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Ingredient Question: Is Sour Cream Gluten Free?

By Christine July 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

pin image of close up sour cream

There's nothing quite like sour cream for adding that sought-after richness and fluffy texture to baked goods. Whether you’re making muffins, breads, biscuits or even tacos, adding sour cream makes them even tastier!

But what exactly is in sour cream and is it gluten free? Can you just grab any container off the shelf and assume you're good to go? (What about dairy free varieties too?) Those are questions we'll explore a little more as it's come up quite a bit here at Zest For Baking. This is another 'ingredient question' that we're excited to dive in to.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know whether sour cream is indeed gluten free, gluten free sour cream brands you can choose from, recipes using sour cream and more.

spoon with sour cream

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Why use sour cream in baking?

Using sour cream in baking might sound a bit weird for some. But its acid and fat content elevates baked goods, in every way you can think of:  

  • Richness: Sour cream contains not less than 18% milkfat. And more fat means richer and creamier baked goods. 
  • Moisture: It also lends moisture without making your batter thinner. 
  • Activates Leavener: Sour cream’s acid content helps activate leavening agents, like baking soda. 
  • Tangy flavor: This cream also gives your treat a delicately tangy flavor. 

In a pinch, sour cream can act as a heavy cream, yogurt, and whole milk replacement.

So, baking with sour cream is a win-win situation.

Is it gluten free?

Sour cream, as the name implies, is a soured cream. To achieve this, the pasteurized cream is fermented by introducing lactic acid-producing bacteria. 

These bacteria, then, act by denaturing the whey proteins. 

The result? The ever-versatile sour cream-a thickened liquid with a tangy and creamy flavor! Thus, pure sour cream is definitely gluten free. The problem, though, is in determining whether store-bought ones are gluten free too.

Other sour cream ingredients

According to the FDA, manufacturers can add the following sour cream ingredients, as long as they are safe and fit for consumption: 

  1. Optional Ingredients

Ingredients that enhance sour cream’s texture, prevent syneresis (liquid oozing from sour cream) and extend sour cream’s shelf-life. 

  1. Sodium citrate

Sodium citrate is added to pasteurized cream before fermentation. This component gives sour cream its salty and sour flavors. It also acts as a preservative. 

  1. Rennet

Rennet is a combination of enzymes that thickens dairy. Rennet usually comes from animal stomachs, fermentation, plant enzymes, and, lastly, from molds and microbes. 

  1. Sweeteners
  2. Flavoring

Fruit and fruit juice, and/or artificial flavoring. 

How do you know if sour cream has gluten?

If it isn't clearly labeled GF, you have to check with the manufacturer to determine whether a certain sour cream is gluten free, especially, IF the brand contains the following ingredients: 

  • Natural flavoring (might come from barley)
  • Artificial flavoring (possibly coming from barley)
  • Flavorings (might contain wheat fillers)
  • Seasonings (may contain wheat fillers) 

Best GF sour cream brands

The following brands are ones we know and love and are definitely GF!

BrandIngredients
365 by Whole FoodsCultured organic cream
Organic milk
Organic non-fat milk Microbial enzymes
Forager Dairy FreeCoconut & Cashewmilk (Filtered Water, Coconut Cream, Cashews), Tapioca Starch, Sea Salt, Pectin, Distilled Vinegar, Lactic Acid, Locust Bean Gum, Agar, Live Active Cultures
Organic ValleyOrganic Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Organic Pasteurized Cream, Acidophilus And Bifidus Cultures, Microbial Enzyme
Green Valley Lactose FreeOrganic Pasteurized Cultured Cream Lactase Enzyme
Live And Active Cultures.
DaisyMilk
Cultured cream
Kite HillAlmond Milk (Water, Almonds), Coconut Oil, Rice Starch, Coconut Milk, Maltodextrin, Chickpea Protein, Salt, Cultures.

Recipes to check out!

  1. Buckwheat Biscuits

Yes, you read it right! Your biscuits will benefit from a dollop or two of sour cream.  

This 8-ingredient grain-free recipe makes use of buckwheat flour. The results? Soft, full, and light-textured biscuits with earthy and wheat-y flavors!

Toasted or fresh, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner--it doesn’t matter! Slather with butter, strawberry preserves, or tuna salad to uncover its even more delectable side!  

I promise this is a recipe worth doing again and again!

  1. Gluten Free Sour Cream Biscuits

The combination of rice flour and tapioca starch gives these bite-size biscuits a slightly crisp crust with a soft and tender interior; and an evident butter and sour cream flavor. 

  1. Gluten-Free Yeast Rolls in Under an Hour

If you’re looking for a yeast roll recipe that makes use of pantry staples and won’t take ages to bake, then definitely check out this recipe. 

No-knead, quick-rise, and tons of flavor! The combination of sour cream and Greek yogurt made these rolls tender yet firm with a slight edge. 

  1. Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins {Dairy Free}

Whipping up these super tender chocolate chip muffins (with chunks of mildly sweet real chocolate) will make your mornings lovely. 

Pair these muffins with a nice cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself a treat! 

  1. Buttery Gluten Free Biscuits Recipe

These mouthwatering buttery biscuits are golden brown outside yet tender on the inside! 

Of course, you will want to serve these with jam, but they also taste great when you turn them into sandwiches (ham, tuna, or chicken salad sandwiches)! 

  1. Gluten Free Breakfast Sandwiches

An easy-to-do yet hearty and full of flavor breakfast sandwich? This might be the recipe for you. 

Big and cheesy gluten free bread buns are already great on their own. 

But, these buns taste best when you slice them up and top them with eggs and bacon-a heartier and crunchier sandwich, indeed. 

FAQ's

Are all Daisy sour cream varieties gluten free?

Yes! Daisy Sour Cream has cultured cream listed as its only ingredient. The Light Sour Cream ingredients includes cultured cream, skim milk and Vitamin A Palmitate.
No gluten ingredients!

What's the best way to store sour cream?

Unless otherwise noted, store sour cream in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze sour cream?

Yes! Most sour cream freezes well - just place the container in the freezer and use within 6 months. Thaw the frozen container in the refrigerator.

How long will sour cream last?

If kept in the refrigerator, unopened, it can last for about 1 month. After opening, you'll need to use it quicker - usually within 2 weeks as it can spoil quickly when spoons and knives come in contact with it (cross contamination).

Is dairy free sour cream a one-for-one substitute for dairy sour cream?

It is, yes. A full fat, dairy sour cream can be substituted for dairy free sour cream.

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Filed Under: Baking Tips, GF Ingredients

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Hi, I'm Christine, a gluten free baker living in sunny Texas! Zest for Baking is where you'll find gluten free (and dairy free) recipes, tips for substituting ingredients and help navigating the world of gluten free baking.

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Since 2013, Christine has been creating delicious gluten free baking recipes that no one would guess are actually gluten free. Her Zest For Baking recipes have been featured on The Daily Meal, Bloglovin' and Dr. Axe, to name a few. When she's not hanging out on Facebook or sharing pictures on Instagram or pinning on Pinterest, you can find her in her kitchen, creating more ZestForBaking.com recipes!

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