Here’s some good news: healthy pancakes can support your clean eating lifestyle.
You might be thinking: is there such a thing? Absolutely. And it means that you no longer need to give up your pancake craving for a healthy diet. Protein pancake mix is a convenient, delicious, and healthy way to start your day.
Your Daily Source of Protein
If you’ve been in the fitness game for a while, you’re probably already bored with wolfing down white eggs and chugging down protein shakes. But what can you do? After all, you need your trusted sources of protein, right?
Luckily, you can change up your post-workout supplement with protein pancake mix. It’s not just tastier and more fun; this high-fiber, high-protein breakfast solution also provides the essential macronutrients that build muscles, burn fat, and keep you energized throughout the day.
In this article, we’ll provide info on the 10 best protein pancake mixes of 2021, list ingredients and instructions to help you create your protein solution, and offer tips to guide you in choosing the right healthy breakfast alternative.
Choosing the Right Protein Pancake Mix
When looking for the best protein pancake mix, pay attention to the label or packaging. Opt for professional brands, and choose products with low-fat ingredients. The contents of your nutritional supplement are not only integral workout needs; they also drive your fitness story to either success or disaster.
Natural ingredients
This essentially means no artificial ingredients or added color. Natural ingredients go through minimal processing that didn’t alter the component itself. Many highly processed ingredients contain synthetic chemicals or trace amounts of pesticides, which could pose serious health risks in the long run. Natural ingredients, such as plant-based protein powder, form muscles and supply them with a major amount of energy.
Non-GMO
If you’re looking to shop for non-GMO products, be careful not to rely on label claims; look for seals or logos that verify whether your protein pancake mix is in fact non-GMO.
Another way to avoid GMOs is to steer clear of processed foods with ingredients from corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, and cotton. TIME reports that about 90% of US farm lands for soybean and corn grow crops that are genetically engineered.
On the other hand, half of the sugar used in food products are derived from genetically modified corn syrup. In most packaging, they come in different names, such as “sweetener,” “fructose,” and “syrup.” Going organic is another way to avoid GMOs, as they are prohibited in organic production.
No preservatives
Find a protein pancake mix that’s free from chemicals and preservatives, as consumption of these can lead to various diseases. For one, researchers have linked sodium nitrates to cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases while anti-caking agents like Butylated Hydroxyanisole disrupts hormone signals.
Additive consumption causes digestive problems, too. Artificial sweeteners, for one, trigger the microbes in your digestive system to produce excess calories, which can lead to diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases.
Amount of protein and fiber per serving
While protein is the most important macronutrient, people can’t digest more than 30 grams in a single serving. The US Food and Nutrition Board rules that an average adult needs 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. However, the rules don’t apply to everyone. The best way to determine the amount of protein you need is to tailor it to your training and use a macros calculator.
Meanwhile, the American Heart Association recommends 25 grams of fiber per day on a 2,000-calorie diet. Fiber keeps your digestive track running well. More than that, it supports weight loss, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and balances bacteria in your stomach.
How much sugar per serving
Sugar weakens your immune system and makes you feel tired within a short period of time. As such, excessive consumption of sugar can bring all sorts of diseases. Some protein powder have about 20 grams per serving, which is similar to an ice cream’s sugar content.
Low sugar consumption is important to keep your body in a constant state of fat burning. While sugar doesn’t have a set recommendation per serving, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams a day for men and no more than 24 grams a day for women.
Most packaging will list only grams of sugar per serving. You’ll need to determine the portion size by checking the very top of the label and measuring out the total grams of sugar in a package. The total should include both natural and added sugar.
How many calories per serving
Calories are the amount of energy that food provides. The energy that you get leads to either weight loss or weight gain. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that women need between 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day while men need 2,000 to 3,000.
Experts further recommend a division of a calorie consumption across meals: 300 to 400 calories for breakfast, and 500 to 700 calories each for lunch and dinner. Snacks, on the other hand, shouldn’t exceed 200 calories.
However, your daily calorie intake also depends on your resting metabolic rate. Using an online calculator can help you determine how many calories to consume per meal. How you divide it depends on your daily activities and fitness plan.
Vitamins and minerals
Most protein pancakes mixes are already fortified with minerals and vitamins that enhance performance. They can also be good sources of whole grains, calcium, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber. These are essential in blood regulation, heart functions, and metabolism.
Cooking options
More than just supporting your fitness goals, protein pancake mixes are also easy to prepare. For most of them, you just need to add water and cook in a griddle within three minutes. Others would need you to put in some oil and egg. Others still require the use of microwaves. There are also protein pancake mixes that you can take on the go.
