Cake mixes are convenient as they reduce the effort of collecting ingredients and measuring them out. In most mixes, all you need is an egg, milk, or water to turn the dry mix into a batter.

We picked four popular brands of chocolate cake mixes in India – Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Funfoods and Wingreens Farms (Impatient Baker). We checked them for the convenience they provide, their ingredient list, flavor and texture (sponginess and density).

While all the cake mixes are eggless, the ingredients required to prepare the batter may or may not require an egg. We divided the cake mixes into two categories based on the ingredients required for their preparation. 

We chose Pillsbury Rich Choco Oven Cake Mix as one of the best chocolate cake mix brands. This was prepped with an egg. The Wingreens farms eggless chocolate cake mix is our Top Pick in the eggless cooking category. Both of these have a deep, rich chocolate flavor which trumped the other contenders. More details here.

Here is all that you need to know about the chocolate cake mix brands.

1. Available Variants

Chocolate cake mixes are available in different categories based on two broad differentiators – 

• The type of ingredients used – Can be eggless or with egg. A green or red dot will indicate if it’s eggless or not. 
• Appliance/Equipment required – The pack mentions the appliance/equipment needed for cooking the cake – Microwave, Oven or pressure cooker.

Related reading – Weikfield Vanilla Cooker Cake Mix Review

2. Available Sizes

Chocolate cake mixes are available in different sizes ranging from 250 grams to 500 grams.

3. Price Range

The price per 100 grams of chocolate cake mix is between Rs 50/- and Rs 77/-.

4. Shelf Life

On an average, the shelf life of a cake mix is between 6-10 months.

5. Main Ingredients

The main ingredients used in most cake mixes include – flour, cocoa solids and sugar. The percentage of ingredients and type of sugar/flour varies from brand to brand.

Here is how we reviewed the chocolate cake mix brands and the parameters we gauged it on. 

We divided our review process in three stages – 

• Dry inspection
• Ease of cooking
• Taste test

The dry inspection stage helped us check the packaging, price, and texture of the cake mixes. We checked the boxes/packs for the instructions and how easy they were to follow. How convenient is it to make the cake using the mix?

The second stage included us checking all the brands for the ease of cooking. How easy or tough the mix is to use and does it require too many ingredients to make? We followed the instructions given on the pack individually.

The taste test stage helped us gauge the chocolate cakes for their taste and texture. This included the flavor of chocolate, sponginess, appearance and aroma as well.

Our parameters included – 

1. Taste

Taste is an umbrella category which gauges smaller elements like the intensity of chocolate flavor, the sweetness levels and if there is any aftertaste. Be it the taste of the flour, essence or chocolate – how does everything come together? How delicious is the overall bite?

2. Texture

Soft, spongy, light and airy are the qualities we were looking for. A good chocolate cake must have a soft, springy sponginess which is a result of the correct quantities of ingredients, whisking time and baking time.

A dry, dense cake is never desirable. 

3. Aroma

When we bake, the entire house smells lovely. We were looking for the cake mix with the most pleasant and richest chocolate aroma.

4. Overall experience

When we say overall experience, we mean every other small contributing factor that helps form a good impression. Example – How light or dark is the chocolate color? Does the cake cook well in the mentioned time frame? How easy or tough are the instructions to follow? Does the cake mix require too many ingredients or does it require minimal inputs from the user? 

5. Packaging

How well are the cake mixes packaged? Is the packaging sturdy? Is the cake mix sealed well?

A tabular comparison of the brands we reviewed for their price, shelf life, and net weight. 

What is dextrose and why is it in your cake mix?

Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from corn. The chemical structure for this is the same as glucose. It is added to packaged foods as an artificial sweetener/preservative.

Pillsbury Rich Choco Oven Cake Mix is a fine, lump-free powder with a light chocolate color. The choco cake mix is eggless but the instructions on the back mention the addition of water, vegetable oil and eggs. 

The whole process of baking this was very convenient. Not a lot was required, just a few kitchen staples. The baking was done in 35 minutes and a perfect cake was ready in less than 60 minutes.

Our review lab was filled with an intense chocolate aroma which was inviting. Coming to texture. Pillsbury chocolate cake has the softest, and most airy texture. The cake is spongy and isn’t dense. A lovely crust has formed on the top.

The rich chocolate intensity and balanced sweetness is spot on. Moreover, it doesn’t taste or smell eggy. We liked how the sweetness levels leave room for you to top it with ganache or frosting.

