While it’s pretty easy to make your own pancakes from scratch with a few basic pantry ingredients, it’s also nice to have a trusted pancake mix on hand to save on time and dishes. Most pancake mixes only require the addition of water, so you can have pancake batter ready for a hot griddle in no time. It’s also easier to scale a batch of pancakes for a single person or for a crowd when using a pancake mix.
If you follow a particular diet, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of pancake mixes available that can accommodate a variety of eating styles, including low-carb, grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Tuck this list of the best pancake mixes away and consult it the next time a craving for a pancake brunch or breakfast for dinner hits.
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What We Like
Makes flavorful pancakes
Includes buttermilk and malt extract
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
What We Don't Like
Requires several ingredients to prepare
Can be hard to find
King Arthur Flour is known for its line of baking flours and trusted baking recipes, so it’s a little surprising that this pancake mix takes the cake. This mix promises easy, light, and fluffy pancakes reminiscent of the ones you might get at your local diner.
The mix contains a blend of King Arthur’s tried and true unbleached flour, along with whole wheat flour and malted barley flour. It’s also got a touch of sweetness, contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and is non-GMO verified.
This mix produces consistently fluffy, mildly sweet pancakes that are a blank canvas for fresh fruit, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or whatever other toppings make you happy.
Price at time of publish: $7
Servings Per Container: 22 | Calories Per Serving: 150 | Total Fat Per Serving: 0.5 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 30 grams | Protein Per Serving: 4 grams
Best Buttermilk
Stonewall Kitchen Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix
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What We Like
Makes flavorful pancakes
No artificial ingredients
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Requires several ingredients to prepare
This mix is more expensive than some competitors, but it’s made with minimal ingredients and offers consistent results. This mix requires the addition of egg, milk or buttermilk, and melted butter.
Is the taste superior to other, more budget-friendly pancake mixes? That comes down to individual preference. Some reviewers think they taste better, while others say they’re comparable.
It’s worth mentioning this mix is sweeter than Stonewall Kitchen’s Farmhouse Pancake Mix. Sugar is the second ingredient, and one serving of pancakes contains 5 grams of sugar versus 1 gram of sugar per serving in the Farmhouse mix.
Price at time of publish: $9
Servings Per Container: 10 | Calories Per Serving: 130 | Total Fat Per Serving: .5 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 30 grams | Protein Per Serving: 3 grams
Best Family-Size
Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix
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What We Like
Affordable
Available in several sizes
Easy to make
What We Don't Like
Contains more added sugar than other brands
Krusteaz offers an extensive line of affordable done-for-you mixes for whipping up everything from pancakes to quick breads, cookies, and muffins. The brand has a pancake mix for every occasion, including a wide variety of flavors like blueberry, chocolate chip, honey wheat, and pumpkin spice.
When it comes to getting traditional buttermilk pancakes prepped for a crowd, you can’t beat this mix available in 5-pound or 7-pound family-sized packages, which will make about 130 and 180 pancakes, respectively. You don’t need any other ingredients on hand since this pancake mix simply needs to be mixed with water.
Price at time of publish: $7
Servings Per Container: 15 | Calories Per Serving: 210 | Total Fat Per Serving: 1.5 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 45 grams | Protein Per Serving: 4 grams
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Best High-Protein
Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix
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What We Like
Contains whole grains and fiber
Contains added protein
Only needs water
What We Don't Like
The recipes on the box aren't great
Thanks to the high-protein amount and the fact that it only requires water, we adore this pancake mix from Kodiak. Despite its unique ingredients like wheat protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, it still comes out fluffy with the classic slightly tangy buttermilk taste.
We also love that this mix offers different prep methods for different amounts of protein. You’ll get 14 grams of protein making these with just water, 17 grams if you replace the water with milk, and 20 grams of protein if you use milk plus an egg. Even if you don't add anything besides water, the pancakes still are enough to fill hungry teenage boys up.
Although the pancakes are sure-fire winners, we don't love the recipes for muffins, chocolate chip cookies, and waffles printed on the box. They require some extra effort, and the convenience of combining the mix with some water and tossing it onto a griddle is truly unmatched.
Price at time of publish: $6
Servings Per Container: 32 | Calories Per Serving: 190 | Total Fat Per Serving: 2 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 30 grams | Protein Per Serving: 14 grams
"We always get the buttermilk flavor since it's slightly tangy, fluffy, and very customizable. I’ll toss in blueberries, chopped strawberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, depending on my mood. If you want to leave the add-ins to the professionals, there’sa variety of flavors: Birthday Cake, Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate, or Cinnamon Oat and all can keep pancake boredom at bay." — reviewer Rachel Knecht
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Best Gluten-Free
Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Pancake Mix
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What We Like
Includes recipes for pancakes and waffles
Produced in a gluten-free facility
For those with a gluten sensitivity or those who choose not to consume gluten for other reasons, this pancake mix is a favorite. It uses a gluten-free flour blend consisting of sweet and brown rice flours, sorghum flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. Bob’s Red Mill assures its gluten-free products are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility and undergo laboratory testing to ensure there’s no cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.
