The Hash Star

Offensive Brownies, Unless You Don’t Mind Dextrose

Product: Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix

Specs: Chocolate-y brownie mix measuring 1.2 pounds that yields 18 servings. The mix contains wheat flour, cocoa processed with alkali, palm oil, sugar, dextrose and artificial flavor.

Preparation summary: Mix with two eggs, water and vegetable oil and bake for 21 to 34 minutes.

High points: The brownies indeed turned out “thick and fudgy,” as the box states.

Low points: Though supposedly kept under 2 percent, the dextrose in the mix afflicts the brownies with a nagging aftertaste of artificial sugar. By most accounts, dextrose is considered a safe, natural sweetener because it’s made from plant starch, usually corn. Yet to some, it mimics aspartame on the palate. Not even a glass of cold milk washed away the sickening flavor.

Average retail price: $1.69

Availability: Major grocery stores and Amazon.com

2 thoughts on “Offensive Brownies, Unless You Don’t Mind Dextrose”

  1. My, you have a fine familiarity with the finer points of dextrose! Down with fake fudge.

  2. Joanne Dunnigan

    If I’m making brownies, the mix has to be Ghirardelli!!! There’s just no other that could even compare to their taste and quality!

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