Features

• A 285 gram pack is priced at Rs 165/-.
• Price per 100 grams is Rs 57.89/-.
• Ingredients – Sugar, Refined wheat flour (maida), Cocoa powder (4.6%), Dextrose, Edible veg oil (palm), Baking powder, Raising agent (INS 500 (ii)), Colors (INS 150C, INS 150D), Modified starch (INS 1442), Emulsifiers and Stabilizers (INS 477, INS 415), Iodized salt.
• Contains added flavour (Natural and nature identical and flavouring substances (Vanilla).
• Contains permitted synthetic food colors.
• Allergen advice – Contains wheat ingredients.
• Shelf life is 10 months.
• Energy is 372 Kcal per 100 grams.
• Ingredients needed – 120 ml water, 40 ml vegetable oil and 2 eggs.
• Approx number of cake slices of medium thickness – 10

Process

• Preheat the oven to 170 degrees.
• Mix in a bowl the contents of the pack, eggs and water.
• Mix for 2 minutes or till batter is lump free.
• Pour oil in a pan and grease.
• Pour batter till 3/4th height.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
• Let the cake cool for 30 minutes.

Likes

• The cake mix is convenient to use. 
• It is priced competitively. 
• We liked the balanced sweetness.
• The rich chocolate aroma and taste are appetising.
• The texture of the cake is absolutely marvellous. It’s soft, spongy, and airy.

Dislikes

We did not dislike anything about the cake mix, which is why it’s our Top Pick.

Best Suited For

Baking seems hard? This is a foolproof way of making a soft, spongy and delicious chocolate cake at home.

This eggless chocolate cake mix by Wingreens Farms from their ‘The Impatient Baker’ segment has the most chique-looking packaging. The plastic container is reusable. The powder is one time use as the instructions given are to use the entire pack.

What worked for us? The rich chocolate aroma, flavor and the texture. We loved the spongy, soft and airy cake. The interplay of a crisp crust on top and the soft sponge is excellent.

This was absolutely fuss-free to make and came closest to a homemade chocolate cake.

Features

• A 300 gram pack is priced at Rs 229/-.
• Price per 100 grams is Rs 76.33/-.
• Ingredients – Wheat Flour, Sugar, Dextrose, Milk Solids, Cocoa Solids (12%), Raising Agents (INS 500), Acidity regulator (INS 541), Edible Vegetable Oil (Sunflower oil), Emulsifier (INS475, INS471, INS481), Caramel, Iodized Salt, Stabilizer (INS415).
• Contains added flavour (nature identical flavouring substances)
• Allergen advice – Contains wheat gluten and milk solids.
• Shelf life is 9 months.
• Energy is 347 Kcal per 100 grams.
• Ingredients needed – Water, Oil.
• Approx number of cake slices (thick) – 10

Process

• It’s as easy as 1,2,3 – As the pack mentions. 
• Add 150 grams (½ cup+4 tsp) water to mix and whisk to form an aerated sponge batter until no lumps are left.
• Scrape mixture down and whisk on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
• Add 30 gram (2 Tbsp) oil to the batter slowly and whisk on slow speed for another minute.
• Pour into an oiled baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degree Celcius for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Likes

• The packaging gets full marks from us.
• Not too many ingredients are required to bake this. Thumbs up!
• The chocolate aroma and flavor is on point.
• We appreciated the texture of the cake. It’s soft, spongy, and airy.

Dislikes

• There is nothing that we disliked flavor or texture wise. The only problem was that the batter is too thick. Because the batter is so thick, a lot of it gets wasted unintentionally. It sticks to the blender/mixer and is difficult to scrape off. 

Best Suited For

People looking for a completely egg-free baking experience, will love this! It is super convenient to use and requires minimal ingredients.

Earlier when we reviewed Betty Crocker’s Choco Fudge Cake Mix by itself, it turned out to be a chocolaty delight with a balanced sweetness and correct sponginess. But in a comparative situation, this was just a small step down from our winners.

This doesn’t mean that it wasn’t delicious or spongy, we just mean that our Top Picks were better. The chocolate intensity was a bit lower in comparison. 

Features

• A 475 gram pack is priced at Rs 310/-.
• Price per 100 grams is Rs 65.26/-.
• Ingredients – Sugar Refined wheat flour (maida), Cocoa solids (4.7%), Edible veg oil (palm), Corn starch, Dextrose, Raising agents (INS 500(ii)), INS 341(i), Modified starch (INS 1442), Iodized salt, Emulsifiers and Stabilizers (INS 477, INS 471, INS 415), Artificial flavouring substance (Vanilla)
• Contains added flavour (Artificial flavouring substances – vanilla)
• Allergen advice – Contains wheat ingredients
• Shelf life is 10 months.
• Energy is 392 Kcal per 100 grams.
• Ingredients needed – 100 ml veg oil, 250 ml water, 3 medium eggs
• 1 cake mix box produces 2 cakes of 9 inches each.
• Number of cake slices (Approx) – 25 thick cake squares from the whole cake mix.

Process

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
• Grease the pan (2 baking pans of 9inches each). We greased the pan with butter and a light sprinkling of flour.
• Mix one pack of the cake mix, water, and eggs together in a large bowl with a beater on low speed until mixed. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well blended. (or beat vigorously by hand for 3 minutes)
• Pour into the greased pans.
• Bake for 22-27 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool for 10 minutes and remove from the pan.

