We Tried 12 Boxed Brownie Mixes—Here’s What’s Really Worth Baking
A blind taste test reveals which pantry staples deliver bakery-style brownies at home.
Whether you’re short on time, baking with kids, or simply craving a quick chocolate fix, boxed brownie mix is a pantry staple in American homes. But with an overflowing supermarket aisle of choices—each claiming their own spin on dense, chewy, cakey, or fudgy—choosing the best boxed brownie mix can be a decadent challenge. We put 12 of the most popular brands to a side-by-side blind taste test, with the goal to find which mix truly delivers on chocolatey bliss—and which fall flat.
Why Trust a Boxed Brownie Mix Taste Test?
There’s no shame in reaching for a brownie mix: today’s versions promise bakery-style results and deep cocoa flavor with minimal effort. But, the reality is that brands vary wildly in terms of cocoa quality, ease of preparation, and final texture. A methodical, controlled taste test uncovers who makes the top-notch mix for chocoholics—and who relies on nostalgia rather than taste.
How We Conducted Our Brownie Mix Taste Test
To ensure fair results, each mix was prepared according to its box instructions using identical equipment and standard ingredients (butter or oil, eggs, and water/milk, as applicable). Mixes were baked in the same type of pan, cooled for the same length of time, and tasted within hours of baking. Our panel evaluated brownies based on several criteria:
- Flavor: Does it taste like high-quality chocolate? Is it too sweet or bland?
- Texture: Are they fudgy, chewy, cakey, or somewhere in between—and is it pleasant?
- Appearance: Is the top glossy and cracked as classic brownies should be?
- Aroma: Does it smell inviting and chocolatey fresh from the oven?
- Ease of prep: Were the instructions clear and the process straightforward?
The 12 Boxed Brownie Mixes We Tested
Our grocery and big-box runs netted a variety of mixes, from budget-friendly labels to premium gourmet blends. The following brands (some available nationwide, others regionally) made the cut for our bake-off:
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Chocolate
- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge
- Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge
- King Arthur Baking Company Brownie Mix
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Brownie Mix
- Kodiak Cakes Protein-Packed Brownie Mix
- Annie’s Organic Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Brownie Mix (Gluten-Free)
- Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix
- Miss Jones Organic Fudgy Brownie Mix
- Krusteaz Family Size Brownie Mix
We included a mix of classic, organic, protein-enriched, gluten-free, and extra-fancy options to reflect the wide spectrum of choices on the market.
Our Rating Methodology
Each brownie was scored on a 1-to-10 scale for the primary criteria: Chocolate Flavor, Texture, and Overall Enjoyment. Tiebreakers leaned on subtleties like aftertaste and visual appeal. We average scores from all testers to ensure objectivity, and include comments to help clarify strengths and weaknesses.
Major Findings: What Makes a Great Boxed Brownie?
- Chocolate Quality: The clear winners used real cocoa powder, sometimes with added chocolate chips or chunks for a richer effect, whereas lower-ranking mixes had a flat, one-note sweetness.
- Texture Preferences Vary: Fudgy and chewy brownies generally outperformed cakey ones, with panelists favoring a moist, dense, and just-set center over crumbly or dry pieces.
- Mix-Ins Help: Varieties with built-in chocolate chips generally scored higher for delivering extra bursts of chocolate.
- Simplicity Sells: The easiest-prep brands (requiring just water and oil, for example) were appreciated, but testers were willing to do a bit more work (like melting butter) for better flavor.
- Specialty Needs Have Drawbacks: While gluten-free options impressed for effort, they often had a slightly gritty or offbeat texture compared to traditional wheat-based mixes.
