We Reviewed 9 Brownie Mixes: Which is Best? | The Taste Test

[@steveraglin7607]

Ghiradelli is a solid for choice for me with three necessary enhancements: substitute brewed (and cooled) coffee for the water, add a splash of vanilla, and sprinkle walnut pieces on top (NOT mixed into the batter which steams the nuts). Good report on these mixes -- thank you.

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Great tips!!

[@michellejoy6752]

Love it! Just told my daughter sitting here in the room with me, between the two of us, hoping to remember this. Ghirardelli’s has always been our boxed brownie mix of choice.

[@juliastraus4273]

Ooh! I love it! My usual go to is Duncan Hines-- but if Ghirardelli's on sale... I am so in on this! Thank you so much and take good care, hon!😊

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

@@juliastraus4273 Thanks to this vid I'm going to make some brownies this week!!

[@christine6059]

I love Ghirardelli too. I add 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and chili powder, then sprinkle Maldon salt on top before baking. They rarely rise, which confounds me, but I don’t really care.

[@Jendollla]

I add dried cherries. Cherry and chocolate go so well together.

[@mochapygmy644]

You just blew my mind! Can't wait to try this!

[@JJbaboo]

Ghirardelli Dark chocolate brownies are THE best in my book!

[@scpatl4now]

+1 That's what I buy

[@SeattleSandro]

Costco sells one variation of Ghirardelli brownie mix and it is my go-to brownie mix. They are fudgy, with a good chocolate flavor. Me being me, I add some espresso powder to the mix and, because I love the combo of chocolate and orange, I add a bit of orange zest. I'll usually bake a 9x13 pan, take a few big squares for myself, and take the rest to work for my coworkers, because I WILL eat all of them.

[@phillyjourney]

That’s my go to

[@JustanOlGuy]

Ghirardelli makes a fine Cocoa Powder also.

[@SeattleSandro]

@@JustanOlGuy For anyone who wants to make brownies from scratch, their bar chocolate is really good too.

[@Hyper88]

The control group is brilliant, love the commitment to a scientific endeavor!

[@houchi69]

They are called America's Test Kitchen for a reason 😂

[@shanellea5846]

Loved hearing the test taster comments and getting the breakdown of different attributes people liked

[@Tig-Wan]

You can get the Ghirdelli at Costco!!

[@nmwinter127]

The ones at Costco are the triple chocolate and have the chips in them. They are the only ones I'll buy! I get asked for the recipe

[@biscottaish]

​@nmwinter127 The triple chocolate from Ghiradelli is the best brownie that I've ever made. Beats any recipe from scratch I have tried so far

[@danilincks5809]

I don’t know why I even bother watching this type of taste test anymore, Ghirardelli always wins 😂(which I completely agree)

[@billt2020]

Ghirardelli all day. I add a few tablespoon spoons of coffee and use a mix of water and heavy cream. I also add walnuts.

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

think it is nice that the final listing included those 5 mixes that were not discussed in depth in the live tasting. I can understand that the video would be just too long to thoroughly discuss 9 mixes, especially if half of them are not that great... but it is still nice to know your options...

[@FabricFest]

Aldi’s brownie mix in the red box!

[@DAWanamaker]

💯

[@katieh4101]

More Valerie please! I love her sense of humor (and her fashion). Also yay team chocolate chips! ✨

[@jwho4840]

Oh please! She's so full of herself and about as funny as a train wreck!

[@michaelh5384]

I love walnuts in my brownies. I usually mix them in the batter but appreciate the one viewer’s comment where they place the walnuts on top of the batter before baking. I love espresso powder (or coffee replacing the water, if called for) which enhances the chocolate flavor. I really loved Valerie (can we see more of her please?) and especially her tip about adding aged rum to the batter … I’ll try that next time I make brownies!

[@carolynstein6879]

ALDI has the best brownie mix I have ever tasted! It puts all the other box mixes to shame - too bad you didn't include them😋

[@DAWanamaker]

💯

[@Butterb0ne]

Aldi is like that with many of their products, not to mention the great prices!

[@LorenIpsem]

ALDI and Trader Joe’s are owned by the same company…often selling the same products under different labels.

[@Tnoz2]

This video format rules, more of these please!

[@Dr.GeoDave]

You missed a category. In the 80’s while I was in graduate school Jiffy made a small size boxed mix. From ingredients sitting on the counter to all brownies consumed took 30 minutes! Yes, I used a microwave in Pyrex pan. Pleasant memories but I haven’t seen them on the shelf for years

[@missperfect2657]

❤

[@debrascott8775]

Completely! Confess to still using their little box cornbread.