Likes

• The cake is spongy, soft and airy.
• We liked the balanced sweetness.
• The batter has a semi-thick consistency and is easy to whisk and pour.

Dislikes

• There isn’t anything we disliked about the cake texture wise. The only reason it’s not our Top Pick is because our winners were tastier and spongier.
• The chocolate intensity was a bit lower.

Dr Oetker Funfoods Chocolate Mix did not win because the aroma and flavor of chocolate was the lowest. It’s not as rich as our Top Picks. The sweetness levels are a bit higher than medium, which may be an issue if you’re topping the cake with some more chocolate or frosting. If eating it as is, then the sweetness is fine. There are no issues with the texture as such. It’s spongy and springs back, but is a bit denser than the others.

Features

• A 250 gram pack is priced at Rs 125/-.
• Price per 100 grams is Rs 50/-.
• Ingredients – Sugar, Refined Wheat Flour (Maida), Milk Solids, Cocoa Solids (6%), Edible Starch, Baking Powder, Stabilizer (INS 407). )
• Contains Added Flavour (Nature-identical Flavouring Substances).
• Shelf life is 6 months.
• Energy is 382 Kcal per 100 grams.
• Ingredients needed – Butter and water
• Number of cake slices (Approx) – 12 medium thickness

Process

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
• Grease an 8 inch tin.
• Add 100 gram melted butter.
• Add 150 ml water.
• Mix till the batter becomes smooth.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until the skewer comes out dry.

Likes

• We liked the sponginess of the cake.
• The cake mix doesn’t require a hand blender and mixes well with a spoon/fork.

Dislikes

• Lacks the rich chocolate aroma and flavor.
• The cake is a bit dense.

Why did we choose Pillsbury Rich Choco Over Cake Mix and Wingreens Farms (The Impatient Baker) as our Top Pick?

What a home baked chocolate cake should be – Light, airy, soft, spongy and full of chocolate. What it shouldn’t be – Dense, dry, crumbly, over sweetened and eggy (if using egg). 

After baking the chocolate cake mixes as per the instructions given on the pack we divided them into two categories – eggless and with egg preparations. 

Under the completely eggless preparation segment we picked Wingreens Farms The Impatient Baker Chocolate Cake Mix as our Top Pick. In the with-egg segment we picked Pillsbury Rich Choco Oven Cake Mix as our winner. 

Both our winners have the characteristic rich chocolate intensity – flavor and aroma. The texture too hits the bulls-eye!

Here are some interesting FAQs on Indian chocolate cake mix brands.

1. How many cakes can be baked with a 300 gram pack of cake mix?

A 300-gram cake mix can make a single cake that will serve 4-5 people. 

2. Are these cake mixes a vegan food item?

No. Some brands contain milk solids and require egg or butter to turn into a batter. Read the list of ingredients before purchasing. 

3. Can the cakes with these mixes be baked in a microwave or a pressure cooker?

There is a different category of cake mixes that are meant to be cooked using a microwave or a pressure cooker. These are oven-friendly cake mixes. 

4. Do these cake mixes contain additional flavour enhancers?

All the above mentioned brands contain added flavors. 

5. Can these cake mixes be stored after unpacking?

Yes. Make sure you read the storage instructions and seal the pack tightly.

Just decadent!

We loved the airy, spongy and chocolaty cakes made using Pillsbury Chocolate Cake Mix and Wingreens Farms Cake Mix (Eggless prep). The rich intense chocolate flavor, balanced sweetness levels, and the soft texture of the cakes was superior as compared to the other contenders making these our Top Picks. 

Do you use cake mixes? If yes, which is your go-to brand? Let us know in the comment section below.

When it comes to ice creams, we all have our personal favorite. From chocolate ice cream to vanilla ice cream, the list goes endless. But what if you can prepare your favorite ice cream from the comfort of your home and that too without a tedious ingredient list and an ice cream machine?

Over the years, many brands have come up with easy to prepare ice cream mixes that have been known to provide convenience. Team Mishry conducted a taste test of the Weikfield freeze ice cream Mixes. Weikfield offers four different flavors of the freeze mixes. We opted for the Strawberry and Butterscotch flavours. To know more about our overall experience check out the detailed Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes Review below. 

Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes come in four different flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla and Butterscotch. We reviewed the Strawberry and Butterscotch variants of the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes.

Our review comprises different parameters that includes the texture, taste, consistency and other valuable points that will give you a clear idea about the products. It will help you know whether these freeze mixes come close to ice creams we usually relish.   

1. Available Quantities

The standard quantity of the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes is 100 gm.

2. Available Flavours

Weikfield freeze ice cream Mixes come in four different flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla and Butterscotch. 

3. Price Range

The Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes comes at a price range of Rs. 50 for a 100 gm pack.

4. Packaging

The Freeze Ice Cream Mixes by Weikfield come in a standard light yellow color box pack. Inside the pack, there is a silver color pouch containing the ice cream mix powder. 