Our Top Picks
Now that you have an idea on the variables to consider when buying a protein pancake mix, it’s time to choose among the 10 best products in the market.
1. MET-Rx High Protein Pancake Mix with Vitamins and Minerals
This high protein, low-fat breakfast is sweet, light, and fluffy. Preparing it is hassle-free and you don’t even need to add butter or syrup. A two-scoop serving contains only 2.5 grams of fat. A three-scoop serving contains 18 grams of protein, which is equal to five egg whites. Most importantly, it contains twice as much protein than regular pancakes.
Ingredients:
- Buttermilk powder
- Corn Starch
- Flaxseed
- Leavening
- Metamyosyn HPP Protein Blend
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Soy Lecithin
- Sugar
- Wheat Flour
- Wheat Gluten
How to Prepare:
Just blend two scoops of pancake mix with ⅓ cup of water. Make sure that you have preheated your griddle to 300°F before pouring two tablespoons of batter per pancake onto it. Cook the pancake for up to 1½ minute per side.
Flavors:
Original Buttermilk
2. Kodiak Cakes Pancake Mix
With no added fat, sugar, or cholesterol, this Power Cake is non-GMO, 100% whole grains, and available in 12 flavors. It contains 14 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. Add milk to increase your protein intake to 18 grams. Adding an egg further increases your protein intake to 21 grams.
Ingredients:
- Brown Sugar
- Buttermilk
- Leavening
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Sea Salt
- Wheat Protein Isolate
- Whey Protein Concentrate
- 100% Whole Grain Oat and Wheat Flour
How to Prepare:
Combine 1 cup of mix with 1 cup of water. Pour ¼ cup of batter on preheated and lightly oiled griddle set at 300°F or on a skillet set at medium. Flip it after bubbles stop forming and until the bottom side turns golden brown. It should take about 1 minute to cook the first side and 30 seconds to cook the other side.
Flavors:
Almond Poppy Seed, Buttermilk, Buttermilk & Chia, Buttermilk & Honey, Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Oat, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin and Flax, Rocky Mountain Oat, Strawberry Chocolate Chip, and Whole Wheat, Oat, & Honey
Also Try:
Turn Power Cakes into protein-packed power bites, chicken pesto pizza, cake batter blondies, and cornmeal flapjacks with chili.
3. FlapJacked Protein Pancake & Baking Mix
This wholesome and delicious pancake mix has a nutty yet mild buttery flavor, which also works as a high-protein substitute for flour. It contains 20 grams of protein and just 200 calories. It has no added sugar and artificial ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Buttermilk
- Monk Fruit
- Natural Flavor
- Organic Coconut Flour
- Pea Protein
- Salt
- Stevia Extract
- Whey Protein Isolate
- Whole Oat Flour
- Xanthan Gum
How to Prepare:
Just mix together ½ cup of mix with ⅓ cup of cold water. Let the batter thicken for three minutes. Make sure that you have slightly greased and preheated the griddle up to 295°F before pouring the batter onto it. Cook each side for about three minutes or until bubbles subside.
Flavors:
Banana Hazelnut, Buttermilk, Cinnamon Apple, Gluten-Free Buttermilk
Also Try:
You can substitute it as flour for muffins, cookies, waffles, bread, and bars.
4. Phoros Nutrition Protein Pancake Mix
This award-winning formula will boost your energy for the rest of the day. No surprise there since it contains as much protein as six egg whites. Three medium pancakes consist of 30 grams of proteins, 19 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fat, and only 2 grams of sugar.
Ingredients:
- Baking Powder
- Creamer
- Ground Cinnamon
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Papain
- Protease
- Protein Blend
- Oat Flour
- Sucralose
- Vital Wheat Gluten
How to Prepare:
Simply mix with water until smooth, pour the batter onto the pan, and flip once the bubbles stop forming. Your pancake will be ready in just two minutes.
Flavors:
Original, Buttermilk, Cinnamon Roll
Also Try:
You can also use this healthy baking mix to create muffins, brownies, donuts, cookies, and microwavable mugcakes.
5. Birch Benders Performance Protein Pancake and Waffle Mix
Whether you’re planning on feeding a crowd or simply need a nutritional supplement to fuel your daily activities, grab three packs of this protein pancake mix. It makes 78 pieces of four-inch pancakes.
Packed with your essential proteins, calcium, fiber, and iron, this healthy breakfast solution provides 16 grams of protein per serving and 0 grams of trans fat. It even has a resealable closure to maintain the freshness of the mix. Available in 13 flavors.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Evaporated Cane Sugar
- Leavening
- Natural Flavor
- Salt
- Unbleached Wheat Flour
- Vital Wheat Gluten
- Whey Protein Concentrate
How to Prepare:
Scoop your preferred amount of mix, blend with water, then cook in a griddle or pan. No need to add eggs or milk.