[@kristymh823]

I remember those small boxes, I used to use them in my Easy Bake Oven!

[@bcook7956]

I used to babysit for the Jiffy mix founder’s great-granddaughters. My son is about to go to college. I’m going to have to tell him about to Phoenix in the microwave!

[@karenib1669]

My all-time favorite is Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie from Costco!! Best ever! I do add a teaspoon of espresso powder to each batch and I love nuts in it!

[@cynthiachazen3420]

I finally learned to tightly cover the pan with foil AFTER removing it from the oven. The steam doesn’t escape, and your brownies will be so moist!! I also undercook them, but that isn’t a new idea 😆

[@maryschiff9580]

I am a purist and don’t like chocolate chips in my brownies. Ghirardelli’s is my top choice but I’ve never tasted the King Arthur brand. Adding coffee is a great idea, thanks.

[@jaa4742]

Love reviews like this!

[@lizcademy4809]

An interesting contrast with the recent Babish brownie tasting. One problem with this test ... by limiting to only one box per manufacturer, you may skip over the best box that brand has and compare a meh box to a great one.

[@t.c.2776]

when they test anything, they pass over many brands... I suppose cost and tester time is a big factor... but one of their food processor tests pitted their "favorite" 13 cup food processor they use in their kitchens, to a 9 cup Kitchenaid doing the same processes... and... SURPRISE!!... THE FAVORITE won again... no bias here... 🙄

[@michaelwandling]

Same with the Epicurious brownie review. I was surprised ATK reviewed so few, as well!

[@debrascott8775]

I thought Babish was less useful. He got so sick of brownies, his fatigue introduced bias into the ranking.

[@subungulate]

I just did this on Monday w/ Ghirardelli, White Lily, Betty, and Halo Top - all from Walmart. They finished in that order for me. The wife liked White Lily best. Halo Top is for dieters only. Not sure we’ll even eat them. I gave third place to my coworkers.

[@octothorpe12]

It's interesting to me that the best only scored a 7/9.

[@thomasstack4119]

Home made is usually best!

[@ballisonfargo]

I may be in the minority here but to me, adding coffee to chocolate just makes it taste like coffee. Every time a recipe I’ve made has called for it, I’ve ended up regretting the addition. I love coffee but not with chocolate.

[@capers72424]

It enhances the chocolate flavor for me. I don’t taste coffee, just more chocolate.

[@timford6019]

Try with less coffee, maybe that would be the change to make you a fan!

[@capers72424]

@@timford6019 there is no requirement to like coffee in one’s chocolate. OP is just fine doing as he wishes.

[@Irishharper]

I usually make my own brownies, but for a box? I always use Ghirdelli Dark...now I will try it using coffee... I don't know why I never thought to do that before as with homemade, I always use espresso powder...

[@jsbach1750]

You can taste espresso added to brownies. Chocolate is such an idiosyncratic flavor that even Tootsie Pops, who happily use artifice for their fruit flavors must begrudgingly use some cacao in their chocolate lollipop.

[@YiorgosT]

such a great way to expand upon Jack's TV segments! this show looks awesome, can't wait for more

[@KimberlyBracken-uh5xm]

I prefer Duncan Hines I have never bothered with Ghirardelli

[@Hazel24689]

I agree…no chocolate chips in brownies!

[@ddsmitty1]

Great video. I'd love to see more like this for more packaged foods and mixes.

[@stephaniehyatt309]

For me, it's Ghirardelli with modifications. I don't like them with chocolate chips, so I sift those out and eat them as a separate snack. Add 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 cup chopped and toasted walnuts and sprinkle a few finely chopped on top. For an extra special treat, I make some cheesecake and swirl it into the mix. Friends beg for these brownies.

[@amydawson1279]

Loved hearing these results. I love Ghirardelli’s brownie mix but now want to try King Arthur’s & Trader Joe’s. I do substitute coffee for the water & also add some of my homemade vanilla bean paste & toasted nuts, sprinkled on top. Yum!

[@broxyll]

Good review overall. Wish prices of mixes were also included.

[@morganbolling5869]

Carolyn is such a pro. Love watching this!!

[@fourthgirl]

Ghirardelli Dark or Trader Joe's are my go to's.

