Quick Answer
Most Betty Crocker brownie mixes contain gluten and are not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, Betty Crocker does offer several gluten-free brownie mix options that are made without wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients.
Ingredients in Regular Betty Crocker Brownie Mixes
The regular Betty Crocker brownie mixes contain wheat flour as a main ingredient. Wheat flour contains the proteins glutenin and gliadin, which together form gluten. This means regular Betty Crocker brownie mixes are not gluten-free.
Here are some examples of ingredients found in Betty Crocker’s traditional brownie mixes:
- Enriched bleached wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola)
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- High fructose corn syrup
- Contains 2% or less of: dextrose, salt, baking soda, natural and artificial flavor, red 40 lake, caramel color.
As you can see, the first ingredient listed is enriched bleached wheat flour. This means regular Betty Crocker brownies contain gluten and are unsuitable for gluten-free diets.
Gluten-Free Betty Crocker Brownie Mix Options
While Betty Crocker’s original brownie mixes contain gluten from wheat flour, Betty Crocker has created several gluten-free brownie mix options for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Here are some of the gluten-free Betty Crocker brownie mixes available:
- Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix – This option contains rice flour instead of wheat flour. The other ingredients are sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum.
- Betty Crocker Supreme Triple Chunk Gluten Free Brownie Mix – This brownie mix contains rice flour, sugar, chocolate chunks, mini chocolate chips, cocoa, vegetable oil, dried egg whites, baking powder, salt, guar gum, xanthan gum.
- Betty Crocker Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix – This fudgy brownie mix is made with rice flour, sugar, cocoa powder processed with alkali, chocolate chips, vegetable oil, dried egg whites, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt.
As you can see from the ingredients lists, these gluten-free Betty Crocker brownie mixes use rice flour instead of wheat flour. Rice flour naturally does not contain gluten, making these mixes safe for gluten-free diets.
Are All Betty Crocker Brownie Mixes Labeled Gluten-Free Actually Gluten-Free?
In general, if a Betty Crocker brownie mix is labeled “gluten-free” and states it’s made without wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients, then it can be considered gluten-free.
Gluten-free labeling on packaged foods in the United States and Canada is regulated by the FDA and CFIA. Manufacturers can only label a food product “gluten-free” if it contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Any Betty Crocker brownie mix labeled as gluten-free must meet this strict standard.
However, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always check the ingredients list themselves. Don’t assume a product is gluten-free just because of marketing statements on the package. The ingredients list contains the most accurate information on whether the product contains gluten.
When reviewing the ingredients, look for wheat, barley, rye, malt or any derivatives of these grains. Also look for ambiguous ingredients like “starch”, “flavors” or “natural flavors” that could potentially contain gluten. If any questionable ingredients are present, contact the manufacturer to confirm the product is gluten-free before consuming.
Precautions When Using Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Brownie Mixes
If you need to avoid gluten, here are some precautions to take when using Betty Crocker’s gluten-free brownie mixes:
- Check the ingredients list yourself – don’t just rely on the “gluten-free” claim on the package.
- Look for any warning statements about the product being made on shared equipment with wheat. Cross-contamination may occur.
- Avoid improvising or adding your own ingredients, as this can introduce gluten. Stick to what’s in the box.
- Check if your baking pans are thoroughly cleaned. Leftover flour residues could contaminate the batter.
- Read the label carefully and follow the recipe exactly.
Following these precautions helps minimize the risk of gluten exposure when using gluten-free brownie mixes.
Nutritional Comparison Between Gluten-Free and Regular Betty Crocker Brownies
Here is a nutritional comparison between Betty Crocker’s gluten-free fudge brownie mix and their original supreme traditional fudge brownie mix:
| Nutrient | Gluten-Free Brownie Mix | Original Brownie Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | 160 |
| Fat | 7g | 7g |
| Carbs | 28g | 28g |
| Sugar | 18g | 18g |
| Protein | 2g | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g | 1g |
| Sodium | 210mg | 260mg |
As you can see, Betty Crocker’s gluten-free fudge brownie mix has very similar macronutrients and calories compared to their regular brownie mix.
The main differences are:
- The gluten-free mix is lower in fiber (0g vs 1g per serving). This is because it uses rice flour instead of wheat flour.
- It’s also slightly lower in sodium (210mg vs 260mg per serving).
