Ranch freaks, rejoice! The ultimate ranch taste test has finally arrived. Today we are talking homemade (or I should say semi-homemade) Hidden Valley ranch dressing made from the ranch seasoning packet versus the classic bottle of Hidden Valley ranch dressing. We did a side-by-side comparison to find out once and for all which ranch is the ranch.
Pros
Ranch Packet Pros:
The ranch packet has a fresher taste, because you add your own mayo and milk. Even though all the herbs and spices in the mix are dried, they rehydrate quickly and leave you with a product that feels homemade. This version of Hidden Valley Ranch is more flavorful than the bottled version and much, much thicker. It would be ideal as the star of a vegetable crudite platter. It’s also more versatile. I made it exactly as instructed on the package, but you could easily customize the ratios to make it any texture or level of flavor intensity you’d like.
Bottled Ranch Pros:
Literally, zero effort is required to enjoy the bottled Hidden Valley Ranch. You don’t have to work or wait or have other ingredients on hand. The texture is thinner, making it much easier to drizzle it onto a salad or use it as a dip for a slice of pizza. The flavor is subtle. This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to overpower their food but desires a creamy element. This ranch remains edible for quite a while after it’s opened.
Cons
Ranch Packet Cons:
The ranch packet is so salty. For some people, that might be a pro, but the saltiness is definitely overpowering. I don’t think I could dip an already salty buffalo sauce-covered wing into this version of Hidden Valley Ranch. And forget making this in a pinch. It requires plenty of mayo and milk, so unless you already have those two things on hand, you’re going to be swinging by the grocery store and spending more money. Then, after it’s made, it has to be refrigerated for 30 minutes to thicken. And, since this is made fresh, it has a relatively short shelf life and should be used immediately.
Bottled Ranch Cons:
The bottled Hidden Valley Ranch is certainly less flavorful than the freshly made packet version. It also has that slightly strange tang that some packaged products have from excessive citric acid. It’s not super prominent, but it’s definitely present.
And the winner is …
I am shocked to say this, but the winner of this head-to-head Hidden Valley Ranch-off is bottled Hidden Valley Ranch. I know you’re doubting my tastebuds. You might even be mad. But here’s the thing: Yes, the ranch packet tastes better. If your only concern is taste, get the packet. The bottle, however, wins in every other arena. Financially, one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch will run you $1.50 to $2, plus the additional costs of purchasing whole milk and mayonnaise. A ready-to-consume bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch will run you about $2-3 in total. Time-wise, the packet has to be prepared and then it has to sit for at least 30 minutes, whereas the bottle has no wait time whatsoever. The packet is very thin and perfect as a dip, while the bottle has a texture that is better for salads (it is, after all, a salad dressing).
But what really seals the deal for the bottle is that the dressing you make with the packet goes bad relatively quickly. Whereas I can keep the bottle in my fridge and use it…forever? I’m sure it’s not actually forever, but it feels like forever compared to the prepared packet. Plus, the classic bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch does taste good. You might think you’re too good for it, but you’re wrong! It’s tangy, slightly herby, and super creamy. So while the packet does taste better, it can’t make up for the fact that the bottle takes the lead in every other category. In the end, save the packet for when you’re throwing a party, use the bottle the rest of the time to save on money, time, and waste.
FAQs
The ranch packet has a fresher taste, because you add your own mayo and milk. Even though all the herbs and spices in the mix are dried, they rehydrate quickly and leave you with a product that feels homemade.
What kind of ranch dressing do most restaurants use? ›
Because while some restaurants do use a bottled shelf stable dressing, what you are referring to is a powdered ranch mix (typically the Hidden Valley brand) that the restaurant cooks add milk/ buttermilk and sour cream to make their dressing.
How much ranch is equal to a packet? ›
There are 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning in one packet of ranch seasoning mix. So if a recipe calls for a packet of ranch seasoning all you have to do is measure out 2 tablespoons and add it into the recipe instead of using the packet.
Why does restaurant ranch taste better than store ranch? ›
While many restaurants use mass produced ranch mix, they often add it to a higher-quality base. This might include milk, buttermilk, sour cream, or mayonnaise. So when you notice that the ranch in a restaurant tastes better than the bottled dressing from the store, what you're really tasting is delicious, creamy fat.
How do you make bottled Hidden Valley Ranch better? ›
If you don't have time or inclination to make your dressing from scratch, but you want that elevated restaurant-style ranch, think about zhuzhing up the bottled version with things like finely chopped shallot or scallion, a clove of minced fresh garlic, a splash of buttermilk or dollop of sour cream if you have them ...
What is the most requested salad dressing? ›
Ranch Dressing
The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper.
How do restaurants make their ranch taste so good? ›
Restaurant style ranch tasted different because it is made fresh with very specific ingredients. Store ranch has to include certain preservatives and stabilizers so it has a long shelf life both before it is purchased, as well as after you open it at home.
Does cool ranch actually taste like ranch? ›
The flavor in a Cool Ranch Dorito just feels like ranch that died and now we're left with its spirit. It's weak ranch. The biggest problem with Cool Ranch Doritos is the ingredients. Among a hodgepodge of miscellaneous binders and chemicals, they pretty much just include onion, garlic, and buttermilk.
Why does Hidden Valley Ranch taste different? ›
The ranch packet has a fresher taste, because you add your own mayo and milk. Even though all the herbs and spices in the mix are dried, they rehydrate quickly and leave you with a product that feels homemade. This version of Hidden Valley Ranch is more flavorful than the bottled version and much, much thicker.
What is the recall on Hidden Valley Ranch? ›
One of the recalls involves Hidden Valley Original Ranch Homestyle dressing sold at Costco with UPC of 0 71100 21042 2 and a best-before date of March 28, 2024 due to undeclared mustard. “The Clorox Company of Canada is warning people with allergies to mustard not to consume the recalled product.
The ingredients in the seasoning packet have changed a bit since Henson first wrote the recipe and in particular, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is now one of the ingredients.
Why does ranch dip get watery? ›
Dips can turn watery if food, such as chips or vegetables like carrots and celery, is being dipped directly into the container and then refrigerated and re-opened for later use.
What kind of ranch do Wing restaurants use? ›
They use packets of dry Hidden Valley Ranch to flavor their dressing. It is the leading brand of ranch seasoning around, offering a rich, zesty flavor. Our easy-to-make Wingstop ranch dressing recipe uses this dry seasoning mix. However, you can make homemade ranch seasoning mix if you prefer.
What kind of ranch is Chick Fil A ranch? ›
A creamy buttermilk ranch sauce with savory garlic, onion and herb flavors. Nutrition information is calculated using standard product formulations and incorporates multiple data sources.
Is Hidden Valley Ranch homestyle the same as original? ›
A: I found flavor is pretty much the same but the new original container I just got has more salt: homestyle 45 mg vs original 60 mg. I can taste the difference. Great product for either version.
