Gluten free baking has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people discover they have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. For those who still want to enjoy sweet treats like brownies, finding a high quality gluten free brownie mix can be a challenge. There are now several brands producing gluten free brownie mixes that rival traditional mixes in taste and texture. This article will explore some of the top brands making gluten free brownie mixes, comparing ingredients, taste tests, and availability.
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten free diet. People with gluten sensitivity may also find avoiding gluten improves their symptoms.
Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease. Many more are choosing to go gluten free for other health reasons or due to gluten sensitivity. The demand for tasty gluten free alternatives to traditional baked goods like brownies has exploded. Fortunately, several brands have answered the call with high quality gluten free brownie mixes.
What makes gluten free baking challenging?
Gluten provides structure, flexibility and moisture retention in traditional baked goods. When gluten is removed, achieving the proper texture can be difficult. Gluten free baked goods often end up dry, dense or crumbly. Binding agents like xanthan gum or guar gum are typically added to mimic the role of gluten. Vinegar and eggs can also help add moisture. Finding the right blend of gluten free flours and binders is key to creating brownies that are fudgy, moist and delicious.
Top Brands of Gluten Free Brownie Mixes
There are now many brands producing gluten free brownie mixes that get rave reviews for taste and texture. Here is an overview of some of the top brands making pre-packaged gluten free brownie mixes:
Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix
– Overview: A widely available and affordable gluten free brownie mix option by popular brand Betty Crocker. Comes in a 19.5 ounce box that makes around 24 brownies.
– Ingredients: Rice flour, potato starch, sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, palm oil, salt, baking powder, xanthan gum. Contains eggs and soy.
– Taste/Texture: Reviewers praise the fudgy, chewy texture. Some say it’s nearly indistinguishable from traditional brownies. Rich chocolate flavor.
– Price: Around $5 per box. Sold at many mainstream grocery stores.
– Benefits: Affordable price, easy to find, consistently good reviews on taste.
Pillsbury Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
– Overview: A trusted brand in traditional baking, Pillsbury also makes a gluten free fudge brownie mix. Comes in a 19.2 ounce box.
– Ingredients: Rice flour, sugar, cocoa powder processed with alkali, potato starch, palm oil, salt, cellulose gel, baking powder, xanthan gum. Contains eggs and soy.
– Taste/Texture: Dense, fudgy texture. Rich chocolate flavor. Stays moist and tender.
– Price: Around $5 per box. Available at many grocery stores.
– Benefits: Quality taste from a well-known brand at an affordable price.
King Arthur Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
– Overview: Beloved baking brand King Arthur offers a gluten free fudge brownie mix that makes around 16 brownies per pouch.
– Ingredients: Rice flour, sugar, chocolate, cocoa powder, potato starch, tapioca starch, baking powder, xanthan gum. Contains milk, eggs, and soy.
– Taste/Texture: Deep chocolate flavor with a fudgy, chewy texture. Stays moist with crisp edges.
– Price: $10 per 17.5 ounce pouch. Can be purchased online.
– Benefits: King Arthur is known for quality baking mixes. This gluten free brownie mix lives up to the hype.
Krusteaz Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
– Overview: Krusteaz is primarily known for baking mixes and gluten free is one of their specialties. Their fudge brownie mix makes around 24 brownies.
– Ingredients: Rice flour, sugar, cocoa powder, potato starch, palm oil, salt, baking powder, xanthan gum. Contains soy.
– Taste/Texture: Deep chocolate flavor. Fudgy and moist texture. Crisp edges with a shiny top.
– Price: Around $5 per 19.5 ounce box. Can be found at many grocery retailers.
– Benefits: Affordable price for a tasty gluten free brownie from a gluten free specialist brand.
Namaste Foods Perfect Flour Blend Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
– Overview: Namaste Foods offer baking mixes featuring their proprietary gluten free flour blend. Their brownie mix makes around 20 brownies.
– Ingredients: Brown rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, glycerine, sucrose, cocoa powder, chocolate liquor, palm oil, salt. Contains egg, soy, and tree nuts.
– Taste/Texture: Super fudgy and moist with intense chocolate flavor.
– Price: Around $6 per 15.9 ounce box. Available online and at select grocery retailers.
– Benefits: Specialty gluten free brand. Their unique flour blend results in ultra-fudgy brownies.
Glutino Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
– Overview: Glutino is one of the most recognized gluten free brands. They offer a dairy-free fudge brownie mix that makes around 9 jumbo brownies.
– Ingredients: Whole grain sorghum flour, cocoa processed with alkali, potato starch, sugar, palm oil, baking powder, xanthan gum. Dairy-free, nut-free.
– Taste/Texture: Rich chocolate flavor and ultra-fudgy, moist texture. Thick and chewy.
– Price: Around $6 for a 14 ounce box. Sold at many markets and online.
– Benefits: Dairy-free and nut-free recipe. Glutino is a trusted gluten free brand.
Cup4Cup Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
– Overview: Cup4Cup was developed by chef Thomas Keller to mimic all-purpose flour. Their brownie mix makes around 16 brownies.
– Ingredients: Cup4Cup gluten free flour (rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch) , sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, salt. Contains dairy, eggs, and soy.
– Taste/Texture: Deep, complex chocolate flavor. Fudgy and chewy texture.
– Price: Around $15 per 16 ounce box. Found online and at specialty retailers.
– Benefits: Developed by a famous chef to perform like all-purpose flour. Quality ingredients.
Ingredient and Nutrition Comparison
Gluten free brownie mixes vary somewhat in their ingredients, though there are many commonalities. Here is a comparison of key ingredients typically found in most gluten free brownie mix brands:
Key Gluten Free Flours
– Rice flour – Provides grain flavor and absorbs moisture. Light texture.