Flavors:
Banana Paleo, Blueberry, Classic Recipe, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Keto, Gluten Free, Keto, Paleo, Peanut Butter Protein, Plant Protein, Protein, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Spice Paleo
6. Lakanto Low-Carb Pancake & Waffle Mix
Best Gluten Free Protein Pancake Mix
If you’re currently on a strict weight management plan, this pancake mix can support your lifestyle. It’s compatible to individuals in any type of diet, including ketogenic, diabetic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based. Moreover, it’s wholesome, gluten-free, low-carb, and contains vegan-friendly proteins.
Ingredients:
- Baking Powder
- Chickpea Flour
- Cinnamon
- Fiber Blend
- Natural Flavors
- Natural Mixed Tocopherols
- Non-GMO Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
- Pea Protein
- Potato Flour
- Rice Bran
- Rice Protein
- Sea Salt
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Tapioca Starch
How to Prepare:
Add coconut oil, eggs, and water to this pancake mix, and blend together. Pour batter into a preheated griddle and cook.
Flavors:
Original
7. Keto and Co Pancake & Waffle Mix
Best Protein Pancake Mix for Keto Diet
Delicious and fluffy, our top pick for a keto diet contains 73% fewer carbs than leading products. High in fiber and naturally sweetened, it goes well with sugar-free syrup, butter, bacon, and eggs. It can also work well with diabetic, gluten, and keto diets.
Ingredients:
- Almond Flour
- Baking Powder
- Cinnamon
- Coconut Flour
- Milk
- Milk Protein Isolate
- Natural Flavors
- Salt
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Tree Nuts
- Wondrose Sugar Replacer
- Xanthan Gum
How to Prepare:
In a medium bowl, mix together three large eggs, two tablespoons of nut milk or water, and oil. Add ½ cup of pancake mix, and stir until smooth. Then let it thicken for 30 seconds. Heat oiled or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Stir batter again before pouring ¼ cup into the skillet. Cook until the bottom turns brown.
Flavors:
Keto
8. Birch Benders Keto Friendly Pancake & Waffle Mix
With this protein pancake mix, Birch Benders claims that it has created the pancake of the future. One large pack makes 26 pieces of medium-sized pancakes which you can share with your friends. It also comes with a resealable pouch to keep its freshness for future use.
Grain-free and gluten-free, this diabetic friendly mix makes the perfect keto. Each serving contains 9 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
Ingredients:
- Almonds
- Buttermilk
- Cassava
- Coconut
- Eggs
- Leavening
- Milk
- Salt
- Spice
- Tigernut
- Tree Nuts
How to Prepare:
Just place your intended amount into a bowl, add water, and mix. You don’t even need to put eggs or milk.
Flavors:
Keto
9. Birch Benders Paleo Pancake & Waffle
Best Protein Pancake Mix for Paleo Diet
Here’s a protein pancake mix that’s delicious, fluffy, naturally sweet, and rich in minerals. Its almond and coconut flours add fiber and protein, and gives off a traditional pancake texture. Pouch is resealable to keep the mix’s freshness after use.
Every two pieces of four-inch pancakes consist of 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Grain-free, low-glycemic, low carb, pre-biotic, this healthy supplement can support your keto, paleo, gluten-free, whole30, and bulletproof diet.
Ingredients:
- Almond Flour
- Cassava
- Eggs
- Leavening
- Monk Fruit
- Organic Coconut Flour
- Root Flour
- Salt
- Spice
How to Prepare:
Just scoop your desired amount, and mix with water. No need to add milk or egg.
Flavors:
Paleo
10. Kodiak Cakes Pancake On the Go
Best on the Go
If you’re always on the go, get the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert with this protein pancake mix. This healthy alternative to protein shake is not only convenient and easy to make; it’s also delicious. It comes in a pack of 12. A Minute Muffin Cup contains 10 grams of protein per serving and keeps you energized the whole day.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Brown Sugar
- Buttermilk
- Leavening
- Maple Syrup
- Milk
- Natural Flavor
- Palm Oil
- Sea Salt
- Wheat
- Wheat Protein Isolate
- Whey Protein Concentrate
- 100% Whole Grain Wheat Flour
- 100% Whole Grain Oat Flour
How to Prepare:
Mix with ¼ cup of water. But if you would like to add 2 grams of protein, add milk instead. Stir until blended well. Heat in a microwave for 60 seconds, and enjoy.
Flavors:
Buttermilk & Maple