Understanding the 'Healthier' Claim
Simple Mills has built its brand on offering products with cleaner, more recognizable ingredients than conventional packaged goods. When it comes to their brownie mix, this is largely true. The base is a blend of almond flour and coconut flour, eschewing refined white flour. For those with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or simply looking to reduce their gluten intake, this is a significant benefit. The mix also uses coconut sugar instead of refined white sugar. While coconut sugar is often promoted as a healthier, more natural alternative, it is still a form of added sugar and metabolizes similarly in the body to regular sugar.
The Role of Ingredients
- Almond Flour: As the primary ingredient, almond flour provides more protein, fiber, and healthy fats compared to traditional all-purpose flour. This can lead to a more stable blood sugar response than a mix made with refined flour.
- Coconut Sugar: The mix uses coconut sugar for sweetness. Despite having a lower glycemic index than table sugar, it is still a high-sugar ingredient. A single serving of the dry mix contains 9g of total sugar, all of which is added sugar. When prepared, the final brownie will contain even more sugar from the chocolate chips and any additional ingredients.
- Arrowroot and Tapioca Starch: These are refined starches used for texture and binding. While gluten-free, they do not offer significant nutritional value and can still cause a blood sugar spike, offsetting some benefits of the almond flour base.
Nutritional Breakdown of Simple Mills Brownies
Looking at the nutrition facts for one brownie (based on the dry mix), the picture becomes clearer:
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g (8% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Added Sugars: 9g (18% DV)
- Protein: 2g (4% DV)
These numbers represent the mix alone, before adding wet ingredients like eggs and oil. While the ingredient list is cleaner, the final baked good is still a dessert with a significant amount of sugar per serving, making moderation key.
Simple Mills vs. Traditional & Keto Brownie Mixes
To provide context, here is a comparison of Simple Mills to a standard mix like Betty Crocker and a popular keto alternative.
| Feature | Simple Mills Brownie Mix | Traditional Brownie Mix (e.g., Betty Crocker) | Keto Brownie Mix (e.g., HighKey) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Flour | Almond Flour | Enriched Wheat Flour | Almond Flour/Alternative |
| Sweeteners | Organic Coconut Sugar, Cane Sugar | Sugar, Corn Syrup | Erythritol, Monk Fruit Extract |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | No | Yes |
| Added Sugar | 9g per serving (dry mix) | Higher (varies) | 0g (artificial/natural sweeteners) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g per serving (dry mix) | Lower (varies) | Higher (varies) |
The comparison shows Simple Mills occupies a middle ground. It's a clear improvement over traditional mixes due to the nutrient-dense almond flour and absence of refined wheat. However, it is not a low-sugar or low-carb product like a true keto mix. The reliance on coconut sugar for sweetening means it should still be treated as an indulgent dessert, not a health food.
Making Simple Mills Brownies Even Healthier
For those who already enjoy the Simple Mills mix, there are ways to boost its nutritional value further:
- Add Nuts and Seeds: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chia seeds for an extra boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add grated zucchini or mashed sweet potato for moisture and extra nutrients without altering the taste significantly.
- Use High-Quality Add-ins: Opt for high-cacao percentage chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs to reduce overall sugar and increase antioxidant content.
- Enhance Protein: For a more balanced snack, pair a brownie with a serving of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts.
Conclusion: A Better Option, Not a Health Food
When considering "Is Simple Mills brownie mix healthy?", the answer is nuanced. It represents a significant step up from traditional store-bought mixes due to its use of almond flour and cleaner, identifiable ingredients, making it a better-for-you treat. However, it is not a health food and still contains a substantial amount of added sugar per serving. For those with celiac or gluten intolerance, it's an excellent choice. For others, it's a worthwhile upgrade, but one that should still be enjoyed in moderation. Its primary health advantage lies in its ingredients list and slightly higher fiber content, not in being a sugar-free alternative. The final healthfulness depends on your overall diet and portion control.
For more in-depth nutritional information on food products, you can explore reputable food database sites like Eat This Much.
How to Adapt the Mix for Specific Diets
- For Lower Sugar: You can experiment with reducing the amount of added chocolate chips or using sugar-free chocolate chips to lower the overall sugar content.
- For Higher Fiber: Adding ground flaxseed or extra chia seeds can significantly increase the fiber per brownie.
- For Keto/Very Low Carb: Simple Mills is not designed for a strict ketogenic diet. Individuals on keto should seek out specifically formulated keto brownie mixes that use non-sugar sweeteners.
Ultimately, Simple Mills offers a delicious, cleaner option for satisfying a chocolate craving, but it remains a dessert and should be treated as such. Understanding its nutritional profile allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your personal health goals.