Aside from those small differences, the mixes are nutritionally close. So you can enjoy Betty Crocker’s gluten-free brownies without feeling like you’re missing out on anything nutritionally.
Taste and Texture Comparison Between Gluten-Free and Regular Brownie Mixes
In terms of taste and texture, there are some differences between gluten-free and regular Betty Crocker brownies:
Taste:
- The gluten-free brownies tend to be slightly less rich in chocolate flavor than the original versions. The cocoa powder flavor is a bit more pronounced.
- They can also taste slightly more gritty or grainy due to the rice flour.
- However, when loaded with chocolate chips or icing, the gluten-free brownies can taste nearly as decadent as the originals.
Texture:
- Gluten-free brownies made with rice flour tend to be a bit more dense and heavier than wheat-based brownies.
- They don’t rise as high and tend to be more compact.
- The centers can be slightly gummy or sticky.
- Overall the texture is heavier and more fudge-like.
While the gluten-free brownies differ a bit in taste and texture, they can still be delicious in their own right. The fudgy, dense texture makes them unique from traditional brownies.
You can also improve the texture by following package directions precisely, avoiding over-mixing, and using ingredients like xanthan gum as binders. Enjoying the gluten-free brownies warm and topped with ice cream also helps enhance their taste.
Price Comparison Between Gluten-Free and Regular Betty Crocker Brownies
There is a moderate price difference between Betty Crocker’s gluten-free brownie mixes versus their traditional brownie mixes containing wheat flour.
Here are some average prices:
| Brownie Mix Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix | $4.49 |
| Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix | $2.99 |
As you can see, the gluten-free brownie mix costs about $1.50 more than the regular brownie mix. This price premium is typical for specialty gluten-free baking mixes.
The increased price accounts for the use of more expensive gluten-free flours like rice flour, guar gum and xanthan gum as binding agents. Gluten-free flours also tend to have higher manufacturing and distribution costs compared to wheat flour.
While gluten-free baking mixes cost more, many people find them worthwhile for health reasons or when baking for guests with gluten-free needs. The convenience of being able to buy a pre-made mix can also be worth the price.
Tips for Modifying Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Brownie Mix
One concern when using gluten-free baking mixes is that the results may seem too dense or gritty. Here are some tips for modifying gluten-free Betty Crocker brownie mix to enhance the texture and taste:
- Add extra eggs – Eggs help bind the batter and make the brownies more fudgy. Try adding an extra egg.
- Increase oil – A bit more oil makes gluten-free brownies moister. Increase the oil by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Substitute butter for oil – Using melted butter instead of vegetable oil can make richer, more decadent brownies.
- Use milk instead of water – Milk helps make gluten-free brownies taste richer and less grainy.
- Underbake slightly – Gluten-free brownies can dry out if overbaked. Underbake by 2-3 minutes.
- Rest batter before baking – Letting it rest for 10 minutes allows the flours to hydrate for better binding.
Start by following package directions, then try small tweaks like these to enhance gluten-free brownies. You’ll get to enjoy treats without gluten that are delicious and decadent.
Topping Ideas for Gluten-Free Betty Crocker Brownies
Gluten-free brownies made from mixes can benefit from fun toppings. Here are ways to dress up Betty Crocker gluten-free brownies:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate
- Top with chocolate chips, M&Ms or crushed candy pieces
- Spread with nut butter or marshmallow creme
- Frost with creamy frosting – cream cheese, whipped cream or marshmallow frosting are all delicious
- Garnish with nuts like pecans, walnuts or peanuts
- Top with shredded coconut for a tropical twist
Have fun mixing and matching toppings to create gluten-free brownie sensations. The toppings help enhance the brownies’ taste and texture.
You can also serve gluten free brownies warm with ice cream for a delightful treat. The sweet, cold ice cream balances the fudgy brownie texture.
Conclusion
While regular Betty Crocker brownies contain gluten, Betty Crocker’s gluten-free brownie mixes provide a convenient option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The gluten-free mixes use rice flour and tend to be dense and fudgy.
To get the best results, carefully follow package directions and consider tweaks like extra eggs or butter. Fun toppings like frosting take gluten-free brownies over the top.
Although a bit more expensive than regular mixes, Betty Crocker’s gluten-free brownies are worthwhile for both taste and health reasons. They provide an easy way to enjoy brownies without gluten.
