What is a Healthy Pancake Mix to Buy? Your Guide to Smarter Breakfasts

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Many commercial pancake mixes are surprisingly loaded with refined flour and added sugar, undermining your health goals. Learning what is a healthy pancake mix to buy involves understanding key ingredients and checking nutrition labels to ensure your morning meal is both delicious and nutritious.

Quick Summary

This resource provides an in-depth breakdown of how to identify a truly healthy pancake mix by focusing on whole food ingredients, balanced macronutrients, and key label certifications.

Key Points

Check Ingredients First: Prioritize mixes with whole-grain flours (oats, whole wheat, almond) and avoid refined white flour and hydrogenated oils.
Look for High Protein and Fiber: Higher protein and fiber content, found in brands like Kodiak and Scotty's Everyday, contribute to satiety and balanced energy levels.
Minimize Added Sugar: A healthy mix will have low or no added sugars. Use natural sweeteners like mashed fruit when cooking instead.
Consider Dietary Needs: Options like Simple Mills (paleo/gluten-free) and Scotty's Everyday (keto/high-fiber) cater to specific dietary restrictions.
Read the Nutrition Label Carefully: Always check the serving size, calories, and daily values (%DV) for fat, sodium, and added sugars to make an informed choice.

Decoding the 'Healthy' Label

Not all pancake mixes are created equal, and many popular brands rely heavily on refined white flour and excessive sugar. A truly healthy pancake mix focuses on nutrient-dense ingredients that provide sustained energy rather than a sugar crash. When evaluating a mix, look beyond marketing claims like "light & fluffy" and scrutinize the nutrition label and ingredient list.

Key Nutrients to Look For

Whole Grains: Opt for mixes made with 100% whole grain flours like whole wheat, oats, buckwheat, or ancient grains. These provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than their refined counterparts.
High Protein: Protein helps you feel full longer and stabilizes blood sugar levels, preventing mid-morning slumps. Look for mixes with 10-15+ grams of protein per serving, often sourced from whey, egg whites, or plant-based proteins like almond meal.
High Fiber: Fiber is essential for digestive health and adds to the feeling of fullness. Some of the healthiest mixes incorporate ingredients like ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or resistant tapioca starch for a fiber boost.
Low Added Sugar: Many traditional mixes contain significant amounts of added sugars, which contribute empty calories. Seek mixes with low or no added sugar, and add natural sweetness with mashed bananas or berries instead.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats, like those from nuts or coconut flour, contribute to flavor and satiety. Avoid mixes containing hydrogenated oils, which contain unhealthy trans fats.

Popular Healthy Pancake Mixes: A Comparison

To help you compare different products, here is a breakdown of popular healthy pancake mix options based on key nutritional factors.


Brand	Main Ingredients	Protein	Fiber	Sugar	Dietary Notes
Kodiak Cakes	100% Whole Grain Wheat & Oat Flour	14g	5g	3g	Balanced, hearty, kosher
Simple Mills	Almond Flour, Arrowroot, Coconut Sugar	11g	3g	8g	Gluten-free, grain-free, paleo
Scotty's Everyday	Resistant Tapioca Starch, Allulose	0.5g	24g	0g	Keto, gluten-free, high-fiber
Birch Benders Organic	Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Buttermilk	4g	1g	7g	Organic, vegetarian
ProDough	Whey Protein, Rice Flour, Potato Flour	27g	2g	5g	High protein, gluten-free

The Top Contenders

Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes

Kodiak Cakes is a widely recognized brand for a good reason. It offers an excellent balance of whole grains, protein, and fiber to keep you full and energized. Its hearty flavor and satisfying texture make it a reliable choice for a balanced breakfast. Reviewers often praise its versatility and rich flavor profile.

Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake Mix

For those seeking a grain-free option, Simple Mills is a top pick. This mix uses almond flour, arrowroot, and organic coconut sugar, making it certified gluten-free, paleo, and grain-free. It delivers a moist, fluffy pancake and is a great choice for those with sensitivities to gluten or grains.

Birch Benders Organic Classic Pancake & Waffle Mix

If you prefer an organic option, Birch Benders offers a straightforward mix made with organic wheat flour and buttermilk. It's a quick, convenient option that requires only water and delivers on taste and texture. While lower in protein and fiber compared to specialized mixes, its organic ingredients appeal to many health-conscious consumers.

Scotty's Everyday Keto Pancake & Waffle Zero Carb Mix

This mix is a game-changer for those on ketogenic or high-fiber diets. It boasts a whopping 24 grams of fiber per serving and zero net carbs, thanks to resistant tapioca starch. This mix is also gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan, catering to multiple dietary needs. While it has less protein, you can add your own protein sources to the batter.

ProDough Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix

For maximum protein, ProDough is a standout choice. With 27 grams of protein per serving, this gluten-free mix is ideal for athletes or anyone looking to boost their protein intake. It uses a blend of whey protein, rice, and potato flours to create a satisfying, high-protein breakfast.

DIY Mix vs. Store-Bought

While a pre-made mix offers undeniable convenience, making your own at home provides complete control over the ingredients. A homemade mix with whole wheat flour, oats, flaxseeds, and a touch of natural sweetener ensures you know exactly what you're consuming. However, the time-saving benefit of a quality store-bought mix is a significant advantage for busy mornings. For the healthiest option, a quality pre-made mix with simple, whole-food ingredients is the best compromise between convenience and nutrition.

Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice

When selecting a healthy pancake mix, prioritize whole grains over refined flours, high protein and fiber content, and minimal added sugars. Brands like Kodiak Cakes, Simple Mills, and Scotty's Everyday offer excellent, nutritious options tailored to different dietary needs. By carefully reading the ingredients and nutrition labels, you can confidently choose a mix that supports your health goals and makes for a delicious, satisfying breakfast.

For a deeper dive into reading nutrition labels, visit the FDA guide to nutrition labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Kodiak Cakes are considered a healthy option because they are made with 100% whole grains and contain a balanced profile of protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and energized.

The 'best' gluten-free mix depends on your specific needs, but popular and highly-rated options include Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake Mix for a paleo-friendly choice or King Arthur Baking Gluten-Free Pancake Mix.

You can make any mix healthier by adding nutrient-rich ingredients. Try incorporating mashed bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture, or stir in ground flax or chia seeds for extra fiber and healthy fats.

Some mixes, often labeled 'complete,' only require water, which is convenient. However, adding your own eggs and milk (or plant-based alternative) can boost protein and nutrient content, offering more control over the final product.

To avoid artificial ingredients, check the label for simple, recognizable ingredients. Avoid long lists of unfamiliar preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors. Prioritize mixes with whole foods.

For weight loss, focus on mixes high in protein and fiber to increase satiety. Options like Kodiak Cakes or ProDough (very high protein) are good choices, especially when paired with healthy toppings like berries or nuts.

Making your own mix offers the most control over ingredients and nutrients, ensuring it's as healthy as possible. However, quality store-bought mixes made with whole-food ingredients are a great, convenient alternative.