Who doesn’t love a freshly-baked batch of brownies? Its yummy taste and warm aroma can uplight anybody’s life, which is why people always store packets of brownie mix. It allows them to quickly whip up some delicious brownies without messing up their kitchen.
But those brownie mixes can be a potent source of disappointment, especially if you find an expired packet. But hey, it’s not all bad news since you can consume expired brownie mixes, considering a few exceptions.
Read along if you want to learn how to make the most of your expired brownie mix and how to store it in a better way for the future.
So let’s dive right into it!
How Long Does Brownie Mix Last?Â
A typical brownie mix box bought from supermarkets contains flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar.Â
These items themselves last for very long in the pantry if taken proper care of. Hence the brownie mix does not go off very quickly!
A brownie mix can last anywhere between 12- 18 months if stored properly.
Your brownie mix box will have a sell-by date mentioned on it. This is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the brownie mix will stay in top condition and give you the best results.
This does not mean that you cannot use the brownie mix after the sell-by date has passed, as it is still in usable condition!
The table below will help you understand how long you can safely store the brownie mix in your pantry!
| Under refrigeration | Pantry shelf | |
| Brownie mix box (opened) | 12- 18 months | 12- 18 months |
| Brownie mic box (unopened) | 12- 18 months | 12-18 months |
Now that you know for how long you can use a box of brownie mix safely, let’s look into the signs that it will start exhibiting once you can no longer consume it safely-
What happens if you use an expired brownie mix?
As mentioned before, the brownie mix-use by date is the date until which the manufacturer guarantees that you will get the best quality brownies made out of the mix!Â
After that period, the leavening agents used – the baking powder and baking soda responsible for making your brownies rise will start losing their efficiency.Â
So in the worst-case scenario, you will be left with a flat batch of brownies!Â
If the brownie mix looks good and there are no signs of mold, you can use it to make brownies.Â
You can check brownie recipes or videos online to determine how many leavening agents will be required to make the brownie and add it to the batter. This will help the brownies turn out normal!Â
You can also add cocoa powder and vanilla essence lest the mix is too old and has no flavors left.
Can expired brownie mix make you sick?
An expired brownie mix covered with mold can affect your health. You might experience issues like vomiting because our body cannot process mold. If the situation worsens, then you should consult a doctor.
How Can You Tell if Brownie Mix Is Bad?
Due to the nature of its ingredients, Brownie mix does not go bad easily. Still, if you think your brownie mix seems to have gone bad, you can look for the signs mentioned below-
If The Unopened Box Of Brownie Mix Is-Â
- Bloated
Suppose the box of brownie mix is bloated or looks like it has expanded. It would be best to dispose of it, as it may be way beyond being used.
While buying a brownie mix, make sure to buy packs that are not bloated and are properly sealed.
If you opened the box and found-
- MoldÂ
If you can see mold growing on the brownie mix, you should throw it in the bin.
- Worms
Sometimes, you can see tiny white worms in the brownie mix.
A good way will be to set the box’s content onto a plate and check if there are worms. If you can see them, you should immediately dispose of the box.
- It smells funny
Brownie mix usually smells of chocolate and flour, and if your brownie mix smells of something off or rotten, throw it out.
- Deflated brownies
The batter made from the brownie mix produces deflated brownies, then the mix has gone bad. But remember, this is not unsafe to eat. It boils down to one’s preferences.
Now that we know how to identify a spoilt brownie mix let’s look into the best way to store it.
Refrigerated Vs. Shelf-Stable
Let’s see when you should refrigerate brownie mix and when you can keep it shelf-stable.
RefrigeratedÂ
Refrigeration of a brownie mix before the packet has been opened is not required as the manufacturer would have made sure that the seal in the pack keeps it fresh for a long time.Â
But after you’ve opened the brownie mix, you can pop it into the refrigerator to help keep it in great condition for a long period.Â
Shelf-Stable
It would be best if you stored an unopened box of brownie mix in the pantry in a cool, dark, and dry place to keep it safe.Â
After it has been opened, it is advisable to transfer it into an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed packet and store it in the pantry or freeze it in the fridge.
