Both red velvet cake mix and chocolate cake mix are used to make delicious cakes, but there are some key differences between the two. Here’s a quick overview of how they compare:
Ingredients
The main ingredients in red velvet cake mix are:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Red food coloring
- Vanilla extract
The main ingredients in chocolate cake mix are:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
As you can see, the ingredient lists are very similar, with a few key differences. Red velvet cake mix contains buttermilk and red food coloring, which help give it its signature red velvet color and tangy flavor. Chocolate cake mix does not contain these ingredients.
Flavor
Red velvet cake has a richer, deeper chocolate flavor than regular chocolate cake. The cocoa powder used in red velvet cake mix is often darker and has a more intense chocolate taste.
The buttermilk in red velvet cake mix also lends a tangy, creamy flavor. Buttermilk helps neutralize the acids in the cocoa, bringing out more of the chocolate flavor.
Chocolate cake made from a typical chocolate cake mix will have a good chocolate flavor but it won’t be quite as rich and layered as red velvet cake.
Color
The bright red color is the most obvious distinguishing factor between red velvet and chocolate cake.
Red velvet cake gets its reddish-brown hue from two ingredients:
- Cocoa powder – the darker cocoa used in red velvet cake provides a brownish color
- Red food coloring – adding 1-2 tablespoons of red food coloring dyes the cake batter vivid red
Chocolate cake gets its dark brownish color solely from the cocoa powder. No food coloring is added.
Texture
The textures of red velvet and chocolate cake are a bit different too.
Red velvet cake is famous for having an especially light, fluffy, and moist texture. The acids from the cocoa and buttermilk produce a fine, tender crumb. The eggs and oil keep the cake extra moist.
Chocolate cake made from a typical cake mix will still be moist with a tender crumb, but usually not quite as airy and delicate as red velvet cake.
Uses
Red velvet and chocolate cake mixes can generally be used for making:
- Cake layers
- Sheet cakes
- Cupcakes
However, red velvet cake is especially iconic used as a layer cake frosted with cream cheese frosting. This tall layered red velvet cake makes for beautiful, impressive desserts for birthdays, weddings, and special occasions.
Chocolate cake is extremely versatile. While it can be used in the same ways as red velvet cake, it’s especially popular in ice cream cakes, cake pops, chocolate lava cakes, and German chocolate cakes topped with coconut-pecan frosting.
Nutrition
There isn’t a major difference in nutrition between red velvet cake mix and chocolate cake mix.
Here’s a nutritional comparison of two popular supermarket brands:
| Cake Mix (1/4 cup dry) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betty Crocker Red Velvet cake mix | 100 | 1 | 22 | 1 |
| Betty Crocker Chocolate cake mix | 110 | 2 | 23 | 2 |
As you can see, the two cake mixes are nearly identical in calories, carbohydrates, and protein. The only small difference is that the chocolate cake mix contains 1g more fat per serving compared to the red velvet cake mix.
So in terms of nutrition, you can’t go wrong with either one! They are both indulgent treats.
Cost
On average, red velvet and chocolate cake mix cost about the same. Prices will vary between brands and retailers, but expect to pay around:
- Red velvet cake mix: $3-$4 for a 15-18oz box
- Chocolate cake mix: $3-$4 for a 15-18oz box
Often, stores will charge the exact same price for red velvet and chocolate varieties from the same brand. Specialty red velvet mixes from upscale brands can cost more.
Availability
Chocolate cake mix is ubiquitous and available everywhere from supermarkets to convenience stores. Any grocery store will carry at least one or two options.
Red velvet cake mix is now widely available at most supermarkets, but you may have better luck finding a good selection at larger grocery stores. The options are more limited at smaller corner shops or convenience stores.
However, red velvet cake mix is now mainstream enough that most retailers carry at least one popular national brand like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. Availability is not as much of an issue as it used to be.
Homemade vs Boxed Mix
You can make red velvet or chocolate cake completely from scratch at home. But cake mixes provide convenience and consistent results.
Benefits of homemade cakes:
- Can customize ingredients
- No preservatives/artificial ingredients
- Often more moist
Benefits of boxed cake mixes:
- More affordable
- Easy to prepare
- Consistent quality
- Long shelf life
Both options have their perks! Boxed mixes make baking accessible for cooks of all skill levels. But from-scratch recipes allow for creativity.
Conclusion
While red velvet cake mix and chocolate cake mix contain similar basic ingredients, red velvet distinguishes itself with its signature bright red color and tangy, cocoa-buttermilk flavor.
Chocolate cake mix provides that classic chocolate taste loved by many. Red velvet cake mix offers a more sophisticated, rich chocolate flavor paired with red velvet’s iconic cream cheese frosting.
So in summary:
- Red velvet cake mix has a more intense chocolate flavor thanks to the special cocoa powder used.
- It contains buttermilk for added tanginess and moisture.
- Red food coloring produces its vivid red color.
- It is especially good used in layer cakes with cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate cake mix has a more everyday chocolate flavor.
- It can be used more flexibly for all types of cakes and desserts.
- Both mixes have similar nutrition and cost profiles.
The choice between the two depends on whether you want classic chocolate or unique red velvet flavor! Both will satisfy any chocolate lover.