One of the hardest things about sticking to a keto diet or low carb lifestyle is finding good, grain-free alternatives to conventional wheat bread, rolls, buns, etc. The same is true for people with food allergies or other medical conditions that require following a dairy-free, sugar-free, grain-free (or wheat-free) or gluten-free diet.
While a burger wrapped in lettuce or sandwiched between pieces of low carb, keto-friendly bread (or whatever wrapper meets your dietary restrictions) is fine, sometimes you just want to eat a burger inside a real hamburger bun. The challenge is finding one with a good enough taste and texture that also fits within your preferred (or medically necessary) healthy eating lifestyle.
Today, I'll share my product review of KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix, the best low carb keto sandwich and burger buns mix I have found since 2019, when I started my keto weight loss diet that helped me lose nearly 60 pounds and then continued to follow a healthy low carb lifestyle.
UPDATE: July, 2023 KetoBakes has announced that it is going out of business. I will try to find a good replacement for their wonderful keto sandwich and burger buns mix.
Low Carb, Keto Friendly Burger Buns With a Great Taste and Texture
I have tried quite a few commercial low carb burger buns that claimed to be keto friendly. My favorite from a taste and texture perspective are the Sola Golden Wheat Hamburger Buns, which have a taste and texture that resemble their high-carb counterparts more than most. They're soft, sturdy enough to hold up well as a "hamburger holder" or sandwich bun, and both the taste and texture are improved after a minute or two in a toaster oven. They are baked fresh weekly, are shipped frozen and defrost in transit, and the company recommends freezing them upon receipt and thawing them as needed.
They contain 14g of protein, which is great, and 11g of dietary fiber. They also contain 19g total carbs and 6g net carbs after you subtract the 11g of fiber and 2g of sugar alcohol (erythritol), which can be a bit high for someone who is trying to lose weight on a ketogenic diet and has a low daily net carb limit.
Even though they are marketed as "keto-friendly," they contain ingredients such as wheat that are fine for people who are doing so-called "dirty keto" or "lazy keto" but don't fit the requirements for a "clean keto" or strict keto diet. They also contain some ingredients that are food allergens and, therefore, make them off-limits to my friends and family members who need to eat gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, grain-free or even just wheat-free. So, while I really like the Sola Golden Wheat Hamburger Buns, I also wanted to find some low carb burger buns that had not only a satisfying taste and texture but also fewer net carbs and only "clean keto" ingredients.
I have tried a couple of very good low carb recipes for keto burger buns for when I have the time, energy and inclination to bake from scratch, but since we eat burgers twice a week, I wanted low carb burger buns that were either ready-to-use or quick and easy to prepare, especially during the hot summer months. Ideally, they would also be wheat-free, grain-free, sugar-free, soy-free and gluten-free, so all my friends and family members could enjoy them, and a less expensive option than the Sola burger buns would be a bonus.
I tried several keto baking mixes for burger and sandwich buns. Unfortunately, most were disappointing in their taste, texture, or both. Recently, however, I tried a mix from a company I had not heard of before but that had great product reviews: KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix. My expectations weren't very high, based on my experiences with other keto sandwich bun mixes. Frankly, as someone with a professional background in product marketing, I also was skeptical of a product name that made such a bold marketing claim.
To my surprise (and delight), the KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix really does live up to its name, based on my experience so far with burger bun mixes from competing keto baking mix brands. (I'm always trying new products that fit my low carb lifestyle, so if another challenger de-thrones the KetoBakes low carb sandwich buns mix, I'll update this product review.)
Why KetoBakes Sandwich Buns Baking Mix Really Is the "Best EVER" Keto Burger Buns Mix
Why do I think KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix lives up to its name?
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| This bun made with KetoBakesBest EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix is large (and tall) enough for a burger. You can see how nicely the tops brown and the airy texture that keeps these low carb buns from being dense or heavy, like so many keto baked goods. |
Superior Taste and Texture
This mix produces low carb sandwich buns that aren't overly dense, bland, tough or spongy, unlike many other keto-friendly buns. The dough contains yeast, so the buns are light and full of tiny air pockets, while being sturdy enough for a burger or sandwich that you can pick up and eat with your hands without worrying about it crumbling, tearing or sagging.
I find them similar in texture to sandwich buns from a good artisan bakery!
