While brownies are pretty simple to make, not everyone has the time to measure out every ingredient when they’re in the mood for quick brownies. Not only that, not everyone can maintain a full pantry of ingredients and nothing is as disappointing as getting ingredients out and finding out that you lack something right in the middle of preparation. The brownie mix eliminates all of that by giving you a premix that you can easily pullout, add the wet ingredients, and bake for fresh brownies in no time.
Brownie Premix Trivia
- Baking premixes were invented in the 1930s.
- The first-ever baking premix patent was granted on October 24, 1933.
- While there are a lot of theories, nobody really knows who invented the brownie.
- A classic brownie has five ingredients.
- December 8 is National Brownie Day.
Brownie Premix Buying Guide
Go to any grocery store and you will find brownie premixes on the shelves ranging from basic mixes all the way to “artisan” and “gourmet brownie mixes. Forget all of those things printed on the front of the box and check out the side (or back) for the ingredient panel.
Stay away from brownie mixes that have any ingredient that you don’t recognize or if you see some ingredients that you wouldn’t use in your own kitchen.
Brownie Premix Production & Farming in Texas
In Texas, most brownie mixes are made by mills and farms that mill their own grains. This is great because you can be assured that the flour used will be naturally milled and free from any chemical bleaching process that regular commercial flour has.
Some brownie premixes are also made by artisan brownie makers. They usually make brownie premixes by suggestions of their customers who want to enjoy their brownies during the off-months where farmers’ markets are closed.
Another reason why local brownie premixes are better (aside from containing no additives and preservatives) is that the taste is calibrated more to the local tastes than national “generic” brownie mixes that appeal to the tastes of the masses.
Preservatives, Additives, and Chemicals:
Since flour and other dry ingredients store very well so they don’t contain much in the way of preservatives. This does not mean that there are no additives though. Here are some of the things we’ve found on some of the more popular national and international brownie mixes.
- Carrageenan – This is a binder to improve the texture of the finished brownie, making it feel fudgier.
- Artificial Flavor – Why brownies need additional artificial flavors, the world will never know.
- Dextrose – Added sugar.
- Natural and Artificial Colors – Again, I don’t know why they would add colorings to a brownie premix.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup – This is everywhere nowadays and excessive consumption can lead to diabetes and certain heart conditions.
Brownie premixes don’t contain as many additives as other pre-made food, but locally made ones don’t contain any additives at all.
Packaging:
Brownie premixes are packed in resealable plastic bags. Smaller packs of premixes or single-batch premixes are packed in single-use plastic bags before being packed in boxes.
Enjoying Brownie Premix
After cooking, brownies are best still warm from the oven. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage:
Brownie premixes should be stored in their original packaging (if resealable) or in an airtight container for up to their best before date.
Cooking:
To cook brownies with brownie premixes, simply follow the directions on the packaging or the directions that the seller has provided and enjoy!
