Hidden Valley Ranch is one of the most popular ranch dressing and dip brands in the United States. Their signature ranch dressing mix comes in two main versions – the Original Ranch dressing mix and the Ranch dip mix. This often leads to the question – is Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix the same as the dressing mix or are there differences?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is no, Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix are not the same. While they are both ranch flavoring mixes made by Hidden Valley, there are some differences between the two:
| Ranch Dressing Mix | Ranch Dip Mix |
|---|---|
| Used for making ranch dressing | Used for making ranch dip and chip dips |
| Contains buttermilk powder | Does not contain buttermilk powder |
| Thicker consistency | Thinner consistency |
| More herbs and spices | Less herbs and spices |
The differences in ingredients and consistency make the Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix better suited for salad dressings, while the ranch dip mix is optimized for dips and chips. While they are different, both can be used interchangeably in a pinch with slightly different results.
Ingredients in Hidden Valley Ranch Mixes
To fully understand the differences between Hidden Valley’s ranch dressing mix and ranch dip mix, we need to look at the ingredients label on each.
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix Ingredients
The full ingredient list for Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix is:
– Maltodextrin
– Salt
– Monosodium glutamate
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Buttermilk powder
– Citric acid
– Spices
– Artificial flavors
– Dextrose
– Disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate
Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix Ingredients
The ingredients for Hidden Valley ranch dip mix are:
– Maltodextrin
– Salt
– Monosodium glutamate
– Onion powder
– Garlic powder
– Citric acid
– Spices
– Artificial flavor
– Calcium stearate
– Sunflower oil
Key Differences in Ingredients
Comparing the ingredient lists side-by-side, we can pinpoint the key differences:
| Ranch Dressing Mix | Ranch Dip Mix |
|---|---|
| Contains buttermilk powder | Does NOT contain buttermilk powder |
| More herbs and spices | Less herbs and spices |
| No added oils | Contains sunflower oil |
The buttermilk powder and increased herbs and spices help give ranch dressing a thicker, more flavorful consistency perfect for salads. The dip mix leaves these out for a thinner dipping consistency and lets the other dip ingredients like sour cream provide flavor.
Other Ingredients
Aside from those key differences, the Hidden Valley ranch mixes contain many of the same ingredients like maltodextrin, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and citric acid for flavor. They both also rely on artificial flavors and MSG (monosodium glutamate) for enhancing the ranch taste.
Using Hidden Valley Ranch Mixes
Now that we see the ingredient differences between Hidden Valley’s ranch dressing mix versus ranch dip mix, how does this affect how they are used?
Using Ranch Dressing Mix
The ranch dressing mix is thicker and loaded with more herbs and spices to deliver an authentic ranch dressing flavor and texture. To use it:
– Combine the ranch dressing mix with mayonnaise and milk or buttermilk. The mayo gives it the creamy base while the milk/buttermilk provide tanginess.
– Let it chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend.
– Use it as a dressing for salads, as a marinade for proteins, as a sandwich spread, or for dipping vegetables.
– The thicker texture of the dressing mix makes it perfect for coating proteins before baking them.
Using Ranch Dip Mix
The thinner ranch dip mix shines when used for dips. To use it:
– Combine it with sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamy chip dip. The sour cream provides a cool, tangy base for the mix.
– Mix with mayo and a splash of milk to make a veggie dip. The mayo gives it a creamy base while the milk thins it out.
– Use it to season rotisserie chicken by whisking it into any drippings in the pan.
– Sprinkle it on popcorn, fries, or chips for easy ranch flavoring.
Can They Be Used Interchangeably?
In a pinch, Hidden Valley’s ranch dressing mix and ranch dip mix can be used interchangeably though they won’t provide exactly the same results.
Using Dressing Mix for Dips
The thicker ranch dressing mix will create a thicker, more herby dip but it can still taste great. You may need to thin it out with a bit more milk or other liquid when substituting it into a dip recipe that calls for the dip mix.
Using Dip Mix for Dressing
The ranch dip mix will make a thinner, less herby dressing than the dressing mix. Shake it up vigorously before using to distribute the oil and mix well. Letting it chill overnight in the fridge can also help the flavors distribute. The dressing may not coat greens and proteins as well due to the thinner texture.
Cost Comparison
In addition to their differences in use and taste, Hidden Valley’s ranch dressing and dip mixes come in different sized packages at different price points:
| Product | Package Size | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix | 1.0 oz | $0.99 |
| Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix | 2.0 oz | $1.29 |
The original Ranch dressing mix packets are smaller at 1.0 oz versus 2.0 oz for the dip mix. However, the dip mix costs a bit more per package. Comparing their prices per ounce:
– Ranch dressing mix: $0.99 per ounce
– Ranch dip mix: $0.65 per ounce
So the dip mix is a little more economical per ounce compared to the dressing mix packets. However, the dressing mix provides more servings at 16 servings per packet versus 10 for the dip mix.
Conclusion
While Hidden Valley Ranch makes two similar ranch flavoring mixes, they differ in some key ways:
Key Differences
– Dressing mix contains buttermilk powder while dip mix does not
– Dressing mix has more herbs and spices for flavor
– Dip mix includes added sunflower oil for thinner consistency
Uses
– Dressing mix is better for salad dressings and coating proteins
– Dip mix is optimized for serving with chips, vegetables, and other dip pairings
Cost
– Dressing mix costs a little more per package but provides more servings per ounce
– Dip mix costs less per ounce but has fewer servings per packet
So in summary, while in a pinch they can be swapped, the Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix and dip mix are designed for slightly different uses and textures. The dressing mix brings that cool, herby ranch flavor, while the dip mix keeps it light for dunking.