The Best Boxed Brownie Mixes: Winners & Rankings
| Brand | Flavor | Texture | Overall Score | Panelist Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Chocolate | Deep, genuine cocoa; bursts from chocolate chips | Fudgy, moist, slightly chewy | 9.5/10 | “Rich, bakery-quality; dramatic chip melt.” |
| King Arthur Baking Company Brownie Mix | Intense chocolate, authentic cocoa taste | Dense, almost gooey | 9/10 | “Stays gooey; feels homemade.” |
| Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix | Bittersweet, complex | Super fudgy, smooth | 8.8/10 | “Velvety texture, not overly sweet.” |
| Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix | Chocolatey, more sweet than rich | Chewy edges, moist center | 8.5/10 | “Classic nostalgia, easy to eat.” |
| Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge | Robust, almost smoky | Well-balanced, leans fudge | 8.5/10 | “Deep flavor, nice crust.” |
| Krusteaz Family Size Brownie Mix | Light cocoa, very sweet | Cakey, soft | 7/10 | “Good crowd-pleaser for kids.” |
| Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge | Cocoa-forward, less nuanced | Dense but slightly grainy | 7/10 | “One-dimensional but reliable.” |
| Miss Jones Organic Fudgy Brownie Mix | Smooth, mildly chocolatey | Soft, slightly oily | 6.8/10 | “Not bad, not memorable.” |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market Brownie Mix | Balanced, gentle cocoa | Cakey | 6.5/10 | “Lacks depth, but decent for casual snacks.” |
| Kodiak Cakes Protein-Packed Brownie Mix | Nutty, slightly artificial | Dry, dense | 5.5/10 | “For protein bar fans, not classic brownie lovers.” |
| Annie’s Organic Double Chocolate Brownie Mix | Mild chocolate, not pronounced | Overly soft, falls apart | 5/10 | “Pleasant, but needs more cocoa.” |
| Simple Mills Almond Flour Brownie Mix (GF) | Nutty, less chocolatey | Sandy, slightly gritty | 4.5/10 | “Impressive for gluten-free, but not a true substitute.” |
What others are reading
What Makes a Winner? Key Metrics to Look for in Brownie Mixes
The top brownie mixes impressed panelists with:
- A pronounced bittersweet chocolate flavor, not masked by artificial sweeteners or oils
- Dense, chewy or fudge-centered interiors and shiny, slightly crackled tops
- Consistency in results—“bake as directed” leads predictably to delicious brownies
- Smooth crumb, without grainy or sandy textures often found in lower-quality or gluten-free versions
- Convenience—while panelists did reward flavor over ease, a great mix balances all virtues
The Hidden Pitfalls of Brownie Mixes
While most mixes delivered a serviceable treat, testers found some recurring disappointments:
- Artificial-tasting cocoa or an overly processed aroma
- Grainy, sandy, or bouncy cake-like textures in lower-tier or gluten-free varieties
- Unbalanced sweetness that overwhelmed cocoa flavor
- Instruction inconsistencies, including confusing bake times or pan size recommendations
Pro Tips: How to Get the Most from Your Boxed Brownie Mix
Even the best boxed brownie can be made better with a few easy tips:
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder or strong coffee to intensify chocolate flavor
- Use melted butter instead of oil for extra richness (if the mix allows)
- Don’t overmix—stir until ingredients are just combined for best texture
- Line pans with parchment for easy removal and clean, sharp-cut squares
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs mean it’s ready
- Customize with mix-ins: nuts, extra chocolate chips, or swirls of cream cheese
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are boxed brownie mixes as good as homemade?
High-quality mixes, especially those with real cocoa and chocolate chips, come surprisingly close to homemade and can even fool seasoned bakers in blind tastings. Customizing with simple add-ins bridges the gap further.
Which boxed brownie mix is the fudgiest?
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Chocolate and King Arthur Baking Company mixes scored highest for fudge factor due to cocoa content and mix-in chocolate pieces.
Do gluten-free or protein-packed brownie mixes taste good?
Gluten-free and protein blends have improved, but generally still lag behind in both texture (often gritty or dense) and deep chocolate flavor. However, Simple Mills and Kodiak Cakes were respectable within their own categories.
Can I make brownies with just water and oil?
Some basic mixes are designed for ultimate simplicity, requiring only water and oil (and perhaps an egg). Premium brands often recommend or require butter for richer results.
How do I make boxed brownies taste homemade?
- Use melted butter in place of oil for depth
- Add an extra egg yolk for chewiness
- Incorporate chocolate chips or nuts
- Stir in a tablespoon of espresso for depth
Final Thoughts: Our Favorite Boxed Brownie Mix
There’s a boxed brownie mix for every palate, whether you crave ultra-fudgy squares worthy of a bakery or just want a quick chocolate fix for a weeknight dessert. If you seek rich chocolate flavor and that indulgent, slightly gooey texture, Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Chocolate is our top recommendation. King Arthur and Trader Joe’s satisfy those wanting deep, sophisticated cocoa in a near-homemade package. For classic nostalgia and easy prep, Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines still have their place.
No matter which you choose, remember: Brownies are best shared—though once you find your favorite, you may not want to!
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