[@AnasRecipesofc]

I loved this video! The review of the 9 brownie mixes was super informative and fun. You did an amazing job of analyzing each one and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses. Congratulations on the high quality content! 😍😍

[@lystalan]

Usually buy Ghirardelli but recently tried the King Arthur (purchased from Whole Foods) and really enjoyed them. The flavor and texture were great and I’d definitely use this mix again.

[@therightway2130]

King Arthur holds DEI baking competitions. Any discrimination is bad.

[@GuardiansGuide]

This was surprisingly a fresh take! Loved the personalities and departure from the standard hosts (still of them, just need a bit more

[@cindykibbygrant1203]

Hope you can try Dolly Parton’s /Hines brownie mix it is the best I have ever had 😊

[@inspiredskincare]

I have always loved the Trader Joe’s brownie mix. It’s my favorite. A friend talked me into trying the Costco six pack of the Ghirardelli triple mix. I thought it was sweeter & less chocolatey than the Trader Joe’s. In addition, it called for oil instead of butter (and I prefer butter). So when making the remaining bags, I added cocoa powder to make it less sweet, and used butter instead of the oil. This made it more on par with the Trader Joe’s (in my opinion). After this review , I am curious to try the King Arthur mix for comparison!! 🎉

[@markholm7050]

Betty Crocker has several different varieties of boxed brownie mix. My favorite is the Supreme, which includes a pouch of chocolate syrup in the box.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Im a Duncan Hines Dark fan and I always add coffee.

[@dannyg402012]

Going to have to try it. About 20 years ago when they made Hersheys Chocolate Syrup that you can buy it in the can I had a Recipe for using that to make Brownies. Real simple. The can of syrup, flour, an egg, and something else. They were easy to make and the best I ever had.

[@jengus1951]

For years I have made Betty Crocker Supreme with Walnuts brownie mix. I add in almost an entire bag of chocolate chips & watch the baking time carefully. Take out sooner rather than later. Everyone has always loved them.

[@sarahsandler3265]

Love this so much!

[@xw66xw]

Awesome format!

[@Tricia1969]

I make my own brownies, which are the old Hershey cocoa recipe

[@kiarrasayshi]

It's funny hearing the comments on the Betty crocker because that was my favorite as a kid, but I've never really liked chocolate. So the complaints were exactly why I liked it! 😂

[@ShinJoey84]

I add the tears of my enemies for the best tasting brownies.

[@marilynharris4118]

you're my kinda cook!! 😄

[@robinsmith5442]

Ghirardelli is good and Betty Crocker chunk is really good!

[@RandomV5]

The white lily brand of boxed brownies has been the best I’ve ever had. 😊

[@jakass]

The good, the bad, and the fudgy is an understated line

[@2901nc]

If you have dry brownies, poke holes every inch and pour an ounce or so of Amaretto Disaronna evenly over the top. Does not take long to soak in, brownies become moist and do not have an overwhelming amaretto flavor. Definitely yummy! (Amaretto metal container has a brownie recipe from scratch which is also delicious)

[@wotan10950]

Great report!

[@JohnPMiller]

I don't use mixes, and I can't understand why others buy them, especially for brownies. Brownies are so easy to make, and the baking time is much longer than the mixing time, so are you really saving time? When you make them yourself, they're less expensive, have higher quality ingredients, and can be made exactly the way you like them. It's fine if people think that coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but I would just add more chocolate. My tip for saving time during cleanup & making your baked goods exactly the way you like them: weigh your ingredients.

[@shirleyKotchou]

Dolly Parton's Brownie mix is delicious. I like even better than ATK's #1 pick.

[@Gidget13mwa]

I looooove Betty Crocker one!😂👍😋

[@missperfect2657]

Aldi brownie mix is good. Like Betty Crocker too

[@TeaandFiona]

Go to 11:40 for the summary

[@feralkitty33]

I bought Ghirardelli based on this video and regret it. it is too dark. Baked Betty Crocker Walnut brownies at the same exact time and those are the ones we finished first. Everybody agrees and the Ghirardelli's for sure were not burnt. Betty Crocker brownies in my experience, the fudge and walnut varieties have a much better brownie texture than the Ghirardelli brownie impersonators. The Ghirardelli are like a really dark 70% chocolate cake and that is just not something that we are looking for. Thanks for the time but I wish you captured more of the classic American brownie in your review and keep that perspective in mind for your future content.

[@RP-wz9xb]

Now I want to try the Trader Joe's boxes brownies.

