Brownie mixes are put to the test

Brownies are loved by everyone, young and old. While the homemade recipe is simple and requires few ingredients, store-bought mixes are gaining popularity. Which options stand out in terms of nutritional value?

Our analysis

Eighteen cake mix options were the subject of our analysis. The suggested serving size varies from product to product. An average serving of 35 grams was used to compare products. This portion, once prepared, is equivalent to 1/2 to 2 muffins.

Each serving provides 35 grams of mixture:

• Between 87.5 and 152 calories
• Between 0.6 and 7 grams of fat, including between 0.3 and 4.4 grams of saturated fat
• Between 11.5 and 31.5 grams of carbohydrates
• Between 0.8 and 3.9 grams of fiber
• Between 1.2 and 23 grams of sugars
• Between 0.9 and 3.9 grams of protein
• Between 0 and 243 mg of sodium

NB : The nutritional values ​​shown are for the dry mix only. Most products require the addition of one or more eggs, fat (e.g. butter or oil) and sometimes liquid (e.g. water), ingredients that will modify the nutritional value of the prepared cake.

Best options

Ready-to-cook Chocolate Beetroot Vegetable Harissa Dessert from Bella Pico Great product from here. This product is the lowest in carbohydrates (11.5 g) and among the lowest in sugars (6.6 g) on ​​the test bench. The ingredient list is simple and sugar comes in second, unlike all the other products reviewed where it was listed first. This new local business is incorporating vegetables into all their dessert preparations, what a great nutritious idea!

Brownie Mix Selection It is one of the best options. Contains less saturated fat (1.2 g), sugars (15.5 g) and sodium (61 mg) than the average of the products analyzed. Additionally, the ingredient list is simple and includes few additives (such as soy lecithin and xanthan gum).

Image provided by Selection

Compliments of Deluxe Brownie Mix It is also one of the best options. Its nutritional value is similar to that of the previous product. A 35-gram serving provides 1.2 grams of saturated fat, 13 grams of sugars, and 61 mg of sodium, which is lower than the average brownie mixes reviewed. Finally, the ingredient list is simple, with only a few additives (like soy lecithin, xanthan gum).

Photo provided courtesy of

Concessions

President's Choice Vegan Brownie Mix It's another good option in some ways, but its sugar content makes it lose some points. This product is lowest in saturated fat (0.3 g), but contains more sugars (19.2 g) and sodium (107 mg) than the average cake mix on the test bench. The ingredient list is short and simple, but it does contain sulfites.

Photo courtesy of the President's Choice

Among the best options we also find Aunt Brigitte's Gluten-Free Brownie Mix from Cuisine L'Angélique. It is one of the lowest in saturated fat (0.7 g) and sodium (3 mg) options on the test bench and provides more than 2 g of fiber. Very good points, but very bad The amount of sugars (19.8g) in a 35g serving is higher than the average of the products evaluated. The ingredient list is short and contains only one additive, xanthan gum.

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Image courtesy of Langelique Kitchen

Low in carbohydrates, but with sugar substitutes, Carbonaut Vegan Brownie Mix Disappointing despite its attractive nutritional values ​​at first glance. This product is the lowest in calories (88 calories) and among the lowest in saturated fat (1 g), carbohydrates (23 g) and sugars (1.9 g) on ​​the test bench. However, it is the richest in sodium (243 mg) and the ingredient list contains primarily erythritol (13.6 g) as well as stevia extract, both of which are sweeteners. Consuming more than 10 grams per day of erythritol can cause unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, etc.).

Image courtesy of Carbonaut

Worst options

Among the lower quality options, there are also Betty Crocker Reese's Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Mix. This brownie mix is ​​the highest in calories (152 calories) and among the highest in saturated fat (2.3 g), sugars (19.8 g) and sodium (105 mg) on ​​the test bench. Additionally, the ingredient list is long and contains artificial flavor, hydrogenated oils, as well as modified palm oil. the Chocolate chip brownie mix from Betty Crocker It has similar nutritional properties.

Photos courtesy of Betty Crocker

Duncan Hines S'mores Brownie Collection Complements lower quality selections. Although this product has acceptable nutritional values, its ingredient list is long and includes modified palm oil, artificial flavor, and potassium sorbate, an additive used as a preservative.

Photo courtesy of Duncan Hines

► Discover my recipe for no-bake brownies: www.isabellehuot.com/blogs/recettes-et-conseils/bouchees-de-brownies-sans-cuisson-aux-3-noix-et-raisins.