Is Simple Mills Brownie Mix Vegan? A Detailed Look at Plant-Based Baking

According to Simple Mills' official FAQ, the company states that while many of their products are vegan, some of their baking mixes, including the brownie mix, require eggs for preparation. This raises a key question for many following a plant-based nutrition diet: Is Simple Mills brownie mix vegan? The answer is nuanced, as the mix itself is vegan, but requires a simple substitution to make the final product fully plant-based.

Quick Summary

Simple Mills brownie mix is made with vegan-friendly ingredients, but the standard recipe calls for eggs. Easily adapt the mix by using egg substitutes like flax eggs or mashed banana to create a delicious and fully plant-based dessert.

Key Points

• Mix is Vegan: The Simple Mills brownie mix contains only plant-based ingredients, making the dry mix suitable for a vegan diet.

• Requires Substitution: The standard recipe calls for eggs, which are not vegan, so they must be replaced during preparation.

• Flax Eggs Recommended: Simple Mills suggests using flax eggs (ground flaxseed and water) for a classic fudgy texture.

• Other Replacers Work: Mashed banana, applesauce, and aquafaba are also effective egg replacers, though they may alter the final texture and flavor.

• Baking Adjustments Needed: Depending on the egg replacer used, the baking time or other wet ingredients may need minor adjustments.

• Nutrient-Dense Option: The almond flour and coconut sugar in the mix provide a more nutrient-dense, lower-glycemic alternative to traditional brownie mixes.

• Wide Vegan Product Range: Simple Mills offers many other explicitly vegan products, including crackers and cookies.

Understanding the Simple Mills Brownie Mix Ingredients

For those on a vegan nutrition diet, scrutinizing ingredient labels is a critical step. The good news for plant-based eaters is that the Simple Mills brownie mix, before any wet ingredients are added, is completely vegan. The ingredients are simple and whole-food based, focusing on almond flour as the primary component. A quick review of the ingredient list confirms the absence of any animal-derived products.

The ingredient list for Simple Mills Almond Flour Brownie Mix includes:

• Almond Flour
• Organic Coconut Sugar
• Chocolate Chips (cane sugar, cocoa liquor, cocoa butter)
• Dutch Cocoa Powder
• Tapioca Starch
• Arrowroot
• Sea Salt
• Baking Soda

Simple Mills explicitly states that their chocolate chips are vegan, confirming that no dairy or other animal products are used in their production. The reliance on coconut sugar also makes the mix a lower-glycemic alternative to traditional mixes that use refined white sugar. This ingredient profile makes the dry mix suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free and paleo, in addition to vegan.

The Vegan Adaptation: Preparing Your Brownies

The standard recipe printed on the Simple Mills box typically instructs adding eggs, oil, and water. To create a fully vegan brownie, the eggs must be replaced with a suitable plant-based alternative. Simple Mills acknowledges this and provides specific guidance on their website for using 'fleggs' (flax eggs) as a reliable egg substitute for their brownie mix.

Popular Egg Substitutes for Vegan Brownies

There are several effective options for replacing eggs in the Simple Mills brownie mix. The best choice depends on the desired texture and flavor profile.

• Flax Eggs: This is Simple Mills' recommended method for a rich, fudgy brownie. A flax egg is made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes to form a gelatinous consistency. For a batch of Simple Mills brownies, which often calls for two eggs, you would make two 'fleggs'. This method provides a reliable binder and results in a dense, chewy brownie.
• Mashed Banana: Using mashed overripe banana can work well, but will add a distinct banana flavor and potentially more sweetness. It provides excellent moisture and binding properties, leading to a very soft and cakey brownie. For each egg, substitute about a quarter cup of mashed banana.
• Applesauce: A quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg is another common replacement. Like banana, it adds moisture and a slight sweetness, but its neutral flavor is less likely to overpower the chocolate. The resulting texture is moist and slightly cakey.
• Aquafaba: The brine from a can of chickpeas, known as aquafaba, can be whipped and used as an egg replacer. This is a more advanced technique that is especially effective for achieving a lighter, fluffier texture in baked goods. Three tablespoons of aquafaba can replace one egg.

Vegan vs. Traditional Brownie Preparation

Making the vegan version of the Simple Mills brownie mix is a straightforward process, but the results in texture can differ slightly from the traditional recipe using eggs. The key is in selecting the right egg replacer to achieve your desired outcome.