– Potato starch – Helps bind and give structure. Adds moisture.
– Tapioca starch/flour – Helps create chewiness and binds ingredients.
– Sorghum flour – Adds whole grain nutrition. Dense texture.
– Cup4Cup flour – Proprietary blend mimics all-purpose flour.
Binders and Moisture-Adds
– Xanthan gum – Bind and add moisture. Mimics gluten.
– Cocoa powder – Flavor and moisture retention.
– Palm oil – Adds moisture and texture.
– Salt – Enhances chocolate flavors.
– Baking powder – Helps brownies rise.
– Eggs – Bind and add moisture.
Sweeteners
– Granulated white sugar
– Brown sugar
– Chocolate chips/fudge – For additional flavor
Other Potential Ingredients
– Milk/Dairy – For added moisture, fat, and flavor
– Soy/nuts – In some allergy-friendly recipes
– Gums like guar gum – Extra binding power
– Vinegar – For moisture retention
– Extracts like vanilla – Additional flavoring
When it comes to nutrition, gluten free brownie mixes are relatively comparable to traditional mixes. Serving sizes vary based on the recipe, but a typical 1-2 inch square brownie may contain around:
– 140-200 calories
– 2-4g protein
– 18-25g carbs
– 7-12g fat
– 5-15g sugar
Gluten free mixes often contain slightly more fat from palm oil or other added fats to mimic the moisture retention properties of gluten. But overall, most mainstream brands have a similar nutrition profile. One exception is brands made with alternative flours like almond flour, which would have a higher fat content. As with any treat, portion size and frequency of consumption has the biggest impact on nutrition.
Taste Test Comparisons
While ingredients are important, what really counts in a gluten free brownie mix is the final taste and texture. Here is an overview of expert and buyer taste test impressions of some top brands:
Betty Crocker
Taste testers say these brownies are fudgy with a nice chewy edge. Chocolate flavor is rich and bold. The texture is very close to wheat-based brownies with a moist, velvety crumb. Easy to make with good from-scratch taste.
Pillsbury
Reviewers describe these brownies as deeply chocolatey with a fudgy center and crispy top. They have a smooth, uniform texture without falling apart. The mix is easy to prepare. Overall an excellent gluten free brownie.
King Arthur
These brownies earn praise for their complex chocolate flavor and ultra-fudgy texture. They are described as moist and chewy with a shiny top. The King Arthur mix results in brownies closer to a bakery or homemade style.
Krusteaz
Fans rave about Krusteaz’s rich chocolate taste and fudgy, dense texture. Their brownies are very moist without being overly oily. The mix spreads evenly in the pan. A great gluten free chocolate fix.
Namaste
Reviewers say Namaste’s unique flour blend gives their brownies an incredibly fudgy, almost under-baked texture while still cooked through. Intense chocolate flavor. Almost like a brownie batter in brownie form.
Glutino
Glutino earns praise for their ultra-rich chocolate taste and fudge-like texture. Their dairy-free brownies have a nice crust on the edges and stay super moist. Great option for dairy-free and allergy-friendly diets.
Cup4Cup
These brownies are called out for their deep, nuanced chocolate flavor. The texture strikes a perfect balance between fudgy and cakey. They have a nice rise with chewy edges. High quality taste and texture.
Price and Availability Comparison
Price and availability are other factors when choosing a gluten free brownie mix brand. Here is an overview:
| Brand | Typical Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Betty Crocker | $4.50-$5.50 per 19.5 oz box | Mainstream grocery stores |
| Pillsbury | $4.50-$5.50 per 19.2 oz box | Mainstream grocery stores |
| King Arthur | $9.00-$11.00 per 17.5 oz pouch | Online and specialty stores |
| Krusteaz | $4.50-$5.50 per 19.5 oz box | Many grocery stores |
| Namaste | $5.50-$7.00 per 15.9 oz box | Online and specialty stores |
| Glutino | $5.50-$6.50 per 14 oz box | Online and specialty stores |
| Cup4Cup | $14.00-$16.00 per 16 oz box | Online and gourmet retailers |
The most budget-friendly options are mainstream brands like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury, widely available at just $4.50-$5.50 per box. Glutino and Namaste are moderately priced at $5.50-$7.00 per box. The King Arthur and Cup4Cup mixes featuring specialty gluten free flour blends range from $9-$16 per box or pouch. Pricing and availability varies by retailer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brand
With so many gluten free brownie mixes now available, it can be tough to choose. Here are some key factors to consider for your needs:
Quality of Ingredients
Check the ingredients for mixes with whole-food flours, minimal added gums/binders, quality chocolate and cocoa. Marks like Non-GMO can indicate higher standards.
Special Diet Needs
If dairy-free, nut-free or other allergy-friendly diets are needed, check labels for ingredients that fit your needs.
Taste and Texture
Based on reviews, consider brands praised for fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor most similar to traditional brownies.
Price and Availability
Factor in your budget and how easy a brand is to find locally or via online ordering.
Mix-In Options
Some brands offer mixes where you can add chocolate chips, nuts or other mix-ins. Decide if that interests you.
Brand Values
Research brands to find ones that align with your ethics and standards for quality, ingredients, practices, etc.
Conclusion
Gluten free home bakers now have an array of delicious options when it comes to brownie mixes. By comparing ingredients, taste, price and availability, you’re sure to find a quality brand that satisfies your sweet tooth. Mainstream brands like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury offer affordable, widely available options. Or explore specialty mixes from Namaste Foods, King Arthur, Cup4Cup and more for gourmet quality and allergy-friendly recipes. Whichever you choose, eating gluten free no longer means sacrificing the joy of chef-worthy brownies. Dig in and enjoy!