For our review of the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes, we have taken into account multiple factors –  

1. Ingredients

For a better, informed purchase, always make sure to keep a check on the list of ingredients. 

The ingredients have a huge impact on the taste and texture of any ice cream mix. The prime ingredients that go into any ice cream include milk, cream, and sugar. An ice cream with a higher content of milk fat has an extremely smooth texture. On the contrary, ice creams having less than 10% milk fat are termed as low-fat ice creams. The inclusion of milk solids is what makes any ice cream differ from a frozen dessert. If an ‘ice cream’ is made using vegetable fat, it is labeled as a frozen dessert. 

We checked the list of ingredients to know different aspects – What is the primary ingredient used in the ice cream mix? Does this ice cream mix contain fat? If yes, in which form? Is there presence of milk solids or does it just contain vegetable fat?

2. Taste

We buy packaged food since it can be prepared quickly and for the taste that it delivers. The whole purpose of buying packaged food is of no use if it fails to deliver on taste. We reviewed the two variants of the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes on how flavorful they turn out post-freezing.

How was the taste of these two variants? Did it feel artificial or had the creaminess of a real ice cream? How dominant is the flavor of strawberry or butterscotch in these two variants? 

3. Texture

Any ice cream tastes best if it has a smooth texture and is creamy. Ice cream that lacks this factor will affect the overall experience. How is the texture of this freeze mix? Is it creamy or has it become grainy and icy? This factor will help us get a better idea of how the ice cream tastes post-freezing.

4. Consistency

The consistency of an ice cream is another important factor while reviewing the overall experience of ice cream. The consistency determines for how long an ice cream will retain its shape and start to melt. The rate at which any ice cream melts is influenced by the presence of emulsifiers and stabilizers. Did the ice cream melt quickly?   

1. Butterscotch

We first reviewed the Butterscotch flavor of the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mix. A 100 gm pack of this Ice cream freeze mix comes at a price of INR 50.

For preparing this butterscotch ice cream we followed the instructions in the exact same way as mentioned on the pack. This butterscotch mix is yellow in color.

On cooking, there was a significant aroma of butterscotch, almost toffee-like. Toffee is basically butterscotch that is cooked for a longer period of time. When the ice cream was set, the aroma of butterscotch seemed very artificial and left us dissapointed. 

Taste-wise we were not impressed with the flavor of butterscotch. The sugar levels were high and hence the ice cream felt overly sweet. Though we were able to easily remove scoops of this ice cream, the fact that it was melting fast was a let down. 

This was low on visual appeal as well. The texture was not impressive! It had an almost lacy and strand-like texture which reduced the overall experience of the product.

Related reading – Best mango duet ice cream in India

Features

• The price of this 100 gm pack is INR 50. 
• It comes with a shelf life of 9 months. 
• It contains 401.08 kcal per 100 gm.
• This freeze ice cream mix is labeled as a low fat mix.
• A 100 gm pack can make around 10 scoops of ice cream. 

Likes

• We liked how the color of this ice cream turned out. This ice cream had a yellow color. 
• The ice cream was easy to scoop.
• The ice cream was not icy. 

Dislikes

• This butterscotch ice cream melts in no time.
• It is an overly sweet ice cream. 
• There were a lot of tiny granules observed when the ice cream melted.
• The flavor of this ice cream seems very artificial. 
• This ice cream lacks a rich butterscotch flavor.

2. Strawberry Flavour

The second variant that we reviewed from the range of Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes was the strawberry flavor. We took the 100 gm pack which was priced at Rs. 50. 

The ice cream was prepared following the exact same instructions as mentioned on the pack. During the cooking process, the strawberry aroma that was released was not pleasing and it was a lot synthetic. 

We observed the following points while the ice cream was set. As the ice cream was set, the first thing that caught our eyes was the color of the strawberry ice cream. It looked delightful and vibrant. 

Taste wise, the strawberry flavor is sweet, but when compared to the butterscotch flavor, it seemed a bit lower. The ice cream was easy to scoop out. However, the ice cream had started to melt in no time which disappointed us. 

We did not observe any ice crystals which might be due to the presence of glucose syrup solids. As the ice cream started to melt, we observed that there were a lot of tiny granules.

Features

• A 100 gm pack of this mix comes for Rs. 50.
• It is best to consume the product before 9 months.
• You can make around 10 scoops with a 100 gm pack.
• It contains permitted synthetic food color and added flavour (Nature identical flavouring substance-strawberry)
• It comes in a standard yellow color box pack.

Likes

• This ice cream has a nice flavor compared to the butterscotch variant.
• The color of this ice cream looks good and is appealing.
• This is easy to scoop out.
• The texture is not icy.

Dislikes

• The ice cream melts quickly. Post-melting we observed the presence of small granules that affected the overall texture and taste. 
• This ice cream did not feel creamy and lacked a rich, creamy texture like any ice cream should have.