This mix does require adding egg, milk, and melted butter, but the results seem to be worth the added effort—customers love the light and fluffy texture and liken it to pancakes made with wheat flour. The mix itself is dairy-free, and if you’d like to create dairy-free pancakes, you can opt to use your favorite butter and milk substitutes.
Price at time of publish: $9
Servings Per Container: 17 | Calories Per Serving: 140 | Total Fat Per Serving: 0 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 33 grams | Protein Per Serving: 2 grams
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Best Keto
Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix
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What We Like
Made from grain-free flours
Easy to make
Can be used for waffles
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Only 8 servings per bag
Somewhat gritty texture
Grain-free consumers turn to Birch Benders for their pancake needs. The brand offers both "keto" and "paleo" pancake mixes. The keto mix is made from a blend of grain-free flours, including almond, tiger nut, coconut, and cassava. Tiger nut and cassava, if you’re wondering, are made from root vegetables similar to tubers. This special blend of flours results in 5 grams of net carbohydrates per serving.
Like most specialty diet products, this pancake mix is on the pricey end, and you don’t get a ton for the cost. A 10-ounce package only makes 16 pancakes. If you’re new to grain-free mixes and baking, you should know this mix won’t produce the same light and fluffy texture as traditional wheat flour mixes. Several reviewers have been disappointed with the texture of these pancakes, noting that they have a tendency to stick to the pan, fall apart, and/or have a gritty texture. Others praise them for being the closest thing to "real" pancakes they can enjoy while following a low-carb diet and swear that adding an egg improves the texture and consistency.
Price at time of publish: $7
Servings Per Container: 8 | Calories Per Serving: 160 | Total Fat Per Serving: 11 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 10 grams | Protein Per Serving: 9 grams
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Best Budget
Pearl Milling Company Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix
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Pearl Milling Company is known for pancake syrup, so it makes sense that the brand also offers a full line of pancake mixes. Unlike its original pancake mix, which requires you to have fresh milk, oil, and eggs on hand, the complete mix only requires the addition of water, making pancakes less time-consuming to whip up on busy mornings, while traveling, or when you're running low on groceries.
Reviewers like the light and fluffy texture and ease of preparation of this pancake mix. If you’re looking for the most nutritious pancake mix, you’ll want to consider some of the other options on this list since the second ingredient by weight is sugar, and the mix contains a longer list of food additives and preservatives than other brands. But buyer beware, some reviewers were disappointed to discover this mix is packaged directly into the cardboard box without a plastic bag or liner. This can attract pests and, in our experience, can lend a cardboard quality to the taste.
Price at time of publish: $3
Servings per container: 20 | Calories per serving: 160 | Total fat per serving: 1.5 grams | Total carbohydrates per serving: 32 grams | Protein per serving: 5 grams
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What We Like
Contains fiber and whole grains
Produces hearty pancakes that can hold heavier toppings
Includes recipes for pancakes and waffles
What We Don't Like
Not for those looking for a light and fluffy pancake
There are a lot of whole grain and multigrain pancake mixes to choose from. If you prefer whole grains, we suggest keeping it simple and going with a classic buckwheat pancake mix. This mix is made with organic whole grain buckwheat flour and organic whole wheat flour. Buckwheat creates a thick and hearty flapjack that stands up well to heavier fruit toppings. Reviewers rave about the nutty, whole-grain flavor.
This mix will produce pancakes that have a whopping 7 grams of fiber per serving. There are only 2 grams of sugar per serving. This mix is prepared with oil, egg, and water, and it’s also dairy-free.
Price at time of publish: $10
Servings Per Container: 17 | Calories Per Serving: 140 | Total Fat Per Serving: 1 gram | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 28 grams | Protein Per Serving: 6 grams
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What We Like
Made with real blueberries vs. flavoring
Easy to prepare
Can also be used to make waffles
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
Yes, you can turn any pancake mix on this list into blueberry pancakes by tossing a handful of fresh blueberries into the batter. But fresh blueberries can be expensive, and blueberry season is a short one, so we thought it best to include a done-for-you blueberry pancake mix to enjoy year-round.
There’s a big difference in terms of ingredients when it comes to blueberry-flavored versus actual blueberries. Our top pick for this category is Birch Benders Blueberry Pancake Mix since it contains dried blueberries as the second-most ingredient by weight. In other words, these pancakes will be bursting with real, whole blueberries.
Using real blueberries eliminates artificial coloring and flavors that other blueberry pancake mixes contain. Making things even better, this mix only needs water to prepare.
