Quick Answer
Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix has around 5-8g net carbs per serving, depending on the specific variety. The total carb count is higher at around 15-18g per serving, but a large portion of those carbs come from fiber and sugar alcohols which don’t raise blood sugar. So the net carbs, which impact blood sugar, are roughly 5-8g per serving.
What Are The Different Varieties of Pillsbury Sugar Free Brownie Mix?
Pillsbury offers a few different varieties of sugar free brownie mix:
- Sugar Free Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
- Sugar Free Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
- Sugar Free Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix
The main difference between these is the intensity of the chocolate flavor, going from chocolate fudge, to double chocolate, to triple chocolate. But in terms of nutrition and carb count, they are fairly similar.
Nutrition Facts for Pillsbury Sugar Free Brownie Mix
Here are the nutrition facts for a serving of the Pillsbury Sugar Free Chocolate Fudge Brownie mix:
| Serving Size | 1/9 package (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Includes Added Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, a serving of the mix contains 15g total carbs. But 7g of those come from dietary fiber, and 2g come from sugars. That means there are only 6g net carbs per serving.
The nutrition is very similar for Pillsbury’s Double Chocolate and Triple Chocolate sugar free brownie mixes as well.
Net Carbs in Pillsbury Sugar Free Brownie Mix
The concept of net carbs is important for calculating the true carb impact of foods like sugar free brownie mix.
Net carbs are calculated by taking the total carbs and subtracting fiber and certain sugar alcohols that are not absorbed or metabolized by the body. What’s left over are the “net carbs” that actually impact blood sugar and ketosis.
So to calculate net carbs in Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix:
Total Carbs: 15g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar Alcohols: 2g
Net Carbs = Total Carbs – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols
Net Carbs = 15g – 7g – 2g = 6g
So the net carbs come out to just 6g per serving, which is great for a sweet treat on a low carb or keto diet.
Glycemic Impact
In addition to net carbs, the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load can help give a sense of how quickly a food will impact blood sugar levels.
The glycemic index ranks foods on a scale of 0-100 based on how slowly or quickly they cause increases in blood glucose. Low GI foods (55 or less) are digested more slowly and cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar. High GI foods (70 or greater) are digested quickly and lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar.
Most sugar free foods made with sugar alcohols in place of sugar have a low glycemic impact. Sugar alcohols like erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol are not fully absorbed or metabolized by the body, so they do not cause large spikes in blood glucose.
Based on the low net carb count and use of sugar alcohols, Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix likely has a low GI of 55 or less. However, the exact GI is unknown since it has not been directly tested.
Glycemic load accounts for the GI as well as the carbohydrate content per serving. It’s calculated by multiplying the GI by the grams of carbohydrate per serving and dividing by 100.
A glycemic load under 10 is considered low, while over 20 is high. Given the low net carb count per serving, Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix likely has a glycemic load in the low to moderate range.
So people on low carb, keto, or diabetic diets can enjoy it without worrying about major impacts to blood sugar. The sugar alcohols and fiber help create a treat that’s low glycemic in nature.
Ingredients in Pillsbury Sugar Free Brownie Mix
Now let’s take a look at the ingredients list on the box to see what’s used to make these brownies low carb:
Ingredients: Wheat flour, whey protein concentrate, erythritol, cocoa processed with alkali, palm oil, xanthan gum, natural and artificial flavors, sucralose, salt, baking soda.
Some key points about these ingredients:
- Erythritol – A zero calorie sugar alcohol that provides sweetness without impacting blood sugar.
- Cocoa – Provides chocolate flavor and some antioxidants.
- Xanthan Gum – A soluble fiber that helps provide structure.
- Sucralose – An artificial zero calorie sweetener.
- Whey protein – Adds protein and structure while keeping carbs down.
As you can see, the mix replaces sugar with non-glycemic sweeteners like erythritol and sucralose. It also uses fiber, protein, and fat to provide texture and satisfaction while minimizing carbohydrate content.
Taste and Texture
In terms of taste and texture, Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix gets good reviews, though not quite as excellent as the regular versions. They have a nice fudgy, chocolately taste according to most.
The sugar free versions tend to be a bit more dense and cake-like compared to original mixes. And some find the artificial sweeteners leave a bit of an aftertaste.
But overall, most agree Pillsbury’s sugar free mixes are one of the better low carb boxed brownie options out there. They provide a chocolate fix and decadent taste without spiking blood sugar.
Here are some tips to get the best results when making Pillsbury sugar free brownies:
- Substitute oil for melted butter to enhance richness.
- Add a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
- Use milk instead of water for added moisture and softness.
- Underbake slightly for fudgier, gooier brownies.
- Let cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Following package directions and using a few extra strategies like these can help achieve delicious sugar free brownies with the rich, fudgy texture you crave.
Cost and Availability
Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix is widely available at most major grocery stores in the baking aisle. Typical prices are:
- 9.4 oz box: $3.50 – $4.50
- 18.3 oz family size box: $6.00 – $7.50
It’s a bit pricier than regular brownie mix, but still very affordable. And keep an eye out for sales, coupons, and store discounts for deals on this popular item.
