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Bakery on Main Gluten-Free Cornbread
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Stirrings Gluten-Free Cornbread (use coconut oil)
These products provide all the ease of boxed mix without the ingredients you’re trying to avoid.
Make Your Own Vegan Cornbread from Scratch
For the ultimate control and cornbread flavor, you can easily make your own from scratch in just 20 minutes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1⁄4 cup oil or vegan butter, melted
- 1 flax or chia egg
Instructions
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Whisk together dry ingredients (cornmeal through salt).
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Mix in wet ingredients (milk through egg replacer).
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Pour batter into a greased 8-inch pan.
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Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes until lightly browned.
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Let cool 10 minutes before serving warm.
Get creative with mix-ins like corn kernels, vegan cheese, herbs or roasted veggies. The options for homemade vegan cornbread are endless!
The Bottom Line
The original Jiffy Corn Muffin mix does not contain any pork, lard or other animal products besides milk. However, the partially hydrogenated oil makes it not fully vegan compliant. With just a few simple swaps or store-bought vegan mixes, anyone can whip up the perfect cornbread for their dietary needs. Baking your own from scratch is also a fun, rewarding DIY project!
So whether you avoid pork, follow plant-based diets or just want to control ingredients, you can still enjoy moist golden homemade cornbread fresh from the oven. Jiffy makes it fast and easy, but consider branching out with new vegan products or your own custom recipe. Get ready to enjoy timeless cornbread flavor for any meal or occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions about Jiffy Mix:
Does Jiffy mix contain any animal products?
The original Jiffy mix contains milk but no pork or lard. It’s vegetarian but not vegan due to hydrogenated oil and milk.
What can I substitute for eggs in Jiffy cornbread?
Flax eggs, chia eggs, banana, applesauce or aquafaba all work well as egg substitutes in vegan Jiffy cornbread.
Is it easy to make cornbread from scratch?
Yes! Homemade cornbread is simple to whip up in about 20 minutes with basic pantry ingredients. It allows for total control over the ingredients.
What is the best milk for vegan cornbread?
Unsweetened non-dairy milks like almond, oat, soy or cashew work well in cornbread. Stay away from coconut milk as it can make cornbread oily.
Can I make Jiffy mix gluten-free?
You can attempt it by swapping the wheat flour for an all-purpose gluten-free blend. However, texture and rise may be affected. Gluten-free cornbread is best made from scratch.
Is all store-bought cornbread mix vegetarian?
No, always check labels. Some contain honey or buttermilk powder. Vegan cornbread requires avoiding eggs, dairy and animal fat like lard.
What oil is healthiest for cornbread?
Cornbread allows use of healthier oils like avocado, olive or grapeseed instead of vegetable oils. Melted coconut oil is nice for vegan cornbread too.