[@candyce6233]

Duncan Hines is my favorite boxed brownie

[@Butterb0ne]

Same

[@moo422]

Coffee Brownie is a fantastic hack. Doing that with everything.

[@carolinebarry7999]

I always go brownie mix over homemade. Chocolate chunks are my favorite way to kick up brownies!

[@JAChalkley]

I use Betty Crocker Delight Supreme Fudge Brownie mix. But doctor them up, melted butter instead of oil, milk instead of water and add chocolate chips. They are VERY fudgy, moist, cracked top and chewy edges. 😋

[@FlashOhJoy]

How about Duncan Hines? Surprised that it wasn’t included.

[@randygreene5977]

I like the tip of using coffee. I tried it and wow it improved them.

[@marybretired]

Ghirardelli’s triple chocolate with extra cocoa powder added and yes a little espresso powder. Then if I really want totally over the top melt semi sweet chips on the top when they come hot out of the oven. To die for!

[@t.c.2776]

all these ideas... now I'm thinking peanut butter frosting... LOL...

[@VincentVonDudler]

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Use peanut oil, not vegetable Add 2.5 ounces Ghirardelli Dark chocolate to the mix. I bake in a silicone 9x9, and bake for the lowest range of the bake time. I've tried every one that's the best. Big ATK fan but I don't think ATK is going to beat my extensive research.

[@user-yw8rx3ss3j]

If I dnt use peanut oil for this I'm not. Buying it for just this recipe

[@deadalivegirl]

Thank you for your experimentation, so I don't have to. Hey have you ever tried the Ghirardelli mix that has the fudge packet in it you can swirl throughout the brownies? absolutely delicious. ❤

[@spicerack4397]

Thank you, Vincent. Just added this to my shopping list. I love you even tried peanut oil as an alternative.

[@angelbulldog4934]

Peanut and olive oils are the only ones in my kitchen. I'm southern (American) and we fry a lot. It takes the heat and doesn't make my kitchen smell like some fast food junk. Butter is also used quite as bit. I like an arrestable amount. 😊

[@sarkarismith3253]

Duncan Hines

[@lasandralucas7314]

Great taste test.😊 I'm looking forward to trying them.

[@frankpeter6851]

Im anti-chocolate chip in brownies, too

[@OutofCAasap]

King Arthur costs twice as much as Ghirardelli, plus shipping.

[@kinjunranger140]

I will eat any/every brownie put in front of me. However, I just make my own. I haven't used a box mix in 40 years.

[@marilynharris4118]

Our pup Schultz agrees - all brownies are great!! 🥰

[@JohnPMiller]

@@marilynharris4118The theobromine in chocolate can be toxic to dogs, so keep that pup away from your brownies!

[@katieannfowler]

Jam a few Reese's peanut butter cups on top before baking 😍

[@John-kd1bf]

Anyone else still making the original brownies; the recipe from the original first edition Cook’s Illustrated, ‘The Best Recipe’ book? That recipe was not included in later editions of this book.

[@gratitudegaming4992]

Oooo, I may not have that! Can you share?

[@John-kd1bf]

@@gratitudegaming4992 It’s still the best recipe IMHO. Not sure if I’m allowed to share. Test Kitchen?

[@surlyogre1476]

I add a healthy squirt (quarter cup, or so) of Hershey's chocolate syrup (if the box-mix doesn't already include that).

[@danamorey351]

This is awesome. Can you do this with gluten free mixes too?

[@SamSam-ke9zy]

How can they not suggest using butter in substitution of oil?

[@TS-zz1vm]

Absolutely!!!! Was think the same thing myself.

[@03Chloe]

"Your baking tutorials are fantastic! Have you ever tried using a bread slicer for perfectly even slices? It could make your beautiful bread even better!"🥺🥺🥺

[@thomasschmidt1836]

When a box recipe (for something chochlatey) says to add water, I have always used instant coffee in the water I add, with a drop of vanilla extract

[@therightway2130]

Try almond extract.

[@stummyhort]

Ghirardelli is that girl!!!! I get a kind with chocolate chips in the mix and it's always delicious :) Will definitely keep an eye out for the TJ's mix, I wouldn't have expected it to rank so high

[@J.B.2]

Best one was left off the testing list. Krusteaz Gluten Free Double Chocolate Brownie Mix is hands down the best. It tastes better than any traditional brownie mixes we’ve tried.

