Quick Summary
Many traditional brownie mixes contain dairy ingredients like milk, butter, or eggs. However, there are a growing number of dairy-free brownie mix options available for people with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or who follow a vegan diet. Some mainstream brands like Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines now offer dairy-free brownie mixes that use oil or water instead of butter and egg replacers. There are also specialty dairy-free brownie mixes made by vegan brands like Enjoy Life, Annie’s, and Bob’s Red Mill. When shopping for a dairy-free brownie mix, be sure to check the ingredients list and nutrition labels carefully. Oftentimes “dairy-free” claims are not regulated, so mixes may still contain small amounts of milk-derived ingredients. The top recommended dairy-free brownie mixes based on reviews and nutritional value are:
- Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- Duncan Hines Classic Fudge Brownie Mix
- Bob’s Red Mill Vegan Brownie Mix
- Annie’s Organic Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix
Evaluating Brownie Mix Ingredients
When searching for a dairy-free brownie mix, you’ll need to carefully inspect the ingredients list to watch out for milk-derived ingredients. Here are some common ingredients to avoid:
- Milk – Cow’s milk is not dairy-free friendly. Any brownie mix listing just “milk” on the label contains dairy.
- Butter – Butter is made from cow’s milk, so it is not vegan or dairy-free.
- Eggs – Chicken eggs are an animal product so should be avoided in dairy-free diets.
- Whey – Whey is a byproduct of milk, so it contains dairy.
- Casein – Casein is a protein found in milk, so it is not dairy-free.
- Lactose – Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. People with lactose intolerance need to avoid it.
Instead, look for dairy-free brownie mixes made with ingredients like:
- Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or other plant-based milk substitutes
- Vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of butter
- Egg replacers such as flax eggs, chia seeds, banana, applesauce, or commercial egg replacer powder
- Non-dairy chocolate chips
Reading online consumer reviews of various brownie mixes can provide additional insight into how well a particular brand accommodates dairy restrictions. People who have actually baked the mixes will often report if they successfully made the brownies dairy-free or not.
Nutrition Factors
In additional to checking ingredients, comparing nutrition labels on brownie mixes can help identify dairy-free options as well as evaluate which brands are healthier. Here are some factors to look for:
- Calories – Brownie mixes range widely in calorie content based on their ingredients. Look for options ~100 calories per serving.
- Fat – The type of fat used impacts health profile. Vegan mixes use vegetable oils while dairy-containing mixes use butter. Aim for <10g fat per serving.
- Saturated Fat – Saturated fat should be limited to <3g per serving.
- Sodium – Look for options with <200mg sodium per serving.
- Sugar – Variations in sugar content account for calorie differences. Look for <15g sugar per serving.
- Protein – Some vegan mixes use pea protein to boost nutrition. 3-5g protein per serving is ideal.
Checking for a dairy-free certification logo on packaging can also help streamline your search. Common certifications to look for include:
- Dairy-Free – Certified by the Dairy Free Association
- Pareve – Kosher certification meaning dairy-free
- Vegan – Certified by Vegan Action
However, do still double check the ingredients list for any questionable ingredients.
Dairy-Free Brownie Mix Options
Now that you know what to look for when evaluating brownie mixes, here is the scoop on some top recommended dairy-free, vegan brownie mix options:
1. Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Enjoy Life specializes in allergy-friendly foods, so their dairy-free brownie mix is a great choice for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. Their double chocolate brownie mix is vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, kosher, and Non-GMO certified. It’s also a good source of iron.
It uses ingredients like rice milk powder, chocolate liquor, and natural vanilla. Chocolate chips are sold separately. Each serving provides 5g of plant-based protein and 7g of fiber for more nutrition.
At 140 calories and 22g sugar per serving, this mix provides decent portion control. The brownies are fudgy, rich, and decadent without being overly sweet. Enjoy Life brownie mix earns rave reviews for its great chocolate flavor and dairy-free reliability.
2. Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
The ubiquitous Betty Crocker brand offers a convenient gluten-free fudge brownie mix that is also dairy-free. It uses water instead of eggs and oil instead of butter. Each serving has 110 calories and 16g of sugar.
This budget-friendly mix allows you to enjoy classic fudgy brownies without dairy. Just add your own non-dairy chocolate chips. It does contain small amounts of milk-derived ingredients though, so it’s not suitable for those with milk allergies.
Reviewers say these brownies have a nice chocolatey richness while being lighter than traditional mixes. The convenient boxed mix makes baking easy.
3. Duncan Hines Classic Fudge Brownie Mix
Duncan Hines has added this dairy-free classic fudge brownie option to their line-up. It simply uses water and oil in place of milk and butter.