High Protein, Moderate Fat, High Fiber, 0g Net Carbs
Dividing the prepared dough into 8 portions makes buns that are a good size for a burger or sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
8 servings per container
Serving size: 1/8 (31g)
|
|
Per 1/8 dry mix |
Per baked bun (1/8 prepared dough) |
|
Calories |
130 |
140 |
|
Total Fat |
10g |
10g |
|
Sat. Fat |
1g |
1g |
|
Trans Fat |
0g |
0g |
|
Cholesterol |
0mg |
0mg |
|
Sodium |
360mg |
410mg |
|
Total Carbohydrate |
9g |
9g |
|
Dietary Fiber |
8g |
8g |
|
Total Sugars |
<1g |
1g |
|
Added Sugars |
0g |
0g |
|
Sugar Alcohol (Erythritol) |
1g |
1g |
|
Protein |
5g |
8g |
|
Net Carbs |
0g net carbs |
0g net carbs |
Non-GMO, Wholesome, Clean Keto Ingredients
KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix contains the same wholesome, "clean" ingredients I use when I bake low carb, grain-free sandwich buns from scratch:
- Non-GMO blanched almond flour
- Organic psyllium husk
- Certified gluten-free oat fiber
- Non-GMO erythritol
- Himalayan pink salt
- Baking yeast
- Aluminum-free baking powder
- Xanthan gum
- Pure stevia extract powder
There's nothing that I can't pronounce or am not familiar with from baking keto recipes and no chemical preservatives.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Just mix 1 cup of egg whites, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water in a mixing bowl, add in the mix and stir by hand or with an electric mixer for 1 minute (batter will be thick and have a "porridge-like" consistency). Let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken further, then portion the dough with a measuring scoop into 8 portions, either on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a mesh silicone hamburger bun mold. (Note: If baking the buns in this type of mold, increase the egg whites to 1.5 cups.)
Bake in a preheated 350 ℉ oven for approximately 55 minutes (covering with foil after 35–40 minutes if the tops are browning too quickly). Allow the baked buns to cool for 10 minutes before slicing or freezing.
I love that, even though this baking mix contains yeast, you don't have to wait for the prepared dough to rise!
Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Grain-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free
The mix is manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and both the mix and the prepared buns can accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and food allergy restrictions.
The Baked Buns Freeze Beautifully and Thaw Quickly
Since the mix contains no chemical preservatives, KetoBakes says the baked buns will keep at room temperature for one day, in the refrigerator for one week, or in zippered food storage bags in the freezer for up to four weeks. However, I have stored them successfully in the freezer for significantly longer inside my favorite Stasher Stand-Up Mega Sized Silicone Reusable Storage Bag, which has an innovative air-tight, PINCH-LOC seal that's a cinch to zip and unzip (unlike most zippered food storage bags).
The frozen buns thaw quickly and taste even better lightly toasted!
Less Expensive Than My Favorite Ready-to-Eat Low Carb Sandwich and Burger Buns
High quality keto and low carb baked goods and baking mixes are, of necessity more expensive to produce than their conventional, big brand name counterparts, thanks to the higher cost of cleaner, more nutritious ingredients (e.g., almond flour and natural sweeteners vs. wheat flour and cane sugar). The best quality mixes made with wholesome, less processed, healthier ingredients are also often made by smaller companies. Both these factors contribute to the higher retail price of good quality of high quality, healthy, low carb, keto-friendly baked goods and baking mixes.
The Sola Golden Wheat Hamburger Buns are already baked and ready to eat. Naturally, that convenience costs more. I always order six packages of four, since the price per bun for a single package of four is cost-prohibitive. As of this post's publication date, a two-pack of 4 Sola hamburger buns (8 buns) costs $13.99, or $3.50 per bun(!), whereas a six-pack (24 buns) costs $32.10, or $1.33 per bun.
A single bag of KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix makes 8 large buns and sells on Amazon for $9.99 as of this writing, or $1.25 per bun plus the cost of the added egg whites and apple cider vinegar. The price for a 3-pack of the mix (24 buns) is $29.99, which comes out to the same price per bun as the single bag of mix. You can also buy a 6-pack of the mix (48 buns) for $55.23, bringing down the cost to $1.15 per bun (plus the cost of the egg whites and vinegar).
Versatile Keto-Friendly Baking Mix for Sandwich Buns, Burger Buns, Dinner Rolls or Baguettes
In addition to making delicious sandwich buns, the prepared KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix dough can be portioned out with a 1/3-cup scoop to make 10–11 dinner rolls or shaped into baguettes no wider than 3" in diameter. The package directions provide the adjusted baking times for these variations.
Family-Owned Small Business
I love to find great products from small, family-owned businesses, especially when the quality is superior to what is available from the big-name brands and huge, multinational corporations that dominate the food industry and sacrifice quality for profits.
I also trust small, family-owned companies like KetoJoy and its KetoBakes brand low carb baking mixes, whose owners put their faces, names, personal stories and passion for their mission on their products and marketing.
