In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing a Healthy Pancake MixOur SearchOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Healthy Pancake Mix
Our Search
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:Courtesy of Brand
Courtesy of Brand
There’s no doubt that a fresh batch ofhomemade pancakesis a great way to start your morning. But sometimes we don’t have the time (or the ingredients) to whip them up from scratch. Enter boxed pancake mix, an accessible convenient option that gets the job done in a fraction of the time.Pancakes aren’t exactly known for their stick-to-your-ribs staying power, though. With this in mind, we analyzed the nutrition labels for protein and fiber and polled our editors for their favorite brands that will fill you up. Check out the six that were our absolute favorites out of them all—plus, get advice on some nutrition numbers to look for on the package.Healthy pancake mix that tastes great, too? Sign us up!Our Top PicksBest Overall:Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$6Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Buttermilk Pancake Mix:SALEKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix at Amazon$20$17Jump to ReviewBest Protein Pancake Mix:Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Gluten-Free Pancake Mix:Simple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix:Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon$27Jump to Review
There’s no doubt that a fresh batch ofhomemade pancakesis a great way to start your morning. But sometimes we don’t have the time (or the ingredients) to whip them up from scratch. Enter boxed pancake mix, an accessible convenient option that gets the job done in a fraction of the time.
Pancakes aren’t exactly known for their stick-to-your-ribs staying power, though. With this in mind, we analyzed the nutrition labels for protein and fiber and polled our editors for their favorite brands that will fill you up. Check out the six that were our absolute favorites out of them all—plus, get advice on some nutrition numbers to look for on the package.
Healthy pancake mix that tastes great, too? Sign us up!
Our Top PicksBest Overall:Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$6Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Buttermilk Pancake Mix:SALEKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix at Amazon$20$17Jump to ReviewBest Protein Pancake Mix:Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Gluten-Free Pancake Mix:Simple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix:Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best Overall:Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$6Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Buttermilk Pancake Mix:SALEKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix at Amazon$20$17Jump to ReviewBest Protein Pancake Mix:Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Gluten-Free Pancake Mix:Simple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix:Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best Overall:Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$6Jump to Review
Best Overall:Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$6
Best Overall:
Also Great:Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix at AmazonJump to Review
Also Great:Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon
Also Great:
Best Buttermilk Pancake Mix:SALEKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix at Amazon$20$17Jump to Review
Best Buttermilk Pancake Mix:SALEKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix at Amazon$20$17
Best Buttermilk Pancake Mix:
SALE
Best Protein Pancake Mix:Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Best Protein Pancake Mix:Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix at Amazon$36
Best Protein Pancake Mix:
Best Gluten-Free Pancake Mix:Simple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$14Jump to Review
Best Gluten-Free Pancake Mix:Simple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix at Amazon$14
Best Gluten-Free Pancake Mix:
Best No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix:Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix:Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon$27
Best No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix:
Best OverallBob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle MixPHOTO: Amazon$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Bobsredmill.comWhat we like:Organic ingredients and a flavor that pairs well with various toppings and mix-ins.What to know:The texture is a bit heavier than traditional pancakes made with all-purpose flour.Bob’s Red Mill is known for its extensive line of whole grains and baking ingredients. The company produces several pancake mixes, but we especially love the 7 Grain Mix for its versatility and nutrition. The ingredients are 100% organic and contain a blend of whole wheat, rye, spelt, corn, oat, Kamut wheat, quinoa and brown rice flours.With only a touch of added sugar and no added flavorings, these pancakes are mild in taste and make an excellent blank canvas for mix-ins and toppings. The finished product isn’t as fluffy as pancakes made with all-purpose flour, but that’s to be expected with the added protein and fiber from whole grain flours.Nutrition Info for Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7 Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix, per ¼ cup:140 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 2 g total sugar (1 g added sugar), 7 g protein
Best OverallBob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle MixPHOTO: Amazon$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Bobsredmill.com
Best OverallBob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix
Best Overall
Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix
PHOTO: Amazon
$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Bobsredmill.com
What we like:Organic ingredients and a flavor that pairs well with various toppings and mix-ins.
What to know:The texture is a bit heavier than traditional pancakes made with all-purpose flour.