Price at time of publish: $16
Servings Per Container: 11.5 | Calories Per Serving: 120 | Total Fat Per Serving: 0 grams | Total Carbohydrates Per Serving: 26 grams | Protein Per Serving: 3 grams
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Final Verdict
King Arthur Flour Diner-Style Pancake and Waffle Mix is our top recommendation because of its quality ingredients and the fluffy flapjacks it creates. If you need to feed the whole family, the 5-pound bag of Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix is cheap and delicious.
What to Look for When Buying Pancake Mix
Necessary Ingredients
Often, you reach for pancake mix when you want to prepare a quick and easy breakfast. So make sure to take a peek at the ingredient list before settling on the right pancake mix for you. Some mixes require nothing more than water, while other mixes require additional pantry staples like milk, eggs, and butter. While the former is certainly more convenient, keep in mind: you may get more homemade-like results from mixes that require more ingredients, since they’re closer to a from-scratch recipe.
Special Ingredients
If you have dietary requirements —gluten-free or keto, for example —there’s still a pancake mix for you. Today, there are so many different types of pancake mixes on the market. Some are specifically tailored to suit special diets; others have ingredient lists that simply happen to satisfy; and still others provide instructions for simple ingredient swaps to help guide you.
Flavors
While there are plenty of different flavored mixes out there—blueberry and confetti, for example —you can often get the flavor you desire from any pancake mix. The easy solution: just stir in whatever mix-ins you might like, whether nuts, fruit, sprinkles, or even a swirl of peanut butter or chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I use pancake mix for waffles?
Yes, most pancake mixes can also be used to make waffles. Pancake mix packages usually include directions for how to make waffles from the same mix. The steps are similar to making pancake batter, but usually require adding more fat in the form of oil or butter.
How you do make funnel cake with pancake mix?
You can use pancake mix as a shortcut to make funnel cake batter. Funnel cake traditionally contains flour, sugar, and a leavening agent, which are the same ingredients found in dry pancake mix. This works best with a traditional pancake mix that contains wheat flour.
Start by adding approximately 0.5 cup of water for every cup of pancake mix you're using. Add additional water if needed until the consistency of the batter is thinner than what you'd use for pancakes, but not overly runny. It should be similar to cake batter. You can add a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also add sugar for a sweeter funnel cake, but if you're using a pancake mix that already contains added sugar, it's not necessary.
Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or a resealable plastic baggie with a corner snipped off, then squeeze the batter in a circular, squiggly pattern into a Dutch oven of hot oil and fry on each side, about 1 minute, until golden brown. Use tongs or a wire strainer to flip and remove funnel cakes from hot oil. Drain funnel cakes on a wire rack or paper towel lined plate, then dust with powdered sugar.
Can you make biscuits with pancake mix?
If you're short on all-purpose flour or time, pancake mix can be used to make biscuits. Some pancake mixes are on the sweeter side, so if you're craving savory biscuits, a tangier, buttermilk pancake mix is your best bet.
Add 0.5 cup of milk to 2 cups of pancake mix and stir just until a dough forms. If you don't have buttermilk pancake mix, you can add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your milk before adding it to the dry mix. You can fold extras into the dough, like garlic, herbs, shredded cheese, or cinnamon, for flavored biscuits.
Some recipes call for rolling the dough on a floured work surface and cutting into rounds with a biscuit cutter, but it's quicker and easier to use a drop method. Drop the dough by heaping spoonful onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Does pancake mix go bad?
Pancake mix will keep for a long time, usually up to 12 months, when stored properly. Pancake mix should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry environment and away from any sources of moisture. Once opened, leftover pancake mix should be kept in an airtight bag or storage container.
Pancake mix can start to grow mold if exposed to air and humidity. If you notice any blue or green specks in the mixture, or it smells off, toss it and reach for a fresh package. If you've had an unopened package of pancake mix in your pantry for some time, check for a best by date on the package.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best pancake mixes on the market, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, texture, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Sharon Lehman, author of this pancake mix roundup, is no stranger to studying ingredient lists and nutrition labels looking for products that offer the best combination of flavor, ease of preparation, and nutrition. Although a big fan of scratch-made baked goods, flapjacks made from Kodiak Cakes mixes are a weekend staple in her home. She also keeps her personal pantry stocked with several products from other brands on this list, including Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur Flour, and Stonewall Kitchen.
The article was later updated by Brigitt Earley to reflect additional product picks, as well as to include nutritional information and shopping advice. Brigitt is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, plus has been writing for publications like The Spruce and Good Housekeeping for over 12 years. She regularly makes pancakes from scratch, but also stocks mixes from the likes of Stonewall Kitchen and King Arthur Flour for times when she wants to whip up a family-pleasing breakfast in a flash.
Amanda McDonaldis an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She also updated this article to include the most up-to-date information.
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