I Tried Four Boxed Stuffings in a Blind Taste Test—and Now I’m Reconsidering My Go-To Brand

Published on November 8, 2025

If your Thanksgiving menu is anything like mine, you'll find the classics. We always have mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. The only dish I don't make from scratch is the stuffing. In my house, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving dinner without boxed stuffing mix. It's how it's always been, and makes me somewhat of a boxed stuffing expert. To find out which option deserves a spot on the menu this year, we put four popular brands to the test in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen. The winner was one I hadn't had before but won't miss again.

The 4 Stuffing Mixes We Tried

To test the boxed stuffing mixes, each was prepared according to package directions in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen and sampled each blind. We evaluated the stuffing on flavor, texture, and if we'd buy the box (or bag) again.

• Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing
• Stove Top Traditional Sage Stuffing Mix
• Great Value Chicken-Flavor Stuffing Mix
• Kinder's Brown Butter & Herbs Homestyle Stuffing Mix
  

Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing

Our tasters gave this stuffing mix high marks for its crisp texture and subtle onion flavor. Visually this stuffing had a clear combination of white and wheat bread pieces. However, many found the finished dish too dry and crumbly. That being said, this is a great stuffing for anyone who loves pouring gravy over their entire plate. The whole wheat bread helps ensure the stuffing will stay crisp, even when doused with turkey gravy.

Stove Top Traditional Sage Stuffing Mix

This stuffing earned points for its fluffy, moist texture and familiar flavor. Comments about the flavor ranged from "very sagey" to "tastes like a boxed mix, but I like that." If you're looking for a classic boxed stuffing mix that doesn't skimp on flavor, Stove Top is very hard to beat. If you're watching your sodium intake, choose a different stuffing. This box has nearly 500 milligrams of sodium per 1/2 cup of prepared stuffing.

Great Value Chicken-Flavor Stuffing Mix

If you love a savory stuffing, you'll be pleased with this boxed mix. Our recipe tasters especially loved the tender texture and chicken flavor of this boxed stuffing mix. One commenter even mentioned the flavor reminded them of chicken bouillon, in a good way. Many called out that it was right on the edge of being too salty, so be sure to use unsalted butter when preparing it.

Kinder's Brown Butter & Herbs Homestyle Stuffing Mix

The texture is what set this stuffing apart and ultimately helped it eke out the top spot among our tasters. Reviewers loved the large chunks of bread and buttery flavor. Tasters specifically called out the taste of celery and herbs. Many mentioned it tasted the most homemade-like of the bunch. If you're looking for a boxed mix that could pass as homemade, Kinder's is our top choice.