The two variants that we reviewed from the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes, we found the strawberry flavor to have a better taste compared to the butterscotch flavor. Appearance wise both the flavours looked good. 

However, when it came to the texture, none of the flavors impressed us. Both of them were over-sweetened and lacked freshness.

Any packaged ice cream mix is a hit if it provides an easy cooking experience and tastes rich and creamy at the same time.

Related reading – Best ice cream sandwiches in India

We reviewed the two variants of the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes – Strawberry and Butterscotch. The overall experience of testing these two variants did not turn out to be great.

Both the variants were too sweet, melted quickly and had an unappealing texture. Though we loved the vibrant color of these ice creams turned our post freezing.   

Have you tried the Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes yet? If yes, was your experience similar to ours? Let us know in the comment section below. 

Here are some interesting FAQs on Weikfield Freeze Ice Cream Mixes.

1. How to prepare these mixes properly?

These Ice cream freeze mixes come with the instructions mentioned on the pack. To get the best results, it is ideal to follow the instructions as stated. 

2. Do these mixes contain preservatives?

Yes, these mixes contain preservatives. Maltodextrin and Dextrose are a few of the preservatives used. 

3. Are these mixes sugar free?

No, these ice cream mixes contain sugar. In addition to sugar, it contains glucose syrup solids that are used as a sweetener in packaged foods. 

4. How to store the mixes after unpacking?

Once you have opened these freeze mixes, make sure to store and keep them in any cool place preferably freezer or refrigerator.  

5. Are these ice cream mixes suitable for diabetic patients?

This Ice Cream Freeze Mixes contain sugar and glucose syrup solids. Hence, it is advisable for diabetic patients to consult their physician.

Sweet, sticky and downright delicious! Dodha barfi or doda is a dark brown Indian sweet made using sprouted wheat, milk and khoya. It is extremely popular in the Northern belt for its addictive sticky texture. Often loaded with nuts, we began our search to find the best dodha barfi brands in India.

We picked four popular brands of dodha barfi available in Delhi NCR from chain mithai shops. After blind-tasting them over two sessions, we chose the dodha barfi by Bikanervala Sweets as our Top Pick. We Also Recommend Haldiram Dodha Barfi for its near-perfect texture and taste.

From dodha barfi shelf life to dodha barfi ingredients, here is all you need to know.

1. Packaging

The dodha barfi brands come packed in a sturdy box. The box pack changes its color, style, and sturdiness as per the net weight. 

2. Main Ingredients

Dodha barfi is made using four primary ingredients – Khoya (khoa or milk solids), milk, sugar and germinated/sprouted wheat. 

None of the boxes mention the ingredients used. 

3. Available Sizes

Dodha barfi is available in customisable boxes. The most commonly ordered ones are – 

• 200 grams
• 250 grams
• 500 grams
• 1 Kg

4. Price Range

Ideally the dodha barfi price can vary between Rs 40/- to Rs 60/- for 100 grams. 

5. Shelf Life

As compared to milk or chenna based Indian sweets, the shelf life of dodha barfi is a bit longer. It can last upto 20 days when stored correctly.

We ordered all the four contenders via Zomato, a food delivery application between 11:30 am and 12 Noon – i.e. before the lunch hour rush. All payments were made online so that the delivery would be contactless. 

To test the dodha barfis we conducted a blind taste test in our review lab. All four brands were placed on a single dish and were marked by numbers. Our reviewers did not know which brand’s dodha barfi are they tasting. From the first round of tasting, we shortlisted three barfi brands. They were re-tested after a few hours. We did this because eating too many mithais back-to-back can cause the palate to overcrowd. 

After two tasting sessions, our team had selected a winner based on the following parameters – 

1. Taste + Freshness

The prime parameter when we review fresh mithais is taste. Which is why we wanted to check all the brands to see which dodha barfi is the tastiest. How fresh does it taste? Are the nuts fresh-tasting or are they rancid? Does it have an aftertaste? Any oily notes? Does the barfi have balanced sweetness levels?

2. Color

Dodha barfi gets its signature dark brown color because of the roasting time. The more it is roasted and cooked, the darker the color and more earthy the flavor. We checked all the brands of barfi to see how dark or light is the color of the dodha barfi? 

3. Texture

Dodha barfis have that signature sticky, almost granular texture which is a mix of milky globules and sprouted wheat. 

Our Top Pick had to be of an almost jaw-sticky texture which has a milky greasiness. The amount of fat added (ghee) was also a determining factor. 

4. Aroma

Mithais can end up smelling prominently of ghee which isn’t always pleasing or fresh. We checked all the four dodha barfis for their aroma. How fresh is it and is it milky or oily?

5. Price

Is the barfi priced competitively? If priced higher than the other contenders, why? Do the price and quality of mithai sync with each other?

Related reading – Best Kaju Katli in India

Here is a comparison table of all the dodha barfi brands related to their price, net weight and packaging.