Now let us understand how to freeze your brownie mix.
Can You Freeze Brownie Mix?
Yes, you can freeze your brownie mix!
If, after using it, you find out that there’s still a lot of brownie mix left, freezing it might be a good idea as it will retain its quality for a long period.Â
Step OneÂ
Place the remaining brownie mix in a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container.Â
Keep in mind to close the bag or the lid tightly to prevent moisture from getting in or a freezer burn.Â
While using the vacuum-sealed bag, make sure you remove all the air before closing it. Flatten the mixture so that it can freeze evenly.
Step Two
Put the container or the vacuum-sealed bag into the freezer.
Pro tip– You can also use the brownie mix to make the batter and then freeze it in batches so that when you need to use it, you will simply need to defrost it and pop it into the oven for some delicious brownies!
How to Thaw Brownie Mix?
You can simply remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge to help it thaw. Or you can remove the container or the bag and set it out on your kitchen cabinet at room temperature.
Now that you know how to freeze the brownie mix, let us look into other ways you can store it safely. Let’s see different storage methods.
Expiration Date Vs. Sell By Date/ Best Before Date
Before we get to the storage facilities, it is best to understand the difference between the expiration date and sell-by/best-before date.
The expiration date denotes the date at which the product loses its quality and is left to be inconsumable. On the other hand, the sell-by/best-before date is the date that signifies the date after which the product will start losing its quality.
How To Store Brownie Mix?
Storing the brownie mix is easy and will not require much effort, but taking the proper care will result in your brownie mix staying in the best condition for a long time!
For unopened brownie mix boxes-Â
If you just brought a brownie mix and still have time for it to be used, you can simply store it in a cool, dry cabinet in your pantry away from the sunlight.
Ensure not to open the box, as the seal will help keep the mix safe.
For opened brownie mix boxes –
Utilize the amount of brownie mix that you will require and then –
- Transfer the remaining brownie mix into an airtight container – this will help prevent moisture from getting in the box and spoiling the mix.Â
- Store it in a cool and dry place – storing it in a cabinet in your pantry will work fine. Just keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to keep it in optimum condition for long periods.Â
- You can store the container in a refrigerator or freeze it using the steps mentioned above for best results and maximum safety.
Tip: Do not open the brownie mix packet if you are not planning to use it soon, as the sealed packaging will help it keep in the best condition.
What are the Alternatives to Brownie Mix if it has gone bad?Â
In case your regular brownie mix has gone mad or succumbed to mold, you can try the following alternatives:
- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Baking Mix Brownie
- Livlo Brownies Keto Baking Mix
- Partake Foods Brownie Mix
- Homemade Brownie Mix
FAQ
Q. For how long do boxed brownies stay fresh?
The maximum time they will stay fresh is till 4-5 days. Remember, this article deals with brownie mix and not boxed brownies. Boxed brownies should be treated like homemade brownies and consumed as soon as possible. Do look for signs of mold growth and smell it before consuming it after that.
How to revive expired brownie mix?Â
Even if your expired brownie mix does not smell bad, it might come out flat since the baking soda or powder can lose its power over time. You can fix this problem by adding a pinch of baking soda or baking powder to the brownie mix.
How long after the expiration date can you use brownie mix?
Brownie mix should retain its quality even after 6 months past its expiration date. But this might differ from brand to brand. To make a better judgment, you must look out for any worms, molds, or foul smells.
The Bottom Line
Brownie mixes are a great way to quickly get a batch of brownies ready whenever you crave them!
With this article, you now know keeping them out of moisture and storing them in airtight containers will keep them good for a long and that you should look for molds or an off smell when confused if the brownie mix has gone bad.
Did you find the information given in this article helpful? Let us know in the comments!Â
