Birthdays, weddings, holidays — what’s having cake or cupcakes without adding sugary, buttery, frosting on top of your dessert creations? Frosting is a must-have when you are baking 3-tiered cakes and towers of beautiful cupcakes. So how does the frosting from the Pillsbury Baking Company fit into your gluten-free lifestyle?
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting is a gluten-free food. None of the flavor varieties contain any wheat, rye, barley, or malt ingredients. Thus, all Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting are acceptable on a gluten-free diet. The best gluten-free and healthier alternatives to Pillsbury Frosting are Miss Jones Baking Buttercream Frosting and Simple Mills Organic Vanilla Frosting with Coconut Oil.
In this article we will go over the nutritional value of all Pillsbury Creamy Supreme varieties, as well as healthier alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
- History of Pillsbury
- Is Pillsbury Frosting healthy?
- Is frosting the same as icing?
- Pillsbury Frostings
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Buttercream Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Chocolate Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Coconut Pecan Flavored Frosting (GF)
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Cream Cheese Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Dark Chocolate Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Lemon Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Milk Chocolate Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Strawberry Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Vanilla Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme White Flavored Frosting
- Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Salted Caramel Flavored Frosting
- Healthier alternatives in gluten-free frostings
- Final Thoughts
- Related Questions
History of Pillsbury
The Pillsbury Company started out when a small share in a Minnesota flour mill was purchased by Charles A. Pillsbury. Since its incorporation as the Pillsbury Flour Mills Company in 1935, it has acquired ownership of the Burger King restaurants, the Green Giant Company, and Häagen-Dazs. Pillsbury is now owned by the General Mills Company.
Is Pillsbury Frosting healthy?
The Pillsbury Frostings contain a number of ingredients which make them unhealthy:
- Corn syrup
- Artificial colors and flavors
- Modified corn starch
- Bioengineered food ingredients
- High in calories, fat, carbohydrate, and sugar content
Is frosting the same as icing?
Frosting and icing are not the same thing. The key differences are:
- Frosting is thick, while icing is thinner.
- The main ingredient in frosting is fat, usually from butter or cream, while the main ingredient in icing is sugar.
- Frosting is able to hold various shapes, whereas icing is not.
- Frosting stays fluffy and thick, and icing starts out thin, but then hardens as it cools on its dessert surface.
Pillsbury Frostings
Let’s take a look at some of the flavor varieties of Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting, and then we’ll offer some healthier alternatives of frosting to this popular brand.
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Buttercream Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavors
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Incl. 20g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Chocolate Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavors
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Incl. 18g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting
- Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Cocoa Processed With Alkali
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate
- Natural And Artificial Flavor
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
- Artificial Color
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Incl. 18g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Coconut Pecan Flavored Frosting (GF)
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Water
- Dextrose
- Palm Oil
- Coconut (With Sodium Bisulfite Added To Protect Color)
- Corn Syrup
- Roasted Pecans (With Acetylated Monoglycerides Added To Protect Flavor)
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of:
- Corn Starch
- Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Pectin
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavors
- Polysorbate 60
- Artificial Color Including Yellow 5 And Red 40
- Cottonseed Oil
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Total Sugars: 15g
- Incl. 14g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Cream Cheese Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5, Red 4)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Incl. 20g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Dark Chocolate Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Cocoa Processed With Alkali
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavors
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Incl. 18g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Lemon Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5, Red 40)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Incl. 20g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Milk Chocolate Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Cocoa Processed With Alkali
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 130
- % Daily Value* Total Fat: 6g, 7%
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g, 14%
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 55mg 2%
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g, 7%
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Incl. Added Sugars: 18g, 35%
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Strawberry Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color (Including Red 40)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Incl. 20g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Vanilla Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Flavor
- Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5, Red 40)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Incl. 20g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme White Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Color
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Incl. 20g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Salted Caramel Flavored Frosting
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Canola Oil
- Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Mono And Diglycerides
- Artificial Colors (Including Yellow 5 And Red 40)
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified Corn Starch
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Soy Lecithin
- Caramel Color
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Antioxidants (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, Chamomile And Rosemary Extracts)
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Total Sugars: 19g
- Incl. 19g of Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Healthier alternatives in gluten-free frostings
Miss Jones Baking Organic Buttercream Frosting, Rich Fudge Chocolate
Organic, Non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free, Miss Jones Baking Frosting is a great alternative to the traditional frostings. It also does not contain any soy, trans fats, or dairy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Rainforest Alliance Certified Organic Palm Fruit Oil
- Organic Powdered Sugar
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Cocoa Powder
- Organic Tapioca
- Sea Salt
- Contains: Coconut
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 120g
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 11 grams
- Protein: 0g
Simple Mills Organic Vanilla Frosting with Coconut Oil
Another great frosting you can use instead of the traditional brands is from Simple Mills. Certified gluten-free, it is also corn free and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Organic Palm Shortening
- Organic Powdered Sugar
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Tapioca
- Vanilla Extract
- Sea Salt
- Organic Rosemary Extract (for freshness)
- Monk Fruit Extract
Nutrition information:
- Calories: 140g
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9grams
- Protein: 0g
Final Thoughts
When you’re baking a cake or cupcakes, you need a good quality frosting to top them. The Pillsbury Creamy Supreme line of frostings is gluten-free and is an acceptable brand for you to use if you follow a gluten-free lifestyle. If you’re looking for a healthier, and gluten-free brand, without a lot of additives and artificial ingredients, opt for Miss Jones or Simple Mills.
Related Questions
Is Pillsbury Frosting vegan?
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting flavors are vegan. Although there are some ingredients, like palm oil, and artificial colors and flavors which cause some controversy in the vegan world. Palm oil harvesting endangers animal environments, and artificial colors and flavors are regularly tested on animals. These two practices go against the vegan philosophy of “do no harm.”
Is Pillsbury Frosting dairy free?
All varieties of the Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frostings are dairy free. They do not contain any milk or butter ingredients, nor any products made from an animal.