If you've been looking for great-tasting, healthy, low carb, keto-friendly sandwich and burger buns with wholesome, non-GMO, clean ingredients, I'm confident that you'll love KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix as much as I do!
The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix by Margaret Schindel
Posts About My Keto Diet Journey
My First Year on The Keto Diet
Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One
Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two
Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet
Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe
Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review
Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips
My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories
Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe
The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe
The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide
The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins
Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe
The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review
The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss
My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe
Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review
Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites
The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe
The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe
Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars
The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix
Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe
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Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones
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Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)
How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating
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I think the hardest part of giving up grains (I so do love my breads) is for things like a hamburger. Good to know there is now a low carb Keto sandwich/burger buns mix available for all who need to follow a dietary plan that eliminates grains.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elf! I, too, am a bread lover, and there’s no question that finding good grain-free bread is a challenge. That’s why I am so pleased to be able to share this excellent bun mix!
DeleteIt obviously takes real commitment to stick to a Keto diet! Hamburger buns are something I take for granted and I would feel seriously deprived if I couldn't have a tasty burger with a delicious bun. I love that you have done so much to make finding products for dieters easier.
ReplyDeleteSylvestermouse, thank you so much for your very kind words! Having a hamburger without a good bun really does take away from the burger experience. I’m so grateful to have found a couple of great burger buns that work for not only my low carb lifestyle but also for others who need (or choose) to avoid wheat and other grains, dairy, soy and gluten.
DeleteMargaret, I so admire all the research you do to find just what you are looking for. These look delicious and the texture of these buns looks amazing in your photo, and you don't have to be on a Keto diet to enjoy these.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind compliment, Sam! I’m glad my photo of the sliced-open bun was helpful in showing the texture. I think both you and Fran would really enjoy this mix!
DeleteIt is really difficult if you are on a restricted diet for any reason to find good, tasty, healthy, low carb foods and still enjoy burgers and buns etc. Your research into these products will be so useful to anyone following a Keto diet or just wanting to try certain foods or products that are Keto. These burger buns you made look great and sound like they are very tasty too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jasmine! That’s my hope. This burger bun mix is also great for people who are not necessarily on a keto or low carb diet but have food allergies or other medical conditions that require a wheat-free, grain-free, dairy-free, soy-free or gluten-free diet. I appreciate your kind comment very much!
DeleteYour Keto reviews need to go in a Magazine! They're that thorough, and that good! I always learn more about Keto food suggestions after reading your reviews. You're very disciplined as well with your commitment to low carb/keto. I really like the look and sound of these, wow. My daughter-in-law made some keto bread a few weeks ago - I have no idea what the recipe was all about, but it was good. These look ideal for keto hamburgers, perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for that fabulous compliment, Barbara! Good, “clean” keto breads and baked goods are a lot harder to create (or find) than their conventional counterparts made with wheat flour and other grains. I’ve tried more than my fair share of consumer baked goods, recipes and baking mixes that claim to be keto-friendly, and most of those with the best taste and texture have ingredients that aren’t “clean” keto.. As you know, I’m a lifelong bread and baked goods lover, so my standards for keto baked goods are pretty high. The buns made from this mix are really good! I’m sure you’d like them, and they are great for those times when you really want the conventional burger experience or a sandwich on a really good bun. I love that you can also use this mix to make slim baguettes and dinner rolls! Thanks so much for your support and inspiration, my fellow “keto warrior!”
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ReplyDeleteYour comment that it holds up as a "hamburger holder" is the best! That is my number one criteria for buns. I am not Keto. But I appreciate this review very much. I am just trying to cut back -rather than be fully Keto (or other dietary style). I am glad to know these buns freeze well. All good information. Thank you Margaret.
ReplyDeleteDawn, I’m so happy that you found my review helpful! Cutting back on grains and sugar (in all its forms), without necessarily cutting them out completely, can be so beneficial to our bodies, minds and overall health and well-being. Thanks so much for your visit and your kind comment.
DeleteOh I have to move to the States.....we don't have this brand up here, so the next time I'm state bound, I will add this to my growing list of "keto" things to buy and bring home! Thanks Margaret!
ReplyDeleteOlivia, as you know, I would love to have you visit, especially if you are planning to be in New England and we can figure out how to get together in person! In the meantime, if you ever want me to order something like this for you on Amazon.com (if it isn’t sold on Amazon.ca) and have it sent directly to you, I would be happy to. Unfortunately, the free Prime delivery wouldn’t apply. But if it’s something you really want, the shipping might be worth it. Just let me know!
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