At 110 calories and 13g of sugar per serving, it has a pretty balanced nutrition profile. Just avoid the packaging that contains milk chocolate chips, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips instead.
Fans love the rich chocolate taste and fudgy texture. This budget-friendly mix makes dairy-free baking easy. The brand also offers a triple chocolate brownie mix.
4. Bob’s Red Mill Vegan Brownie Mix
Bob’s Red Mill is known for its wide selection of allergy-friendly baking mixes, including this vegan and gluten-free brownie option.
It uses garbanzo bean flour for protein and fiber, along with cocoa powder and sugar. Just add coconut oil plus your choice of dairy-free milk and egg. It’s soy-free, peanut/tree nut-free, Non-GMO, and Kosher.
At 130 calories and 10g fat per serving, it’s a bit higher than some mixes but uses healthier ingredients. Reviewers praise the fudgy texture and say it bakes well. The mix allows versatility in choosing your own wet ingredients.
5. Annie’s Organic Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix
For an organic option, Annie’s offers an all-purpose vegan brownie mix made with Fair Trade cocoa and organic ingredients.
It has 140 calories and 17g sugar per serving. Just add coconut oil and your choice of non-dairy milk and egg replacer. Free from common allergens except coconut.
Fans love the clean ingredient list and say it bakes up fudgy and flavorful. The mix allows flexibility in ingredients. Certified USDA Organic and Vegan Action.
Tips for Baking Dairy-Free Brownies
Once you’ve chosen a quality dairy-free brownie mix, follow these tips to ensure your baked brownies turn out tasty:
- Use the milk and eggs listed on the box, or sub your own preferred dairy-free milk and egg replacer. Stick to the amount called for.
- Allow eggs replacers like flax or chia to thicken before adding to batter.
- If brownies seem too thin, add an extra tablespoon of oil or non-dairy milk.
- For fudgier brownies use less milk/water. For more cake-like use the full amount.
- Always use dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks.
- Underbake slightly for fudgier texture. Bake 5-10 minutes less than directions.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
With so many tasty dairy-free brownie mixes available, you don’t have to miss out on enjoying rich, fudgy brownies because of food restrictions. Brands like Enjoy Life, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Bob’s Red Mill and Annie’s all offer high quality mixes that accommodate dairy-free diets. Just be diligent about reading labels to evaluate ingredients and nutrition facts. Look for allergy-friendly certifications as well. Then follow baking tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly moist and delicious. Now go enjoy that chocolatey, dairy-free goodness!
Top 5 Dairy-Free Brownie Mixes
| Brand | Calories | Sugar | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enjoy Life | 140 | 22g | 5g | 5g |
| Betty Crocker | 110 | 16g | 3g | 1g |
| Duncan Hines | 110 | 13g | 3g | 1g |
| Bob’s Red Mill | 130 | 10g | 10g | 3g |
| Annie’s | 140 | 17g | 7g | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are boxed brownie mixes really dairy-free?
It depends. Always check the ingredients list and nutrition facts carefully. Some mainstream “dairy-free” mixes just omit milk but still contain small amounts of milk-derived ingredients. Specialty allergy-friendly and vegan brands tend to be the most reliably dairy-free.
What milk substitutes work in dairy-free brownies?
Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, oat milk, and other plant-based milks all work well in dairy-free brownie mixes. Stick to the milk amount recommended on the packaging.
What can I use to replace eggs?
Popular egg replacers for brownie mixes include mashed banana, applesauce, chia seeds, flax eggs (water + ground flax), or commercial egg replacer powders.
Should I make any changes to the baking directions?
Dairy-free brownies can dry out more easily. Baking for 5-10 minutes less than the time on the box allows them to stay fudgier. Check brownies early and err on the side of slightly underbaked.
How can I get crisp edges on dairy-free brownies?
Use a metal pan instead of glass, allow it to preheat before adding batter, and do not overbake. Letting brownies cool completely before cutting also helps prevent gooey edges.
Can I adjust the ingredients in a brownie mix?The Takeaway
Thanks to growing food allergy awareness, there are now many tasty dairy-free brownie mixes on the market that allow you to enjoy fudgy, chocolatey brownies regardless of your dietary needs. Top brands like Enjoy Life, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Bob’s Red Mill and Annie’s offer high quality mixes with allergy-friendly ingredients. Carefully read labels for dairy-containing ingredients, and compare nutrition facts to help select the healthiest options. Follow baking tips like adjusting bake time and using dairy-free mix-ins. With the right dairy-free brownie mix and helpful tricks, you can whip up the perfect batch of rich chocolate brownies to satisfy any sweet craving.