Bob’s Red Mill is known for its extensive line of whole grains and baking ingredients. The company produces several pancake mixes, but we especially love the 7 Grain Mix for its versatility and nutrition. The ingredients are 100% organic and contain a blend of whole wheat, rye, spelt, corn, oat, Kamut wheat, quinoa and brown rice flours.
With only a touch of added sugar and no added flavorings, these pancakes are mild in taste and make an excellent blank canvas for mix-ins and toppings. The finished product isn’t as fluffy as pancakes made with all-purpose flour, but that’s to be expected with the added protein and fiber from whole grain flours.
Nutrition Info for Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7 Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix, per ¼ cup:140 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 2 g total sugar (1 g added sugar), 7 g protein
Also GreatLong Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle MixPHOTO: AmazonView on AmazonView on Longtablepancakes.comWhat we like:Cornmeal, rye, buckwheat and hazelnut flours create a unique sweet-and-savory taste.What to know:Cooks up with a blue-gray hue from the blue cornmeal.If this cornmeal based mix sounds familiar, you might have seen Long Table presenting its pancakes on “Shark Tank.” The brand’s blue corn pancake mix won over Hannah Freedman,EatingWell’s Director of Content Strategy. “I grew up in New Mexico, and this blue corn mix transports me home while delivering the perfect savory sweet breakfast bite,” says Hannah.The blend of flours in this mix includes organic blue corn, rye flour, buckwheat flour and hazelnut meal. These pancakes have a unique, rich corn flavor that works with both sweet and savory toppings. They’re a little more intensive to prepare than other mixes that only require water, but adding milk and egg increases protein to 11 grams per serving once prepared.Nutrition Info for Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix, per ⅓ cup:160 calories, 4 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 480 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 3 g total sugar (2 g added sugar), 5 g protein
Also GreatLong Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle MixPHOTO: AmazonView on AmazonView on Longtablepancakes.com
Also GreatLong Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix
Also Great
Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix
View on AmazonView on Longtablepancakes.com
What we like:Cornmeal, rye, buckwheat and hazelnut flours create a unique sweet-and-savory taste.
What to know:Cooks up with a blue-gray hue from the blue cornmeal.
If this cornmeal based mix sounds familiar, you might have seen Long Table presenting its pancakes on “Shark Tank.” The brand’s blue corn pancake mix won over Hannah Freedman,EatingWell’s Director of Content Strategy. “I grew up in New Mexico, and this blue corn mix transports me home while delivering the perfect savory sweet breakfast bite,” says Hannah.
The blend of flours in this mix includes organic blue corn, rye flour, buckwheat flour and hazelnut meal. These pancakes have a unique, rich corn flavor that works with both sweet and savory toppings. They’re a little more intensive to prepare than other mixes that only require water, but adding milk and egg increases protein to 11 grams per serving once prepared.
Nutrition Info for Long Table Blue Corn Pancake and Waffle Mix, per ⅓ cup:160 calories, 4 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 480 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 3 g total sugar (2 g added sugar), 5 g protein
Best Buttermilk Pancake MixKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle MixPHOTO: Amazon$20$17 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$6 at Thrive Market
Best Buttermilk Pancake MixKodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix
Best Buttermilk Pancake Mix
Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix
$20$17 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$6 at Thrive Market
What we like:Made with 100% whole grains and whey protein for a protein-packed stack.
For cooking inspiration, you can find recipes for mini pizza, banana zucchini muffins and a veggie tart—all made with buttermilk pancake mix—onthe brand’s website.Nutrition Info for Kodiak Buttermilk Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix, per ½ cup:220 calories, 2.5 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (3 g added sugar), 15 g protein
Best Protein Pancake MixKrusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake MixPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$6 at Walmart
Best Protein Pancake MixKrusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix
Best Protein Pancake Mix
Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix
$36 at Amazon$6 at Walmart
What we like:Made with higher protein ingredients, including whole wheat flour, wheat protein and whey protein isolate.
What to know:It’s higher in added sugar than we’d like, but the buttermilk taste is a winner.
The addition of wheat protein and whey protein isolate pack this pancake mix with more than double the protein of most of our other picks. When mixed with just water, this mix delivers 15 grams of protein (30% DV), and Krusteaz includes instructions to boost protein even more with the addition of milk and/or eggs. Using milk in place of water increases the protein per serving to 17 grams and using both milk and an egg gets you 20 grams of protein from one stack, which is comparable to three large eggs.
