Does Jiffy Cornbread Have Pork in It? What You Need to Know

Jiffy cornbread mix is a beloved pantry staple in many households. The sweet, crumbly cornbread prepared from this convenient baking mix is perfect for serving alongside chili, barbecue, or soul food classics. However, if you avoid pork for dietary, religious, or ethical reasons, you may be wondering – does Jiffy cornbread contain pork? Let’s find out.

The Role of Lard in Traditional Cornbread

Traditionally cornbread recipes call for a fair amount of fat, usually in the form of lard bacon grease, butter, or other animal fats. The fat serves several purposes

• Adds flavor and richness
• Keeps the cornbread tender and moist
• Promotes a golden brown crust and soft crumb
• Imparts a savory, meaty taste

Animal fats like lard have been used for generations to bake the Southern cornbread synonymous with dishes like pork chops, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. So lard has long been a staple ingredient in cornbread, including boxed mixes.

Jiffy Cornbread Originally Contained Pork

The classic Jiffy cornbread mix that has been a pantry staple since the 1950s did originally contain pork in the form of lard. Lard gives cornbread its signature taste and texture that people love.

On the ingredients list, lard was sneakily referred to as “shortening.” But shortening is simply another term for solidified animal fat. So yes, the original Jiffy cornbread mix was not vegetarian or vegan.

However, due to consumer demand, Jiffy later introduced a vegetarian cornbread mix alternative that uses vegetable oil instead of lard. This was to accommodate people who do not eat pork or other animal products.

Check the Ingredients List Carefully

Nowadays, Jiffy offers both a traditional cornbread mix with lard as well as a vegetarian version without lard. So it’s important to check the ingredients list carefully to know which one you’re purchasing.

Here are the key things to look for:

• Lard – This indicates pork fat is present. Lard is sometimes ambigiously referred to as “shortening.”

• Vegetable oil – If only vegetable oil is listed instead of lard, the mix should be vegetarian and vegan.

• Milk/butter – Some brands add dairy ingredients like milk or butter, so verify the mix is also dairy-free if needed.

• Honey – Small amounts of honey powder are sometimes included too, which would make the mix unsuitable for vegans.

So while the vegetarian Jiffy mix is pork-free, always verify by reading the ingredients rather than assuming. Other brands of cornbread mix may differ in their ingredients as well.

Why Avoid Pork and Lard in Your Diet?

There are several reasons why someone may want to avoid pork products like lard:

• Religious beliefs – Lard makes the cornbread unsuitable for those following Jewish kosher or Islamic halal diets.

• Vegetarian/vegan – Vegans and vegetarians avoid foods containing any animal-derived ingredients, including lard.

• Health reasons – Pork and lard can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to plant-based oils.

• Ethical reasons – Some take issue with the treatment of pigs on factory farms and want to avoid supporting the pork industry.

While lard has traditionally been used in cornbread, there are good reasons certain groups seek to avoid it where possible. Having vegetarian alternatives allows more people to enjoy cornbread.

Delicious Vegetarian Substitutes for Lard

If you want to bake tasty vegan cornbread without lard, there are great substitutes available:

• Vegetable oil – Canola, sunflower, safflower, and other plant oils mimic the moisture and texture of lard.

• Coconut oil – Adds a subtle sweetness and rich mouthfeel. Melts well like lard.

• Vegetable shortening – Look for non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening as an alternative to lard shortening.

• Butter/margarine – Dairy-free margarines provide flakiness similar to butter without animal products.

• Bacon grease – For a smoky flavor, use coconut oil baked with smoked paprika instead of bacon drippings.

With some simple substitutions, you can certainly enjoy tender, savory cornbread without the use of pork lard or other animal products.

Easy Homemade Vegan Cornbread

If you want total control over the ingredients, making your own vegan cornbread from scratch is easy. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1⁄4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch baking pan.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients (cornmeal through salt).
3. Mix the wet ingredients (non-dairy milk through vinegar) in a separate bowl.
4. Add wet to dry and mix just until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 18-22 minutes.
6. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.

You can make this vegan cornbread your own by adding mixins like corn kernels, jalapeños, or vegan cheese. It’s moist, tender, and delicious – no pork required!

Top Vegan Cornbread Mix Brands

If you want cornbread mix convenience without lard, try these top brands:

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
• Annie’s Vegan Cornbread Mix
• Simple Mills Almond Flour Cornbread Mix
• Bakery on Main Quick Cornbread Mix
• Birch Benders Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix

Be sure to verify the ingredients to ensure the mix is vegan. Many include dairy ingredients like whey or milk powder.

With so many options nowadays, you can certainly enjoy tasty cornbread regardless of your dietary needs. Just check those labels first!

What About Cornbread Made in Restaurants?

If ordering cornbread at a restaurant, don’t assume it will be vegetarian or vegan. Many restaurants still use traditional recipes containing pork lard, bacon grease, milk, and butter.

Politely ask your server to check on the cornbread ingredients. At minimum, clarify whether lard or bacon fat is used. Ideally, request to view the actual recipe.

At barbecue joints, soul food eateries, and other restaurants known for cornbread, chances are higher their recipes rely on animal-based ingredients. So always ask questions to ensure the cornbread fits your diet.

Should Vegans Avoid Cornbread Altogether?

Some vegans may wonder if all cornbread should be avoided, even without lard, due to the use of milk, eggs, or honey in many recipes.

While traditional cornbread relies heavily on animal products, it’s certainly possible to enjoy delicious vegan cornbread made with plant-based ingredients only.

By using non-dairy milk, egg replacers, and maple syrup instead of honey, cornbread can be made completely plant-based. With the rise of veganism, more restaurants are offering dairy and egg-free cornbread too.

So while vigilance about ingredients is needed, vegans need not avoid cornbread altogether. With all the tasty vegan cornbread mixes, recipes, and restaurants options now available, you can have your cornbread and eat it too!

The Bottom Line

Does Jiffy cornbread contain pork? The original mix did, but Jiffy now offers a vegetarian version without lard. Always check the ingredients list to be sure.

While lard is traditionally used, there are many animal-free substitutes that allow you to bake tasty vegan cornbread. With the right ingredients and mixes, you can enjoy this Southern staple regardless of your diet!