Quick Answer
No, Trader Joe’s gluten free brownie mix is not dairy free. The ingredients list for Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix includes milk chocolate chips, which contain dairy. So this product is not suitable for people with dairy allergies or on a vegan diet.
Ingredients in Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Here are the ingredients listed on the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix package:
| Rice Flour |
| Cane Sugar |
| Dutch Process Cocoa Powder |
| Tapioca Starch |
| Potato Starch |
| Xanthan Gum |
| Kosher Salt |
| Baking Soda |
| Milk Chocolate Chips |
As you can see, the key ingredient that makes this brownie mix not dairy free is the milk chocolate chips. Milk chocolate contains milk products like milk fat and milk solids. So milk chocolate chips are not vegan or dairy free.
Some people may wonder if the cocoa powder contains dairy. However, the ingredient list specifies that this is Dutch process cocoa powder. Dutch process cocoa powder is alkalized to neutralize its acidity. This process does not involve adding any dairy ingredients. So the cocoa powder itself is dairy free.
Other Potential Sources of Dairy
Aside from the milk chocolate chips, none of the other ingredients in the Trader Joe’s gluten free brownie mix contain dairy.
Rice flour, cane sugar, tapioca starch, and potato starch do not contain dairy. Xanthan gum is produced through bacterial fermentation, not from any animal products. Kosher salt is just salt. And baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an inorganic leavening agent that does not contain milk.
So there are no hidden dairy ingredients in this mix outside of the milk chocolate chips.
Alternative Gluten and Dairy Free Brownie Mix Options
If you want a brownie mix that is both gluten free and dairy free, there are a few options:
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Brownie Mix – uses sunflower oil instead of butter and does not contain chocolate chips.
- King Arthur Gluten Free Brownie Mix – vegan and dairy free, made with sunflower oil.
- Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Brownie Mix – dairy free and vegan, makes brownies with sunflower oil and cocoa powder.
- Namaste Foods Gluten Free Brownie Mix – dairy free, uses vegetable oil and carob chips.
- Make your own from scratch – recipes substitute oil for butter and use dairy free chocolate.
The key is finding a mix that uses vegetable oil instead of butter and either carob chips or cocoa powder instead of milk chocolate chips. Or make your own by adapting a dairy free brownie recipe.
Tips for Converting Regular Brownie Mix
If you want to modify a regular brownie mix to be dairy free, try these substitutions:
- Replace milk with non-dairy milk like almond, soy or coconut milk.
- Use dairy free chocolate chips or carob chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
- Substitute oil for butter.
- Use water instead of eggs.
Making some simple ingredient swaps can transform a normal brownie mix into a dairy free dessert!
Nutrition Information for Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Here is the nutrition information for a 1.39 oz (39g) serving of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix prepared according to package directions:
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 20g |
| Added Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 1g |
A few things to note from the nutrition information:
- High in calories, fat and carbs – brownies are a indulgent, energy-dense dessert.
- 20g total sugars per serving, mainly from added sugar.
- Provides a small amount of protein and no fiber.
- 10mg cholesterol per serving from the milk chocolate chips.
So while tasty, Trader Joe’s gluten free brownies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. The lack of fiber and dairy free options make this a poor choice for certain diets.
Cost of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Trader Joe’s gluten free brownie mix costs $3.29 for a 15.8 oz box (based on November 2023 prices).
This works out to around $0.21 per ounce.
Here is how the cost of Trader Joe’s gluten free brownie mix compares to regular gluten free mixes and store brand options:
| Gluten Free Brownie Mix | Price | Price per Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s | $3.29 for 15.8 oz | $0.21 |
| Betty Crocker Gluten Free | $3.49 for 15.3 oz | $0.23 |
| Pillsbury Gluten Free | $3.99 for 15.3 oz | $0.26 |
| King Arthur Baking Gluten Free | $6.95 for 15 oz | $0.46 |
| Target Good & Gather | $2.99 for 15.3 oz | $0.20 |
Trader Joe’s and Target’s store brand offer the most affordable gluten free brownie mixes. Brand name gluten free mixes tend to cost $0.25-0.50 more per ounce. Specialty gluten free brands like King Arthur baking can be more than double the price.
