ROUND I: Betty Crocker Gluten Free Challenge: BROWNIES
Gluten-FREE Chocolate Brownie Mix vs. Gluten-FULL Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
The first round of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free Challenge is about to begin! In this challenge, gluten-eating friends and family compared the new Betty Crocker gluten-FREE baking mixes against the traditional gluten-FILLED Betty Crocker comparable mixes. The first taste-test is for the BROWNIES!
First, let’s get one thing out of the way: The picture on the box does these splendid pieces of gluten-free dark chocolaty, chewy squares of joy no justice! I would call the picture on the box a “beige-y” – not a “brownie”. Know how the pictures of food on packaging (with the words “serving suggestion” in ultra-small print) usually looks way better than the food in real life? Well, the opposite rings true here. For proof, see the pictures of the actual gluten-free brownies in this post.
The gluten-free mix actually has tiny little chocolate chips in it, which makes the brownies extra decadent and chewy. The ingredients needed to make the gluten-free brownies were: 2 eggs and 7 tablespoons butter (Note: there are instructions on the General Mills website explaining how to make the brownies if you want to substitute the butter). The package ingredients do include soy and milk.
And the RESULTS: ALL of the taste testers preferred the gluten-free version over the “cakier”, “harder” and “less chocolaty” traditional gluten-filled mix!
Some of the comme
nts about the gluten-free brownies included:
* “A much more chocolaty taste”
* “Chewy!”
* “Excellent!”
* “This one is better… way better. This is the one with the gluten, right?” (Note: WRONG! How about THAT comment!)
When I told all the participants that the one they ALL liked by a long-shot was the gluten-free brownie they couldn’t believe it, and even questioned if I mixed up the two!
In summary: The new Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Brownie is a keeper! Phenomenal! Line up now for the anticipated summer arrival!
Additional Notes:
Many of you have emailed me asking if I knew why General Mills decided to take this leap of gluten-free faith and develop a whole line of gluten free baking mixes. The truth is t
hat they have a few employees that are on a gluten-free diet, and according to General Mills, “Their experiences opened our eyes to the challenges families face following the diet. It’s hard to be different, especially when it affects sweet moments with friends and family. No one wants to miss sharing a birthday cake or see their child have to turn down a homemade cookie from a buddy after a game.”
I say “Cheers!” and “Second’s please!” to that! =)
Tags: Betty Crocker gluten free baking mixes, general mills gluten free baking mixes, gluten free brownies
May 5th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I can’t wait! I hope they are affordable.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:26 am
You know, I really really like the Namaste brownies. But we can’t get them locally, have to get them on
Amazon. And they’re fairly expensive. And they don’t have **little tiny chocolate chips*** in them!! They’ve been my go-to brownie and all-around birthday treat. I still love them, but I will have to be getting some of this. Got to be at least a little less expensive, and locally available. AND the tiny chocolate chips!! Plus they have, cake, too?? I’m not the one with celiac disease in my family – it’s my husband. But we have a totally GF home, so we all have whatever he would have at home (but eat gluten outside of home). The kids will really enjoy seeing something new.
Like you, I’m blown away to see “gluten free” along side a major baking brand. It’s been close to 3 years now, so I’ve really gotten used to almost completely avoiding the cereal aisle or baking aisle (except for Chex cereal and baking spices). This really is huge. And a WHOLE GF facility to boot! This makes it know that it’s possible for major companies to do this, so I’m hoping we see this trend expand over the years.
Cheers to General Mills!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Thank you Betty Crocker. I will be waiting for the Gluten Free brownie mix in this area and will quickly try it. Most of those I have tried are too dry, crumbly or chalky tasting. I have been gluten intolerant for 6 years and have seen offerings improve and hope you continue the trend with other new items.
May 5th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
It’s about time the big name companies hear our cry and start making foods we can eat too. way to go Betty Crocker. and General Mills keep up the good work
May 5th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Could you tell us what the brownie ingredients are, especially what form of soy is in them? We are challenged by secondary allergies as well as celiac, and are hoping, hoping, hoping these new mixes will be safe for us.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Marci-
According to the box of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix I have (Note: It was marked “Sales Sample – Not For Retail Sale”) the ingredient list is:
Sugar, Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Cocoa Powder processed with Alkali, White Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Corn Starch, Xanthan Gum, Salt.
Again, this was a “Not for Sale” box, so please note ingredients should change, and as always, labels should be read carefully – since ANY ingredient label can change at any time!
Be Free!
Kathleen
May 6th, 2009 at 3:56 am
Bravo …at last a reliable source has come on board. I am looking forward to buy Betty Crocker’s products.
Thanks for informing us.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:43 am
First Chex and now Betty Crocker. It is great news that big companies are paying attention and a great sign for the future of Gluten-free products. Great review keep up the good work.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Yes, but where can you buy this product locally (i.e. Franklin MA). Stop and Shop does not carry them.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Paula-
The Betty Crocker Gluten-free baking mixes will not be available in the grocers until this Summer. And, if they don’t carry them – ask the Manager to start carrying them.
BTW – I ask all the grocery stores I shop at to start carrying items that I wish they would… you’d be surprised how they will order if you ask! Plus, traditional grocery stores prices are typically less than specialty stores – so everything I can get there is better on my pocketbook! =)
Be Free!
Kathleen
May 8th, 2009 at 10:47 am
[…] to get ahold of them. Check out her taste test challenge! Introduction to the taste test challenge Round 1: Brownies Round 2: Cake mixes Round 3: […]
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Thankyou Betty Crocker!!!! I recently baked some of your GLUTRN FREE brownies for my husband. He really loves them! I did add a tablesoon of water to the batter and it seemed to make them spread in the pan better, and were a little more moist.
The Gluten free mixes are a real blessing–it takes a lot of time out of baking for a person, suffering from celiac. Looking forward to more gluten free products! bcj
August 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
BETTY CROCKER RULES!! The mixes are wonderful and yes, I did skip down the aisle of our grocery store. My 4-year old has Celiac and these mixes were not only affordable ($3.99 vs. the usual $6-$7 mixes), but DELICIOUS!! They had a free box offer and when I called, they advised they had an OVERWHELMING response to the offer and were out of coupons, however, they added me to their list so I can be notified when they have more products coming out. Which means – HURRAY!! MORE GF IN DEVELOPMENT!! Exciting day for all of us doing the GF way of life. I cried when I spoke to their rep on the phone – so thankful!