Bikanervala Dodha barfi is priced at Rs 270/- for a 500 gram box. It comes in a slidable tray packaging which we liked. The dodha barfi has a dark brown color and the nuts are added in abundance throughout.

We loved the fresh, delicious flavor of coconut in the Bikanervala Dodha Barfi. The nuts are fresh tasting and do not seem stale or oily. From the balanced sweetness to the fresh milky richness of the barfi, we liked the Bikanervala Dodha Barfi the most. 

Features

• Bikanervala Dodha barfi comes in a sturdy tray packaging.
• Price per 100 grams – Rs 54/-.
• This can be ordered via a food delivery application or picked up from their chain.

Likes

• The flavor of coconut is fresh and pleasing.
• The greasiness of ghee is just right.
• We liked that the nuts were fresh-tasting and added in abundance. 
• Thumbs up for the rich milkiness of the dodha barfi.

Best Suited For

If you are looking for a dodha barfi to consume or gift to a loved one, the Bikanervala Dodha Barfi is your ideal pick. For those who like a pronounced coconut flavor, would love this dodha barfi. 

Haldiram’s Dodha Barfi comes in a festive looking red box pack. The base price for a 350 gram box of dodha barfi is Rs 182/-. Taxes are not included in this. We liked the milky fudginess of the Haldiram’s Dodha Barfi. The barfi has a fresh taste with lots of nuts and a mild coconut flavor. We found the sweetness to be a bit on the higher side. 

Features

• Haldiram’s Dodha barfi comes in a festive looking box.
• Price per 100 grams – Rs 52/-.

Likes

• The dodha barfi by Haldiram has a fudgy texture.
• We liked the fresh tasting nuts.
• The coconut flavor is very delicate.

Dislikes

• The sweetness was a bit on the higher side.

Gopala Dodha Barfi is the darkest brown in comparison to the other three. A 200 gram box is priced at Rs 119/-. There are a lot of nuts on top of the barfis.

A few things that went wrong with Gopala’s Dodha Barfi. This has a prominent coconut flavor which is rancid and very off-putting. The taste of ghee and nuts is also off, which ruins the overall flavor.

Features

• Gopala’s Dodha barfi came packed in a red box.
• Price per 100 grams – Rs 59/-.

Likes

• The sweetness is balanced.
• We liked that the nuts are generously sprinkled.
• The milky fudginess we were looking for was there.

Dislikes

• Unfortunately, the barfi is not fresh tasting.
• The coconut and nuts taste rancid. 
• The overall flavor is very off-putting.

We were surprised to see that Om Sweets was so far behind in the race, as it is extremely popular in parts of Haryana for their dodha barfi. There’s a lot that didn’t work for the Dodha Barfi by Om Sweets. From the texture to the taste, there seemed to be an element or two that wasn’t upto the mark.

The artificial taste of the barfi along with the lack of freshness was what let it down.

Features

• Om Sweets dodha barfi comes in a sturdy tray.
• Price per 100 grams – Rs 47/-. This is the cheapest amongst all the contenders. 

Likes

• The sweetness is balanced.

Dislikes

• The nuts taste rancid.
• The flavor of the dodha is very off-putting.
• We didn’t like the texture of the dodha barfi.

Why did we choose Bikanervala Dodha Barfi as our Top Pick? We Also Recommend the barfi by Haldiram’s. Why?

A good dodha barfi has that characteristic, chewy stickiness that comes from cooking the milk over a long time. Another key factor is the use of nuts and an appropriate amount of ghee/fat that gives dhoda barfi its signature sheen and flavor.

The dodha barfi by Bikanervala was the tastiest one amongst all the contenders. The liberal use of nuts, balanced sugar levels and the rich, milky fudginess is what did it for us. Along with this the coconut flavor is delicious too.

The only reason Haldiram’s dodha barfi was a notch down is due to the slightly higher sweetness levels. Other than that, it did a fairly good job.

Did you know that dodha barfi was actually invented as a nutritious snack? As claimed by some Historians, Harbans Vig, a Punjabi wrestler from Khushab of Sargodha district, was looking for a nutrition-packed sweet. That is how the dodha barfi came into existence in 1912.

After two taste-test sessions, we declared the dodha barfi by Bikanervala as one of the best in Delhi NCR. This sweet, sticky, and rich mithai has balanced sweetness levels, fresh tasting nuts and a lovely pronounced coconut flavor. Haldiram’s dodha barfi also came close to our Top Pick.

Which sweet, sticky mithai do you like more – dodha barfi or milk cake? Let us know in the comment section below.

Here are some interesting FAQs on dodha barfis.

Soan papdi is notoriously known for being passed on during Diwali. One house to the other! But what if we tell you that we found a soan papdi that is so good that you just wouldn’t want to pass on?

India’s take on candy floss, Soan Papdi is one of those melt-in-the-mouth desserts. Flaky and flavorful, soan papdi is a stack of sweetened strands with a bold nutty flavor. From ghee-roasted to chocolate and orange-flavored soan papdis, no one can stop after just a piece. Trust us, they are addictive!