Feature	Traditional (with Eggs)	Vegan (with Replacer)
Texture	Fudgy, dense, and rich. Shiny, crackly top.	Varies by replacer. Flax eggs yield a fudgy texture, while applesauce and banana result in a cakey texture.
Flavor	Classic chocolate flavor.	Classic chocolate flavor, potentially with a hint of flavor from the replacer (e.g., banana).
Binding	Eggs provide strong binding.	Flax eggs or aquafaba provide reliable binding. Applesauce can be slightly less cohesive.
Moisture	Eggs contribute moisture.	Replacers like mashed banana or applesauce add significant moisture, potentially requiring adjustments.
Complexity	Follows standard box instructions.	Requires a minor extra step to prepare the egg replacer.

Optimizing Your Vegan Brownie Recipe

To ensure your vegan Simple Mills brownies turn out perfectly, consider these tips:

1. Don't Overmix: Once you've added your wet ingredients and egg replacer, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense brownies.
2. Adjust Baking Time: Some egg replacers, particularly those that add extra moisture, may require a slightly longer baking time. Monitor your brownies closely and use a toothpick test to check for doneness. For a fudgier result, slightly underbake them.
3. Use High-Quality Add-ins: Enhance your brownies with vegan-friendly add-ins like walnuts, pecans, or additional vegan chocolate chips. You can also swirl in some almond butter for a richer flavor.
4. Consider Pan Size: For thicker brownies, use an 8x8 inch pan; for thinner ones, a 9x9 inch pan is appropriate. Adjust baking time accordingly.

The Nutrition Diet Angle: Why Simple Mills?

Choosing Simple Mills for a vegan dessert aligns well with a holistic nutrition diet approach. The mix is:

• Made with Almond Flour: This makes the brownies grain-free and gluten-free, providing a more nutrient-dense base than mixes made with refined wheat flour. Almond flour contains healthy fats and protein, contributing to a more satisfying treat.
• Sweetened with Coconut Sugar: This is a less processed, unrefined sweetener compared to traditional white sugar. It offers a rich, caramel-like flavor and is a better choice for blood sugar management.
• Clean Ingredients: The ingredient list is short and recognizable, free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, supporting a clean-eating lifestyle.

Simple Mills Beyond the Brownie Mix

Simple Mills offers a wide range of products that are suitable for a vegan diet. Many of their crackers and sweet thins are explicitly labeled as vegan, made with whole-food, plant-based ingredients. Their product line-up reflects a commitment to providing accessible, health-conscious options for various dietary preferences. If you enjoy the brownie mix, you might also explore their line of almond flour crackers or cookies.

Conclusion

To answer the question, is Simple Mills brownie mix vegan? The answer is yes, in its dry form. To make the finished product vegan, you simply need to substitute the eggs called for in the recipe with a suitable plant-based alternative. With a little extra effort and knowledge of egg replacers, you can enjoy a delicious, nutrient-dense, and entirely vegan brownie from this popular mix. The Simple Mills brand offers an excellent starting point for those looking to enjoy treats while maintaining a clean, plant-based nutrition diet. For specific instructions on vegan modifications, check out the Simple Mills FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Simple Mills brownie mix contain any dairy?

No, the Simple Mills brownie mix does not contain any dairy. The chocolate chips are also dairy-free and vegan.

What is the best egg substitute for a fudgy brownie with Simple Mills mix?

Simple Mills specifically recommends using flax eggs (fleggs) for a fudgy and reliable result with their brownie mix.

Can I use mashed banana instead of eggs for this brownie mix?

Yes, mashed banana can replace eggs to add moisture and act as a binder. It will give the brownies a softer, more cake-like texture and a subtle banana flavor.

Is the Simple Mills brownie mix gluten-free?

Yes, Simple Mills brownie mix is certified gluten-free, using almond flour as its base instead of wheat flour.

Are Simple Mills brownie mixes paleo-friendly?

Yes, Simple Mills brownie mixes are grain-free and sweetened with coconut sugar, making them suitable for a paleo-friendly diet.

Where can I find instructions for vegan baking with Simple Mills products?

Simple Mills provides specific vegan baking instructions and egg replacer recommendations on their website's FAQ page.

Does Simple Mills make other vegan products?

Yes, Simple Mills offers a variety of vegan products, including certain crackers and sweet thins. Always check the packaging for the 'vegan' label.

Will vegan brownies from Simple Mills mix taste different?

The flavor is predominantly rich chocolate. The main difference will be in the texture, which is affected by the choice of egg replacer. Flax eggs yield a dense, fudgy result, while other substitutes may be more cakey.