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| Gluten Free Mixes: Arrowhead Mills Brownie Mix |
PRODUCT NAME: Gluten Free Brownie Mix
BRAND: Arrowhead Mills
COST: $6.49
SIZE: 17.5 oz
COST PER OZ: $0.37/oz
CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE: NO
CERTIFICATION AGENCY: NA
ORGANIC: YES
CERTIFICATION AGENCY: TEXAS DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
VEGAN: OPTIONAL
GLUTEN FREE FACILITY: UNKNOWN
LOCATION OF FACILITY: Boulder, CO
*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging. We cannot verify the accuracy of this information. For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.
REVIEW:
Arrowhead Mills has played a vital role in the natural and organic baking market since 1960, so I was excited to try this gluten-free brownie mix – especially in such close proximity to our previous experience with Cherrybrook Kitchen's brownies.
I made the Arrowhead treats for my family, and tasted them periodically over 24 hours – directly out of the oven, the next morning and again after dinner – really trying to put my finger on what was bothering me about them.
But first – the baking process. This mix was simple enough to prepare, with ½ cup vegetable oil, two eggs (or egg substitute) and ½ cup water. A quick stir, a pour into the pan and we were done. The ingredients are similar to those in Cherrybrook's mix: evaporated cane juice, rice flour, potato starch and chocolate chips that contain things like chocolate liquor and cocoa butter.
However, I could not account for the strange "after-texture" (I'll get to this in a minute) of the Arrowhead brownies. Everyone who tried them agreed that the initial taste was great – not too sweet, with those special little melted chocolate chunks. Even the consistency at first was pretty amazing, with a soft chewy inside and that well-known crusty coating every brownie should have. This is different than my experience with Cherrybrook's mix, which resulted in powdery soft brownies that melted as they hit the tongue.
And then, in the middle of an enjoyable gluten-free, chocolate-laden experience, everything goes downhill. A strange aftertaste ensues, from what I'm assuming to be the natural flavoring. Hey, I'm a fan of natural sweeteners, but let's just be honest with ourselves, we're dealing with brownies here, not applesauce. In addition to the aftertaste, there is an after-texture that follows, with what appears to be a coagulation of mix. Tiny beads form in the mouth, evoking the thought of seeds (my sister actually thought there were seeds in the batter), and just as quickly as they appear, they dissipate.
It is, of course, possible that I didn't mix the batter long enough. But the more I thought about it, the less I understood the reason for it.
All in all, a chocolaty, chewy, satisfying brownie. I suggest using melted butter in the place of vegetable oil and maybe adding some nuts. In terms of value, you get quite a bit of brownie for your buck, so if the taste and texture are right for you, this mix will be a great staple for your gluten free repertoire.
Taste: Satisfying in the chocolate department. The tiny chocolate chunks were a highlight when the brownies were still warm from the oven. They weren't too sweet, which I enjoyed, but there was a strange "health food" aftertaste, which is due to the natural sweeteners, I suppose. Overall, I was left a bit wanting, probably due to the distracting texture.
Labeling: Labeling is well done, with pleasing graphics and easy to read copy. Directions are in 1, 2, 3 form and simple to follow.
Packaging: Plastic bag within a cardboard box.
Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…
RATING:
Texture: 4
Taste: 5
Value: 2
OVERALL: 3.7
Reviewed 3/18/11 by Mallory L
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