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

I wish you would include store brands in these tests, great value, Krogers, Food City, ect. And leave out the things you have to mail order or drive hours (Trader joes) to get to a store. My fav box mix alteration is to sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of the batter just before it goes in the oven to insure an extra crackly top.

[@therightway2130]

​@sandrah7512 Great Value also changes manufacturerers frequently.

[@sandyquiroz8688]

No chocolate chips/chunks in my brownies...I thought I was the only one!

[@jonathanedwardgoode]

I also prefer not to have chocolate chips in my brownies, lol

[@t.c.2776]

LOL... who overcooked the Betty Crocker?... I just did a BC mix yesterday and it came out moist with a decent top crust and edges... now, I can't compare the flavor against any of the others, but it was "satisfactory" for the price... and there are those who like a firm (less moist) brownie... I'm one of them, so if it calls for 2 eggs, I use only 1 and maybe a touch less oil and cook it a few minutes more... as she said, "To each their own"... if you want more Cocoa, add some Cocoa Powder of your own... if you want chocolate chips, add your own... you want hard and chewy, leave out any egg and make sure you have strong teeth... LOL... cherries go with chocolate... dice up some cherries and mix them in... maybe dehydrated them a bit first... how about bacon bits?

[@heyjustj]

Definitely felt like they overcooked the Betty Crocker’s because I’m positive I’ve had them MUCH more gooey than that. But I also like an undercooked brownie. With that said I still think Ghirardelli’s wins. Also I use the pampered chef brownie tray. I think it’s the only pampered chef item I own haha.

[@Obecny75]

Or you know, they followed the directions on the box. Sure you can improve anything by going off box, but that's not what this is about

[@angielowry2633]

Aldi has a really good boxed brownie mix! My Betty Crocker brownies have never turned out as dry as those looked.

[@rosiej1878]

I live at high altitude instead of adding more flour, I add dutch cocoa and C switch the oil and water as written. Brown Butter instead of oil is good too

[@sarkarismith3253]

Duncan hines

[@normp3273]

Ghiradelli for the win!

[@Standinthegap4ever]

Chocolate chips are probably okay in a brownie IF the chips would melt. Then there’d be pockets of melty chocolate

[@joannfisher7244]

Aldi Baker Secret Chewy Brownie Mix over any and all!

[@sarahmcalpine2058]

My secret...ghirardelli double chocolate or dark chocolate...use good (melted) butter not oil, add an extra egg yolk, a little extra vanilla, sometimes extra cocoa powder, and a little good salt...grease pan with butter and sprinkle the buttered pan lightly with same salt. (Make sure to not over mix and use a metal pan). 💯💥

[@RAM-eb2te]

I swirl softened peanut butter or jam thru brownies before baking.

[@SpaceForceCooks]

The BEST way to make brownies? It isn't adding nuts or coffee...It's adding CHEESECAKE on top! They can make mediocre brownies phenomial without much effort. Following the Phillidepia recipe, mix together the 4 cheesecake ingredients, sugar, vanilla, eggs and cream cheese...Pour it on top of the brownie batter, bake 1.5x the time (start checking, may need to stay in the oven longer) the brownie recipe says. Alternatively, if you want distinct layers, bake just the brownie batter for 10 minutes then pour on the cheesecake batter...I've also done these in cupcake pans...No spring form pans, no cutting parchment paper round, no worrying if it'll crack, no making the gram-cracker crust, etc...You can have your CHEESECAKE and eat it too!

[@mickylink1668]

Ghirardelli has the better options too, they should’ve put up the dark chocolate mix it’s so much more chocolatey 🤤 Their double chocolate mix with some Reese’s peanut butter chips added is also 🔥

[@cindyburns7667]

Thanks for the review

[@Butterb0ne]

I've done my own comparison, and Betty Crocker was the worst. Duncan Hines is really good, but now I have to order King Arthur as it sounded like the winner. I'll probably pick up G at the store while waiting on the mail.

[@PatriciainOz]

I always get the betty crocker on sale and use it for a base because I add more chocolate and espresso giving it a lot of help. Plus have you ever added condensed milk instead of oil to a mix? Plus the NUTS everything from pistachio to macadamia Betty Crocker brownies also are a great base for fruit or FUDGE toppings. Plus homemade icecream cake starts with a betty crocker brownie ;)

[@Sherryskogstad]

I like to scold in chocolate chips and swirl caramel ice cream topping or swirl in raspberry jam.

[@lbw1325]

I LOVE your fridge