For individuals managing diabetes, following a healthy diet and putting efforts into maintaining their blood glucose levels to avoid complications cannot be overstated.
It is essential to evaluate the nutritional content of anything you intend to put into your mouth. Jiffy cornbread is one of those irresistible snacks or dishes that is capable of pleasing almost all taste buds, but the question of its suitability for diabetics lingers.
This article will explore the nutrition you’re likely to get from consuming jiffy cornbread and if it aligns with your dietary needs. Additionally, we will also provide you with safer alternatives.
Jiffy Cornbread: What is It?
Jiffy cornbread mix is a popular pre-packaged baking mix primarily used to make cornbread, a traditional American quick bread. It is produced by the Chelsea Milling Company, based in Chelsea, Michigan, USA. The company has been in operation since 1901 and is well-known for its Jiffy brand of baking mixes.
The jiffy cornbread mix is made with sugar, wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and sometimes, ingredients like malted barley flour or dried buttermilk are added, making jiffy cornbread not gluten-free. This mix makes making cornbread or muffins very easy, as it is convenient to prepare with minimal effort.
Jiffy cornbread, characterized by its golden color and airy consistency, has a slightly sweet flavor (all thanks to its sugar content), and a moist crumbly texture almost like polvoron.
This cornbread mix is versatile and can be used for varieties of dishes such as corn muffins, cornbread casserole, cornbread stuffing, and even desserts like cornbread pudding.
Can Diabetics Eat Jiffy Cornbread?
When compared with traditional cornbread, Jiffy cornbread is not safer for diabetics as it contains more sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. Also, It doesn’t have much fiber, which aids in regulating blood sugar levels.
Further, Jiffy Cornbread for diabetics is not the best option as it contains refined flour and sugar, which could impact your blood sugar level. According to nutrition facts, a serving of jiffy cornbread (38 grams) supplies 27 grams of carbs, one gram of fiber, and 7 grams of sugar with a relatively high glycemic index, which could raise your blood sugar levels if not eaten moderately.
Therefore, as a diabetic, you may have known there is no specific amount of sugar that could be officially capped, since we all differ from person to person, making a piece of cornbread per day the ideal serving size. I usually opt for a safer recipe for my cornbreads by using whole wheat flour and low-fat milk. Consuming some avocados and proteins beforehand is imperative to help slow down how fast carbs are absorbed.
Other Low-Sugar Alternatives to Jiffy Cornbread for Diabetics
Here are some low-sugar/carb alternatives to the traditional jiffy cornbread mix:
Substitute ingredients in a homemade recipe
If you’re making your cornbread from scratch at home, you can use an almond flour, coconut flour, or keto flour blend instead of the regular processed wheat flour, as they have a lower glycemic index. I prefer using these flours because of their fiber and protein content, which are essential to regulating blood sugar levels.
Further, you could also reduce the amount of cornmeal and add some corn extract for flavor purposes. Also, replacing the traditional processed sugar with a more natural sweetener like stevia is a great option, as it has very few calories and has no negative effect on your sugar levels.
Miss Jones Baking Keto Not Cornbread Muffin Mix
Here is another low-carb and no-sugar cornbread mix I have used a few times. It is made with almond flour and coconut flour and is keto and gluten-free. One thing you will like about it is its moist, delicious taste. It tastes just as great as a jiffy cornbread mix.
Good Dees Corn Bread Baking Mix
This is one mix I have used with no problems at all. It is gluten-free, uses stevia instead of sugar, is made with almond flour, has just 1g of carbs, and is perfect for weight goals. Surprisingly, the resulting taste of the mix wasn’t much sacrificed, as it tastes almost like your traditional cornbread.
Is Jiffy Cornbread Good for Diabetics? Final Thoughts
To make Jiffy cornbread good for diabetics, you will have to substitute the regular wheat flour and cornmeal for almond and/or coconut flour, as they contain more protein, fiber, and fewer carbs. You should also replace your regular sugar with a natural alternative like stevia. For traditional Jiffy cornbread, half to one piece is the ideal size for a diabetic.
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