Reply #13: Yes, it's noticeable

[supernova]

The only mix I've ever consistently bought was brownies. I used to know how to do them from a family recipe, but after a while, it became too cakelike for me. I couldn't figure out how to fix it. I tried recipe after recipe but I just didn't have any brownie mojo! So I turned to mix.

I've always make cakes, quick breads, and other things from scratch, though.

Since being laid off in 2008, I've gone back to baking though. I'm much more of a bread baker now. Luckily whole paycheck sells flour in the bulk bins here. We did get one of those 3lb yeast cakes at Costco. I keep my bread consumption to a minimum, but the SO really likes it.

edit: I have bought ready made bakery items when I was short on time and had promised to bring something to a gathering. Single, working, and baking from scratch don't really mix on weekday nights.

I have noticed one thing that sells well are the customized decorated cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, and so on. Grocery stores seem to be well equipped for that task.