Unboxed: 10 ‘clean’ baking mixes that combine convenience and taste

The very first boxed baking mix was produced by the Pittsburgh molasses company P. Duff and Sons back in 1933. This Depression-era novelty allowed time-pressed and stressed families to enjoy gingerbread by just adding water.

Fast forward to 2024 and the baking mix aisle is full of creative options that promise a delicious treat without the hassle of meticulous measuring. According to VM Reports, the market for cake mixes was valued at $1.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $1.8 billion by the end of 2030. Clearly, convenient baking mix options resonate with hurried consumers who still want to experience the joy of baking in their homes in less time.

“During Covid-19, everyone was baking from scratch and trying new things,” Blake Isaac, director of innovation at Bob’s Red Mill, explained in a blog post. “And then time sped back up and everyone realized, ‘I don’t have time to bake like I used to,’ but they still wanted to use that skillset.”

Here, find 10 sweet (and savory!) baking mixes that promise clean ingredients, allergy-friendly alternatives, and of course, superior taste.