Nutrition Info for Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix, per ½ cup:220 calories, 2 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 600 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 8 g total sugar (7 g added sugar), 15 g protein
Best Gluten-Free Pancake MixSimple Mills Pancake & Waffle MixPHOTO: Amazon$14 at Amazon$8 at WalmartWhat we like:Cooks up softer and not gummy compared to other gluten-free mixes.What to know:This mix offers the least amount of protein per serving (4 g or 8% DV) on our list.Nutty almond and coconut flours puff these grain-free pancakes up without the gumminess other gluten-free mixes tend to have. Pancake mixes made with these alternative flours are a healthier choice for everyone, regardless of gluten status, since they’re higher in filling protein and fiber than traditional all-purpose flour.Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans, or top with nut butter, to hit our protein recommendation. If you’re looking for even more protein, Simple Mills also makes a gluten-free protein pancake mix. In addition to almond flour, it also contains chickpea protein and has 11 grams of protein per serving.Nutrition Info for Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake & Waffle Mix, per ⅓ cup:170 calories, 8 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 240 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (5 g added sugar), 4 g protein
Best Gluten-Free Pancake MixSimple Mills Pancake & Waffle MixPHOTO: Amazon$14 at Amazon$8 at Walmart
Best Gluten-Free Pancake MixSimple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix
Best Gluten-Free Pancake Mix
Simple Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix
$14 at Amazon$8 at Walmart
What we like:Cooks up softer and not gummy compared to other gluten-free mixes.What to know:This mix offers the least amount of protein per serving (4 g or 8% DV) on our list.
Nutty almond and coconut flours puff these grain-free pancakes up without the gumminess other gluten-free mixes tend to have. Pancake mixes made with these alternative flours are a healthier choice for everyone, regardless of gluten status, since they’re higher in filling protein and fiber than traditional all-purpose flour.
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans, or top with nut butter, to hit our protein recommendation. If you’re looking for even more protein, Simple Mills also makes a gluten-free protein pancake mix. In addition to almond flour, it also contains chickpea protein and has 11 grams of protein per serving.
Nutrition Info for Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake & Waffle Mix, per ⅓ cup:170 calories, 8 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 240 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (5 g added sugar), 4 g protein
Best No-Added-Sugar Pancake MixBirch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle MixPHOTO: Amazon$27 at Amazon$8 at Walmart$7 at Thrive Market
Best No-Added-Sugar Pancake MixBirch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix
Best No-Added-Sugar Pancake Mix
Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix
$27 at Amazon$8 at Walmart$7 at Thrive Market
What we like:Mixes with just water, so it’s easy to scale pancakes for one or a crowd.
What to know:Contains erythritol, a calorie-free sugar alcohol, which can give some people digestive upset.
One trick to finding a filling pancake mix is to check options labeled paleo, low-carb or keto, even if you don’t subscribe to any of those eating styles. These pancake mixes won’t contain any added sugars, since they’re a no-no on those diets, and are typically made with flours higher in protein and fiber.
Birch Benders Keto pancake mix contains almond flour, tapioca fiber and pea fiber, which packs 9 grams of fiber into each serving (that’s 32 percent of your Daily Value). Whey protein concentrate and eggs help bump up the protein content to 6 grams per serving.
Nutrition Info for Birch Benders Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix, per ⅓ cup:140 calories, 8 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrates, 9 g fiber, 1 g total sugar (0 g added sugar, 4 g sugar alcohol), 6 g protein
The Bottom Line: The Best Healthy Pancake Mix
If you’re looking for a pancake mix that’s made with 100% whole grains and low in added sugar,Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7 Grain Pancake Mix(view at Amazon) is a great choice. For higher protein pancakes with a classic buttermilk flavor, we loveKrusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix(view at Amazon).
Go for Whole Grains
Bolster your defenses against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and weight gain—all before lunch? Yes, please! Opt for a whole-grain mix over refined. But don’t just pick up any box claiming whole grains on the front. Look for the word “whole” in the ingredient list and make sure it’s listed first. Another clue: If fiber is very low (0-1 gram), the product is probably not whole-grain.
