I buy ranch dressing mix frequently to make almost-homemade ranch dip and dressing for my favorite desk lunch: chicken tender ranch salad. For decades, I bought Hidden Valley Ranch mix, just like my mom did. It’s zesty, creamy, and versatile enough for dips, dressing, snacks, and marinades.
But recently, I spotted a new ranch mix next to my trusted standby on the store shelf: Kinder’s Ranch Dip and Seasoning Mix. I’ve loved all the Kinder’s barbecue sauces I’ve tried, so I gave its ranch mix a shot. Holy moly! This stuff tastes so good that I’ve switched brands for good.
Kinder’s Ranch Dip and Seasoning Mix
Price: $1.99 for one 1.25-ounce envelope
Availability: Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Whole Foods
Why I Love It: I love Kinder’s ranch dip for its rich, creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor that tastes surprisingly homemade.
Credit: Simply Recipes / Kinders
What I Love About Kinder’s Ranch Mix
I noticed the flavor difference right away. It has all the creamy, herby, tangy notes I expect from ranch, but the onion, garlic, herbs, and black pepper stand out more. What isn’t as prominent is the intense umami I taste in my old brand. Kinder’s uses yeast extract for umami, which is more subtle, so the finished dip tastes more like a creamy, tangy, buttermilk-based herb dip I made from scratch.
I fell in love after the first packet, and the flavor keeps me buying it. According to Kinder’s, the mix is also soy-, gluten-, and gum-free, which I also appreciate.
How I Use Kinder’s Ranch Mix
The packet calls for mixing the 1.25-ounce envelope with two cups of sour cream. That makes one heck of a luxurious, creamy dip for chips and raw veggies. I’ve got my eye on Kinder’s ranch spinach dip recipe, too.
For a tangier dunking sauce for tater tots, pizza crusts, and chicken nuggets, I use whole milk yogurt instead of sour cream. For a thinner, drizzleable dressing, I whisk in a little buttermilk, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar.
A 1.25-ounce envelope of Kinder’s Ranch Dip and Seasoning Mix costs $1.99 and is available at Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Whole Foods.
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