We tried seven of the most popular soan papdi brands in India. For an unbiased review, we picked the classic variant of soan papdi that are just garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios. Other parameters such as packaging, freshness, aroma helped us form an in-depth review of the same. After multiple tasting sessions, we chose Bikaji Soan Papdi as one of the best soan papdi brands in India. We Also Recommend  Haldiram’s and Jabsons Soan Papdi.

Did You Know- Pismaniye is the Turkish cousin of soan papdi.

Here is a comparison table discussing the details of all the brands of soan papdi we reviewed. 

Soan papdi is known for the characteristic flakiness and the slight nutty flavor. Roasting the flour and the presence of nuts are two primary factors contributing to the nuttiness. This section of our soan papdi brands review discusses more on the basics. 

1. Packaging type

All the soan papdis came in different types of boxes. 

• Outer cardboard carton
• Inner plastic box

Some came with plastic lids and some had a single-peel wrapper.

2. Main Ingredients

Flour, sugar, oil/ghee, nuts, and flavoring agents are the base ingredients almost recipes require. 

3. Available Sizes

Typically, desserts are offered in quantities of 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg.

4. Price Range

The prime price deciding factor is the quality of ingredients used. All the brands were priced between Rs 130/- and Rs 350/- for a 500 gram box.

Looking for the best dodha barfi? We got you.

Here is how we found India’s best brand of soan papdi.

Our review process was a simple one that included two stages – a visual inspection and a taste test. The visual inspection helped us gauge the packaging, price, texture, aroma and color of the soan papdi.

We conducted the taste test to check the flavor and sweetness of the soan papdi. This also helped us check the signature texture and mouthfeel of the mithai.

1. Taste

Every parameter fails in front of taste when we review mithais. Festivities need something delicious to end the meal with, and packaged mithais do a brilliant job of doing that with added convenience. But what if convenience is all that it provides? Which is why taste is the prime parameter.

Does the flour seem well roasted or is it slightly raw? What about the sweetness? Have the nuts retained their crunch or have they turned soggy? If the nuts and oil used are not fresh, the entire mithai can have a rancid taste. Does the soan papdi have any aftertaste? 

2. Freshness

Packaging plays a role as significant as quality of ingredients when it comes to freshness. How was our experience? We checked all seven brands for this.

3. Texture

What makes soan papdi stand out from all other desserts is its texture. Imagine candy floss strands shaped into cubes, garnished with chopped, slivered nuts. As complex as it sounds, soan papdi has a cloud-like mouthfeel that instantly dissolves as soon as you take a bite.

Besan or gram flour lends the melt-in-the-mouth texture. Additionally, to ensure some sturdiness and shape, a binding agent like refined wheat flour is used. If added in the right quantities, the result is cottony soft.

Not all ingredient lists mention the proportions used. Typically, the most used ingredient is mentioned first, followed by others in descending order.

4. Packaging type

Packaging plays a vital role in the overall freshness of the product and the way it reaches you when being delivered. A frail box will get damaged easily, and a sturdy box will carry on for longer. Can you reseal or close the box or is the box designed as if it cannot be covered up. 

If it comes in a container, is it air-tight? Any external cartons? 

5. Price

Looking at the packaging and quantity, are these soan papdi boxes priced competitively or economically? Which is the most value for money purchase?

These are the best ghevar brands in India.

Bikaji Sadabahar Soan Papdi comes in a yellow and red pack. Inside the pack the soan papdi is placed inside a plastic box which isn’t sturdy and squished by the time it reached us. It doesn’t have a lid and needs to be transferred into another container if you wish to use it further. A 200 gram box is priced at Rs 85/-.

Bikaji’s Soan Papdi checks all the boxes – texture, taste and ingredients! Made using ghee, this soan papdi melts in your mouth. The flakiness  is spot on and doesn’t feel dry at all. Unlike some mithais, the fat used in this doesn’t coat the entire palette. To top it all off, the sweetness is bang on and the subtle flavor of cardamom is delicious.

Features

• A 200 gram box is priced at Rs 85/-.
• Shelf life – 6 months
• Ingredients –  Sugar (47%), Clarified butter milk – fat – desi ghee, Refined wheat flour, Gram flour, Almonds (0.4%), Pistachios (0.1%) and Cardamom.

Haldiram’s Soan Papdi comes in a purple colored box pack. Inside this box, the continents are neatly placed in a plastic box with a lid.

We liked the fact that Haldiram’s Soan Papdi is made using cow ghee and it reflects in the taste as well. The mild cardamom flavor of the mithai is delicious. The thin, flaky strands of the soan papdi are delicate and melt-in-your mouth. Thumbs up for that! It was a small step-down from Bikaji, texture and flavor wise.