So in terms of cost efficiency, Trader Joe’s gluten free brownie mix provides a good value option. Just keep in mind it is not suitable for dairy free diets.
Reviews of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Most customer reviews of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix are positive. Here is an overview of common feedback:
Positive Reviews
- Brownies have a rich, fudgy texture.
- Nice chocolate flavor from the milk chocolate chips.
- Super moist and chewy straight from the oven.
- Easy to make by just adding oil, water and an egg.
- Doesn’t taste overly gluten free or bean-y.
- Kids and family members enjoy them.
- Affordable price compared to other gluten free mixes.
People say these brownies have an excellent chocolatey taste and pleasant, fudgy texture. They highlight the convenience of the mix for gluten free baking.
Negative Reviews
- Can be crumbly and dry if overbaked.
- Not compatible with many gluten free diets due to milk chocolate chips.
- Some taste the bean flours like rice flour.
- May be grainy or gritty in texture.
- Difficult to modify for other diets like vegan.
The main complaints relate to dryness if the brownies are baked too long. Others wish the mix was dairy free and had a smoother texture.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some tips from reviewers for getting great results from this gluten free brownie mix:
- Follow package instructions closely, don’t overbeat the batter.
- Use oil instead of butter for more moisture.
- Underbake slightly for fudgier brownies.
- Add a spoonful of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Stir in chocolate chips, nuts or crumbled cookies to elevate the mix.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with frosting after cooling.
Careful baking and adding extra flavorings can help compensate for any dryness or dense texture in the gluten free mix.
How Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix Compares to Betty Crocker
Betty Crocker is one of the most popular gluten free brownie mix options. Here’s how the Trader Joe’s mix compares:
| Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix | Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix |
|---|---|
| Not dairy free (contains milk chocolate chips) | Dairy free (no milk ingredients) |
| 190 calories per serving | 160 calories per serving |
| Uses rice flour and potato starch | Uses sorghum flour and tapioca starch |
| 20g total sugar per serving | 18g total sugar per serving |
| Contains milk chocolate chips | No chips, just cocoa powder |
| $0.21 per ounce | $0.23 per ounce |
The Betty Crocker gluten free brownies are a bit healthier with fewer calories and sugar. They are also naturally dairy free without milk chocolate. But the Trader Joe’s costs slightly less per ounce.
So if you require dairy free, the Betty Crocker mix would be the better choice. Otherwise both make a tasty gluten free brownie!
How to Make Trader Joe’s Brownie Mix Vegan
While the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix isn’t vegan due to the milk chocolate chips, you may be able to modify the recipe.
Here are some possible substitutions to make it vegan:
- Use dairy free chocolate chips or carob chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
- Replace the egg with:
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed whisked with 3 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup mashed banana
- Ener-G Egg Replacer or other vegan egg substitutes
- Use oil instead of butter.
- Substitute almond milk, oat milk or soy milk for regular milk, if needed.
While it takes some modifications, you may be able to adapt this gluten free mix to be vegan friendly. Be sure to check the consistency of the batter and adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix is a convenient option for gluten free baking. It earns high marks for its rich chocolate taste and pleasant fudgy texture. However, the inclusion of milk chocolate chips means this product is not suitable for vegans or the dairy-free.
Those with milk allergies or following a plant-based diet will need to seek out an alternate gluten and dairy free brownie mix instead. Or try modifying the recipe to swap in dairy free chocolate chips.
Overall, this Trader Joe’s brownie mix can be a tasty option for gluten free desserts. Just be aware of the limitations for specialty diets. Check the ingredients list and nutrition facts to see if it will fit your dietary needs.