Some places it can be purchased include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Albertsons
- H-E-B
Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix is widely stocked due to popular demand. Just check the baking aisle at your preferred supermarket.
Storing and Shelf Life
Like regular brownie mix, the sugar free version has a fairly long shelf life if stored properly in a cool, dry pantry.
Unopened boxes have a shelf life of 9-12 months from the production date printed on the package. Once opened, it’s best to use within 3-4 months for optimal freshness.
Look for boxes with furthest out ‘best by’ or ‘enjoy by’ dates on the package. And once opened, transfer mix to an airtight container or resealable bag.
If properly stored, the brownie mix should maintain quality and taste for months past the ‘best by’ date. But for truly fresh brownies, try to use opened boxes within a few months and unopened boxes within about a year.
Refrigerating or freezing the mix isn’t necessary. Simply keep boxes sealed in a pantry or cupboard away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
Substituting Other Sugar Free Brownie Mixes
There are a few other popular brands of sugar free brownie mix including:
- Duncan Hines Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
- Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Sugar Free Brownie Mix
- Betty Crocker Sugar Free Brownie Mix
These all typically contain very similar ingredients and nutrition profiles. Main differences may be in flavors, textures, sweeteners used, and personal preference.
Any can be substituted in recipes calling for Pillsbury sugar free mix. Just be aware slight adjustments in liquid, baking time, etc may be needed.
It’s best to follow package instructions of whichever mix you use for ideal results. But expect around the same carb counts, calories, and glycemic impact from all the major brands.
Making Sugar Free Brownies from Scratch
While the boxed mixes make baking easy, it’s also possible to make low carb brownies from scratch using sugar free ingredients.
Some common ingredients in homemade sugar free brownie recipes include:
- High fat, low carb flours like almond flour
- Cocoa powder
- Butter or oil
- Sugar free sweeteners like erythritol, Swerve, or stevia
- Eggs
- Baking powder and vanilla for rising
- Chopped nuts for crunch
- Mix-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter, etc.
Homemade allows tailoring the recipe to your taste and dietary needs. And you can avoid certain ingredients found in pre-made mixes.
But it requires more work and can be trickier to achieve the perfect fudgy texture. Boxed mixes provide convenience and familiarity of results.
Low Carb Frosting and Topping Ideas
While delicious on their own, brownies are even better with some low carb frosting or toppings.
Here are some popular options that won’t spike blood sugar:
Frostings
- Cream cheese frosting with powdered erythritol
- Sugar free chocolate ganache with cocoa powder and Swerve
- Whipped coconut cream sweetened with stevia
Toppings
- Sliced strawberries
- Sugar free chocolate syrup
- Chopped walnuts
- Shaved coconut
- Cacao nibs
Get creative with mixes of sugar free ingredients to take low carb brownies to the next level.
Potential Downsides of Sugar Free Brownie Mix
While Pillsbury’s sugar free brownie mix is a handy low carb baking option, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Digestive issues – Some sugar alcohols like maltitol may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea in sensitive people, especially in large amounts.
- Aftertaste – Artificial sweeteners can create an unpleasant cooling effect or aftertaste for some.
- Blood sugar spikes – While minimal for most, sensitive individuals may still see blood glucose rise slightly.
- High processed ingredients – Heavily processed with artificial flavors and sweeteners.
- Higher price – More expensive than regular brownie mixes.
The low carb and sugar free nature makes these mixes suitable for diabetics and others monitoring carbs. But some trial and error may be needed to gauge individual tolerance and response.
Should You Consume Pillsbury’s Sugar Free Brownie Mix?
Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix can be a smart occasional treat for people tracking carb and sugar intake, such as those eating keto, low carb, or diabetic diets. The low calorie, fiber-enriched formula minimizes impact on blood sugar.
However, processed foods with artificial sweeteners should not be a dietary staple. Some downsides like digestive effects are mainly a concern with over-consumption. As an occasional indulgence, sugar free brownies can fit into otherwise healthy low carb eating patterns for most people. But eat in moderation and be attentive to how your body responds.
For diabetics, carefully monitor blood glucose when first trying to determine personal tolerance. Anyone with gut sensitivities should start slow as well.
When craving an easy chocolate fix, Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix lets you satisfy your sweet tooth on a low carb diet. Just be mindful of portions.
Conclusion
To summarize key points:
- Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix contains ~5-8g net carbs per serving.
- It uses sugar alcohols like erythritol and fiber to minimize carb and sugar impact.
- The mix results in a decent chocolate taste and fudgy texture.
- It’s more expensive but widely available in stores.
- Boxed mix provides convenience compared to homemade.
- Limit intake and watch for digestive effects.
- In moderation, it can be part of healthy low carb eating pattern.
Pillsbury sugar free brownie mix lets you enjoy the chocolatey decadence you crave without worrying about spiking blood sugar. Just be mindful of portion size and practice moderation to make it an occasional low carb treat.