Added Sugar Is OK (Within Reason)
A little bit of sugar can help balance out the natural bitterness of whole grains. But if you’re also adding syrup to your stack, finding the line between lightly sweetened breakfast and dessert is tricky. Considering the American Heart Association caps added sugars at 25 grams for women a day (36 grams for men), limiting your pancakes to 5 grams per serving lets you have some syrup too. Just keep in mind: 1 tablespoon of maple syrup adds 12 grams of sugar.
Forgo the Flavored Mixes
Blueberry, chocolate chip, pumpkin spice—as tempting as these flavors sound, they aren’t usually made with whole grains and can be higher in sugar—we found several with 11 grams of sugar per serving. A better bet is to pick a standard mix and add your own mix-ins or toppings.
Focus on Fiber
Seeking out a version of a healthy pancake mix with 3 or more grams of fiber will help stave off hunger and help you reach the minimum suggested intake of 25 to 38 grams daily. Mixes made with 100% whole grains and/or with added seeds like chia and flax tend to have the highest amounts of this nutrient. When choosing grain-free, opt for blends with almond or coconut flour to get a fiber bump.
Check for Protein
Most pancake mixes have between 2 and 4 grams of protein per serving. For a little extra oomph, scan the ingredient list for buckwheat or chickpea flour, vital wheat gluten, seeds and pea or whey protein and choose a brand with at least 5 grams of protein per serving of dry mix.
Nutrition Numbers to Look For
(dry, unprepared mix)
Fiber: ≥ 3g
Protein: ≥ 5g
Added Sugar: ≤ 5g
Our Search for the Best Healthy Pancake Mixes
When we previously tested healthy pancake mixes, to find the best mix, we researched the latest offerings on the market, analyzing the nutrition facts and ingredients for more than 60 pancake mixes. From there,EatingWelleditors taste-tested 26 different healthy pancake mixes and selected the best mixes based on taste and texture.
Common Questions
What makes a boxed pancake mix healthy?
There are two considerations that make a boxed pancake mix healthy: the amount of added sugar per serving and the type of flour it contains.
Added sugar provides flavor to pancake mix, but a little goes a long way, especially if you’re going to be adding maple syrup, jam or other sweet toppings to your stack of pancakes. The most recent version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting intake of added sugars. Choosing a pancake mix that’s lower in sugar (hint: they’re usually the unflavored mixes) can help you cut back on calories and added sugar.
Healthy pancake mixes also contain whole grain flours or alternative flours, like almond or coconut flour. These flours contain more fiber and protein compared to all-purpose flour, making them more filling choices. The more fiber and protein in a pancake mix, the more likely you are to feel satisfied after eating.
Can you make boxed pancake mix healthier?
As for toppings, butter and maple syrup are classic and delicious, but not exactly filling ingredients. Opt for nutrient-dense toppings, like fresh or frozen fruit and drizzling with peanut butter for added fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Are boxed pancake mixes high in sugar?
Some, but not all, boxed pancake mixes contain a good bit of added sugar. If you like to top your pancakes with maple syrup, what appears to be a simple breakfast can end up packing enough added sugar to rival dessert. Our rule of thumb is to avoid flavored pancake mixes, since they often contain the most added sugars, and look for a mix that contains 5 grams or less of added sugar per serving.
Can you use pancake mix to make other baked goods?
Yes! The main ingredients in pancake mix are flour, sugar, salt and leavening agents, which are found in most baked goods. You can use pancake mix to make waffles, as well—in fact, most packaged pancake mixes include directions for prepping waffle batter. Pancake mix can also be used as the base for crepes, biscuits, muffins and cakes. The ingredients you add and the amount of liquid you need will vary depending on what you’re making, though, so it’s good to consult a recipe before baking.
What is the healthiest flour to use in pancakes?
Any flour made from whole grains is a healthy choice for pancakes. Whole grain flours contain more fiber and protein than all-purpose wheat flour. One cup of whole wheat flour contains 16 grams of fiber, compared to 3 grams of fiber in one cup of all-purpose flour.
Other whole-grain flours, such as oat flour or buckwheat flour, provide different, nutty flavors that also work well for pancakes.
Maxine Yeung, RD, is the original author of our pancake roundup. A former pastry chef turned registered dietitian and nutrition writer, Maxine is a contributing writer forEatingWelland helped research pancake mixes that deliver both nutrition and taste.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
