# Duncan Hines Signature Cake Mix, Red Velvet > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Duncan Hines - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Cooking & Baking - **Size:** 15.25 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/duncan-hines-signature-cake-mix-red-velvet-1525-oz - **Slug:** `duncan-hines-signature-cake-mix-red-velvet-1525-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains refined flour and high sugar plus multiple industrial additives (emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial color, flavorings) and fractionated oils, consistent with an ultra-processed (NOVA 4) product. ## Review Duncan Hines Signature Cake Mix, Red Velvet arrives in a familiar rectangular cardboard box with an inner foil or plastic bag of powder — the kind of item you spot in the supermarket baking aisle tucked between other boxed cake mixes, frostings and boxed dessert mixes. It sits beside competing convenience brands (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury) and near shelf-stable frosting tubs and sprinkles. Shoppers pull it for birthdays, last-minute celebrations, holiday baking and any weeknight or weekend when a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert is needed. The brand leans on mid-market, family-oriented positioning: a long-standing American baking name promising consistent results and nostalgic comfort rather than artisanal or organic credentials. Label copy emphasizes “Perfectly Moist” and family enjoyment; an ingredient note like “natural flavor” appears but there is no organic certification or explicit health claim. Visually it reads as mainstream, kid-friendly, and convenience-focused rather than health-forward. In plain terms this is a highly processed, shelf-stable baking mix that combines refined flour, sugar, emulsifiers, colorants and leavening so you can bake with only a few fresh additions (water, egg whites, oil). Sensory-wise the batter blends into a smooth, velvety red-hued mix (cocoa processed with alkali gives mellow chocolate notes), and the baked cake yields a fine, soft crumb that’s sweet and moist — ideal for layering and frosting. Rituals around the product are domestic and social: hurried parents, baking with kids, or a weekend DIY cake project. Packaging and instructions stress simplicity and predictability, reinforcing the product’s role as an easy shortcut to celebratory desserts in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.1 - **Servings per container:** 10 - **Calories:** 170 - **Total fat:** 2g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 350mg (15% DV) - **Total carbs:** 35g (13% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 17g - **Added sugars:** 17g (34% DV) - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Canola Oil, Contains Less than 2% of: Wheat Starch, Dextrose, Salt, Propylene Glycol Mono- and Diesters, Fractionated Palm Oil, Mono- and Diglycerides, Red 40, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid, Natural Flavor. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Fractionated Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Mono- and Diglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Red 40** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** holiday-baking, weekend-brunch, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Red Velvet cake mix healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? This mix is definitely a treat; it has 170 calories per serving and 17 grams of added sugars. If you're looking for an indulgent dessert, it's perfect, but if you're after a daily health food, you might want to save it for special occasions. ### Is the Red Velvet cake mix vegan? Nope, this cake mix isn't vegan. It contains enriched bleached wheat flour, which is processed but doesn't contain any animal products. So while it’s dairy-free, it’s not suitable for a strict vegan diet. ### Is the Red Velvet cake mix gluten-free? Unfortunately, this cake mix is not gluten-free. It contains enriched bleached wheat flour, which means it’s a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're gluten-free, there are plenty of alternatives out there to satisfy your cake cravings! ### Does the Red Velvet cake mix contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils are often used in baking mixes for their neutral flavor and ability to keep things moist. While there’s been some debate about seed oils in the health community, they’re generally considered safe when enjoyed in moderation. ### Does the Red Velvet cake mix contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, this mix doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners. Instead, it gets its sweetness from sugar, which is what you’d typically expect in a cake mix. So if you’re looking for that classic cake sweetness, you’re in the right place! ### Is the Red Velvet cake mix high in sugar? Yes, it’s on the high side with 17 grams of added sugars per serving. If you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, just be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re planning to whip up a frosted cake! ### What are some healthier alternatives to the Red Velvet cake mix? If you're looking for something a bit healthier, consider making a homemade cake with whole grain flour, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and adding pure cocoa powder for that red velvet flavor. There are also gluten-free and vegan cake mixes available that might fit your dietary needs better. ### Can kids eat the Red Velvet cake mix? Absolutely! Kids will likely love the fun color and sweet taste of red velvet cake. Just keep in mind the sugar content, and maybe pair it with some fruit or a healthy snack to balance things out. ### Is the Red Velvet cake mix good for weight loss? While it’s not specifically designed for weight loss, enjoying a slice of red velvet cake in moderation can certainly fit into a balanced diet. Just be cautious about portion sizes and how often you indulge, especially if you're trying to shed some pounds. ### Is the Red Velvet cake mix ultra-processed? You could say it leans towards the ultra-processed side, given the long list of ingredients and additives. It contains things like propylene glycol mono- and diesters and artificial color (Red 40), which are common in processed foods. Just remember, indulging in a treat like this every now and then is part of a balanced lifestyle! ## Related products - [Duncan Hines Comstock Pie Filling & Topping, Orchard Apple](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/duncan-hines-comstock-pie-filling-topping-orchard-apple-21-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/duncan-hines-comstock-pie-filling-topping-orchard-apple-21-oz - [Sweet'N Low Sugar Substitute Packets](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sweet-n-low-sweetn-low-sugar-substitute-packets-350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sweet-n-low-sweetn-low-sugar-substitute-packets-350-oz - [Pillsbury Flour, Best All Purpose](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pillsbury-flour-best-all-purpose-5-lb) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pillsbury-flour-best-all-purpose-5-lb - [Jell-O Gelatin Dessert, Cherry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-gelatin-dessert-cherry-3-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-gelatin-dessert-cherry-3-oz - [Domino Sugar Premium Pure Cane, Granulated](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/domino-sugar-premium-pure-cane-granulated-350-lb) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/domino-sugar-premium-pure-cane-granulated-350-lb - [Morton Natural Sea Salt, Iodized](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/morton-natural-sea-salt-iodized-26-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/morton-natural-sea-salt-iodized-26-oz - [Jell-O Gelatin Dessert, Sugar Free Black Cherry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-gelatin-dessert-sugar-free-black-cherry-030-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-gelatin-dessert-sugar-free-black-cherry-030-oz - [Kraft Shake 'N Bake Seasoned Coating Mix Original Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/shake-n-bake-kraft-seasoned-coating-mix-original-chicken-450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/shake-n-bake-kraft-seasoned-coating-mix-original-chicken-450-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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