Does PAM Baking with Flour contain dairy or gluten?

It contains gluten due to the wheat flour. It does not contain dairy ingredients, though it has a buttery flavor from natural flavors.

Is PAM Baking with Flour good for weight loss?

Yes, because it allows you to grease pans with a fraction of the calories found in butter or oil.

Where can I buy PAM Baking with Flour?

It is widely available at major grocery chains, Walmart, Target, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is PAM Baking with Flour safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or artificial stimulants.

Is PAM Baking with Flour Kosher?

Yes, PAM Baking with Flour is considered Kosher. This cooking spray, which combines oils with a touch of wheat flour, relies on common ingredients that are generally processed under strict guidelines. While it is safe for those keeping Kosher, there are specific considerations regarding its flour content for those with gluten sensitivities.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food product is Kosher, we look at the source of each ingredient and the processing methods used. PAM Baking with Flour contains a blend of oils and a small amount of flour. Let's look at the specific components:

Canola Oil, Palm Oil, and Coconut Oil: These plant-based oils are inherently Kosher (Pareve). They do not come from animals, meaning they can be eaten with either meat or dairy meals. The critical factor here is that the oils must not be processed using non-Kosher equipment, but major brands like PAM typically adhere to these standards.

Lecithin (Soybean): Lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a vegetable, making the lecithin Kosher. Unlike lecithin derived from eggs, which requires a rigorous check for blood spots, soy lecithin is generally accepted without issue in Kosher certification.

Wheat Flour: This is the ingredient that gives the spray its baking properties. Wheat is a grain that is naturally Kosher. However, in strict Kosher observance, there is a concern regarding Chametz (leavened grain products) during Passover. While the product is Kosher for year-round use, it is not certified Kosher for Passover because of the wheat flour.

Natural Flavor and Silicon Dioxide: The 'Natural Flavor' in this specific product is generally derived from plant sources to achieve a buttery taste without actual dairy. Silicon Dioxide is an anti-caking agent (essentially food-grade sand) and is chemically inert and Kosher.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, PAM Baking with Flour is designed to be a low-calorie alternative to greasing pans with butter or oil. A serving size is very small (1/3 second spray), which equates to roughly 0 calories or a negligible amount.

The primary benefit is the reduction of fat. By using a spray, you use significantly less oil than if you were to pour it. However, because it contains Wheat Flour, it adds a microscopic layer of carbohydrates to the food. This helps browning and prevents sticking but does not significantly impact the caloric load of your baked goods. It fits well into low-fat and calorie-controlled diets.