Jiffy baking mix and Bisquick are both popular all-purpose baking mixes that can be used to make a variety of baked goods like pancakes, biscuits, muffins, and more. While they are similar, there are some key differences between Jiffy and Bisquick in terms of ingredients, texture, taste, and best uses. This article will compare and contrast Jiffy baking mix and Bisquick to help you determine if they can be used interchangeably or if one may work better than the other for your baking needs.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Jiffy baking mix and Bisquick are quite similar:
| Jiffy Baking Mix | Bisquick |
|---|---|
| Enriched bleached wheat flour | Enriched bleached wheat flour |
| Shortening (soybean and/or palm oil) | Vegetable shortening (partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils) |
| Leavening (sodium aluminum phosphate, baking soda) | Leavening (sodium aluminum phosphate, baking soda) |
| Salt | Salt |
| Dried whole eggs | Dried whole eggs |
As you can see, both contain enriched wheat flour as the main ingredient. They also both contain very similar leavening agents and salt. The main difference is that Jiffy uses soybean and/or palm oil for the shortening, while Bisquick uses partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils. Jiffy also contains dried whole eggs while these are not listed as a main ingredient on Bisquick.
Overall, the ingredients are comparable between the two baking mixes. The types of oils and addition of dried eggs in Jiffy may impact texture and flavor slightly, but not in a major way.
Texture and Taste
When it comes to texture and taste, there are some subtle differences between baked goods made with Jiffy vs. Bisquick:
– Biscuits and pancakes made with Bisquick tend to be a bit fluffier and softer compared to Jiffy. The small addition of dried eggs and different oils in Jiffy impacts the texture slightly.
– Items baked with Jiffy baking mix also tend to be more dense and cake-like compared to Bisquick. For example, Jiffy muffins will be denser with a finer crumb than Bisquick muffins.
– The flavors are quite similar, with Bisquick having a slightly richer, buttery taste. Jiffy has a hint more sweetness from the addition of dried eggs. However, when mixed into baked goods neither has a strong stand-out flavor.
Best Uses
While Jiffy and Bisquick can generally be used interchangeably, each mix does have certain baked goods it is better suited for:
Jiffy baking mix works best for:
- Muffins – The denser, cake-like texture makes them perfect for muffins.
- Biscuits – While not as flaky, Jiffy biscuits hold their shape well with crisp edges.
- Pie crust – The slightly mealy texture makes sturdier pie crusts.
Bisquick is ideal for:
- Pancakes – Fluffier, soft texture works great for pancakes.
- Drop biscuits – Bisquick makes light, delicate drop biscuits.
- Dumplings – The soft dough works well for fluffy dumplings.
Both can be used for any baked recipe, but they excel when used for the recommended purposes above.
Nutrition
Jiffy and Bisquick are similar in nutritional value as well, providing about:
– 100 calories per 1/4 cup serving
– 3g protein
– 15g carbohydrates
– 5g fat
The main nutritional difference is that Jiffy contains 0g trans fat since it does not include partially hydrogenated oils, while Bisquick contains about 0.5g trans fat per serving. Overall, the nutrition profiles are comparable.
Price and Availability
Jiffy baking mix has the advantage when it comes to price and availability. A 9.8 oz box of Jiffy mix costs around $0.50 cents on average, while a 16 oz box of Bisquick is closer to $3.
Additionally, Jiffy can be found at most grocery stores nationally while Bisquick may not be as widely available depending on your location. The lower price point and wider availability make Jiffy a more convenient option for many bakers.
Conclusion
Jiffy and Bisquick are very similar all-purpose baking mixes that can be used for a wide variety of baked goods like pancakes, biscuits, muffins and more. While Bisquick creates fluffier baked items, Jiffy results in denser, more cake-like textures. Both have comparable ingredients and nutrition.
The main differences come down to Jiffy producing superior muffins and biscuits, while Bisquick exceeds when making pancakes and drop biscuits. Jiffy also has the advantage of being more affordable and widely available. Overall, the two can be used interchangeably for most recipes, keeping in mind the texture variations. Choose Jiffy or Bisquick based on your personal texture preferences and the specific baked good you are making.