Features

• A 400 gram box is priced at Rs 315/-.
• Shelf life – 5 months
• It provides 512.7 Kcal of energy per 100 grams.
• Ingredients – Sugar, Clarified butter (cow ghee 25%), Gram flour, Refined wheat flour, Almonds (0.8%), Pistachios (0.2%) and cardamom powder.
• No artificial colors are used.

We reviewed these Karachi sweets and here is the verdict.

The Jabsons Soan Papdi comes in a sturdy box, but the lid is very flimsy. It doesn’t sit well on the box. 

The aroma is very sweet and has that characteristic roasted besan and ghee fragrance. The shape of the soan papdi is more compact than the other two brands mentioned above. There are a few almond flakes scattered on top which taste fresh. It also has a powdery pista on top.

The strands are super thin and the crispy flakes of the soan papdi melt in your mouth. The only thing that didn’t work for Jabsons Soan Papdi is the higher than average sweetness levels. The cardamom flavor is delicate.

Features

• A 500 gram box is priced at Rs 230/-.
• Shelf life – 6 months
• It provides 160 calories per serve (30 grams).
• Ingredients –  Sugar (40%), Clarified Butter (desi ghee 17%), Bengal gram flour, Wheat flour, Almond (0.5%), Pistachios (0.3%), Cardamom. 
• It has zero trans fat.

Ghasitaram Jaiccha Soan Papdi had the most unique packaging. There are two small plastic boxes cling wrapped with plastic in a white carton box and the main cover slides through. (see picture)

Ghastiram’s soan papdi is almost powdery and has a few clumps here and there. Visually, this was a letdown but we hoped for some redemption in the taste test. Sadly, Ghasitaram failed there too. The sugar levels are average, and have almost solidified sugar granules. The crisp flakes do not melt in your mouth and have a slight oily taste. 

Features

• A 400 gram box is priced at Rs 299/-.
• Shelf life – 6 months
• Ingredients – Chickpeas flour, Wheat flour, Refined palmolein oil, Sugar, Cardamom, Almonds and Pistachios.
• Nutrition table and servings are not mentioned on the pack.

The Bikano Soan Papdi comes in a rectangular plastic box which is fairly sturdy. It is then placed inside a carton. We could see some almond flakes and small coarse almond toppings.

The aroma is very oily and is a bit off-putting. The ingredient list mentions sucrose, liquid glucose, maida and palm oil. Although the strands are thin, this isn’t as flaky and doesn’t melt in the mouth. The sweetness levels are moderate and the cardamom flavor is hardly traceable. 

Features

• A 600 gram box is priced at Rs 150/-.
• It has a shelf life of 6 months.
• Ingredients – Sugar (sucrose), Refined palmolein oil, Chickpea flour, Liquid glucose, Almonds (0.4%), Pistachios (0.2%), Cardamom (0.1%).
• Contains added flavour (nature identical substances)
• Calories – 150 Kcal per serving (30 grams).

There were a few things that worked for Nathu’s Soan Papdi – the balanced sweetness and flaky texture. The things that didn’t work were the oily aroma, meagre amount of nuts and the lack of cardamom flavor. 

Features

• The price was scratched off from the box, which is why we have mentioned the price we paid on an online portal. We paid Rs 330/- for two 500 gram boxes plus Rs 53/- as shipping.
• Ingredients – Sugar, Edible vegetable oil, Wheat flour, Gram flour, Almonds, Pistachios and Cardamom powder.
• It provides 515 Kcal of energy per 100 grams.
• Shelf life – 3 months

Gits Soan Papdi has delicate threads and medium flakiness. The aroma and taste is very oily. This soan papdi is extremely sweet and combined with the oily taste, ruins the overall experience.

We do not recommend Gits Soan Papdi.

Features

• A 500 gram box is priced at Rs 130/-.
• Shelf life of the soan papdi is 5 months.
• Ingredients – Sugar (sucrose), Refined palm oil, Refined wheat flour (maida), Bengal gram flour (besan), Liquid glucose, Almond, Pistachio, Cardamom.
• Contains added flavour (Nature and identical flavouring substances).

Why did we choose Bikaji Soan Papdi as our Top Pick? Why do we recommend Haldiram’s and Jabsons?

Cloud-like softness paired with traditional Indian flavors, we chose Bikaji Soan Papdi as our Top Pick. It has the best, flakiest texture along with the most balanced sweetness and cardamom flavor. The fact that it is made using ghee is an added plus.

We Also Recommend Haldiram’s and Jabsons for their delicious, flaky soan papdis. They were a notch down from our Top Pick, but still made a lasting impression.

Here are some interesting FAQs on soan papdi brands.

Flaky and mouth-meltingly delicious! Our Top Pick, Bikaji Soan Papdi, is all that and a bit more. The balanced sweetness, cardamom flavoring and near perfect texture. Haldiram’s and Jabsons performed very well in our taste test as well.

So, are you planning on passing on that little box of soan papdi? Tell us about your favorite Diwali mithai in the comment section below.