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? ›
It's no secret that Hidden Valley Ranch is a staple ingredient in many homemade ranch dressings, but did you know that restaurants also rely on this classic brand? According to several chefs I spoke with, Hidden Valley Ranch provides the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess that customers love.
Why does restaurant ranch taste better than bottled? ›
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 restaurants make their ranch taste so good? ›
Even when a restaurant does start with premade ranch, they will often fold in extra fresh herbs, and maybe even more buttermilk, to lighten and bring in some brighter flavors that can be lost in shelf-stable bottling.
Does Hidden Valley Ranch Packets have MSG? ›
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 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 most consumed salad dressing in the United States? ›
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. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.
Why is restaurant ranch so creamy? ›
When considering why meals taste so much better in restaurants than when prepared at home, the answer is usually lots of butter. However, when it comes to ranch dressing, there's another creamy ingredient that steals the show — buttermilk.
Why is Jet's ranch so good? ›
The flavor is obviously incredible, and what makes it superior to other ranch dressings is that it tastes fresh. So many of these chains have pre-packaged ranch that is lame and uninspiring, but Jet's tastes like they make it at their store, even if its not.
What is the difference between Homestyle and Original Hidden Valley Ranch? ›
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. Thank you for your feedback!
What Makes Wingstop Ranch Stand Out? Wingstop's Ranch is distinguished by its harmonious blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, dill, and a medley of spices. The resultant concoction is a velvety, flavorful sauce that pairs exquisitely with a variety of dishes, transcending beyond just wings.
Why is Hidden Valley Ranch out of stock everywhere? ›
Clorox, Hidden Valley's parent company, is dealing with a cyberattack that has affected the dressing's production. So stores for months have had trouble stocking what some people call America's favorite dressing.
Who eats the most ranch dressing? ›
The Midwest knows ranch best
According to the Association of Dressings and Sauces (yes, that's a real thing), ranch dressing is more popular in the Midwest than any other region in the country (via The New York Times).
Is McCormick ranch seasoning good? ›
Excellent taste and great for so many recipes! Constructed with just 5 ingredients fillers and additives are avoid in this dry ranch dressing, dip and seasoning mix. The ingredients are buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, yeast extract and spices which are not detailed but undoubtedly add to the just 5 total components.
Do ranch seasoning packets expire? ›
Store. Store the dry ranch dressing mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Be sure to make a note of the expiration dates on the herbs and spices used in the recipe and use on or before those dates. Store the ranch dressing made with the mix in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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.
What brand of ranch does Hooters use? ›
Naturally Fresh, Inc. is a producer of dressings, sauces, marinades, dips, oils, and vinegar. The company also manufactures dressings, sauces and dips for a number of different restaurants and institutions, including Hooters.
