6 Best Pancake Mixes of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
We tested the most popular pancake mix brands to find the best boxed pancake mix for every kind of breakfast.
Taylor Murray
Tested by Taylor Murray
A good pancake mix is one of those quiet kitchen staples you don't think much about but can help get breakfast on the table in a pinch. Whether it's a busy weekday or you're tasked with preparing weekend brunch for a crowd, a reliable store-bought pancake mix can save time without sacrificing too much of that homemade feel.
While it may seem that store-bought pancake mixes don't vary much, they can actually have some surprisingly big differences in texture, flavor and overall performance. Some cook up light and tender, while others can be spongy, chewy or dense. To find the best boxed pancake mix, we put a range of popular brands to the test, cooking and tasting each one under the same conditions. Here are the mixes that stood out and the ones that didn't quite stack up.
Our Top Store-Bought Pancake Mix Picks
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
How We Tested
Each pancake mix was prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions, using the same brand of milk, eggs and oil when required to ensure consistency. We used the same amount of batter for each pancake, cooked them on the same surface at the same heat level and evaluated them in various ways.
Batter Test: We assessed how easily each batter came together, noting consistency, lumping and whether the batter changed with resting time.
Cook Test: Pancakes were cooked into four-inch rounds and evaluated for rise, thickness, browning and overall structure.
Taste Test: Each pancake was tasted plain to evaluate flavor, sweetness, tang, texture and whether it was enjoyable without toppings.
Syrup Test: Finally, the pancakes were tasted with syrup to see how well they absorbed it, whether they became soggy and how the flavor held up.
The Best Maple Syrups, Tested and Reviewed
We tested a range of maple syrup brands, from delicate golden varieties to bold, late-harvest options, to find the best maple syrups for pancakes, baking and beyond.
- Exceptionally tender, fluffy texture
- Rich, complex flavor with natural sweetness
- Beautiful, even browning
- Performs well both with and without syrup
- High-quality, non-artificial taste
- For richer flavor, an egg, milk and oil is needed
The King Arthur Buttermilk Pancake Mix was a clear standout. The pancakes were tall, fluffy and incredibly tender. While some pancakes in this review tasted chewy or gummy, these had a tender, cakey crumb that tasted just as good with syrup as without. The pancake had notes of vanilla, buttermilk and a hint of maple. For a richer flavor, the brand suggests using an egg, milk and oil instead of water, which we found to be the best way to make this mix.
- What’s Needed Water (egg/milk/oil can be added optionally)
- Flavor Buttermilk
- Size 16 ounces
- What's Notable No artificial ingredients
- Hearty and filling
- Whole grain flavor
- Toothsome texture
- High in protein
- Absorbs syrup well
- Dense, crumbly texture
- Very low sweetness
- Less indulgent overall
The Kodiak Cakes Protein-Packed Power Cakes mix leans heavily into its whole-grain identity. The batter was thicker and slightly grainy, producing pancakes that were dense and crumbly rather than fluffy. The flavor is dominated by wheat and mild tang, with little to no detectable sweetness. However, once syrup is added, the pancakes soften and take on a more cake-like texture. It's not trying to be a classic diner pancake, but for a nutritious, filling option, it performs well.
- What’s Needed Water (eggs/milk can be added optionally)
- Flavor Buttermilk
- Size 20 ounces
- What's Notable High protein, 100% whole grains
- Gluten-free with clean, natural ingredients
- Tender, non-gummy texture
- Even cooking and consistent results
- Distinct, toasty flavor for those who enjoy whole-grain profiles
- Flavor may be too pronounced or distracting for some
- Less fluffy than traditional pancake mixes
- Competes with syrup rather than complementing it
Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Pancake Mix stood out for avoiding the common pitfalls of gluten-free baking. The batter produced pancakes that were tender and slightly crumbly without being dry or gummy — no easy feat for a gluten-free mix. The flavor is noticeably different from traditional mixes, with hints of toasted rice. When syrup was added, the texture remained pleasant, though the flavor could compete with the maple rather than blend in seamlessly. Gluten-free recipes can be notoriously tricky, and this mix pulls it off in a foolproof way that anyone can enjoy.
- What’s Needed Eggs, milk, oil
- Flavor Classic
- Size 24 ounces
- What's Notable Gluten-free, no artificial flavors or preservatives
- Very easy, just-add-water preparation
- Absorbs syrup extremely well
- Consistent, uniform results
- Budget-friendly option
- Spongy, slightly rubbery texture
- Artificial-tasting vanilla note
- Lacks tenderness and homemade character
The Great Value Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix prioritizes convenience and consistency over nuance. The batter comes together quickly and cooks into evenly shaped pancakes with a uniform interior. The texture is notably spongy and slightly elastic, giving it a more processed feel compared to other mixes. A faint artificial vanilla note comes through in the flavor, which is otherwise fairly flat. It absorbs syrup extremely well, almost fully saturating, which improves the eating experience but doesn't fully mask the texture. At less than $2 a box, it's a solid budget option that's easier on the wallet than buying the separate ingredients and whipping up a batter from scratch.
- What’s Needed Water
- Flavor Buttermilk
- Size 32 ounces
- What's Notable No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Convenient just-add-water preparation
- Soft, tender, cake-like texture
- Excellent performance with syrup
- Neutral flavor pairs well with toppings
- Consistent, easy cooking results
- Very mild flavor on its own
- Minimal browning and visual appeal
- Lacks richness and depth without toppings
On its own, the Mrs. Butterworth's Complete Pancake Mix is fairly understated. It produces an average, lightly fluffy pancake with a soft, cakey crumb and very little sweetness or tang. The neutral backdrop allows the syrup to shine. The pancake absorbs just enough liquid to become moist and cohesive without breaking down, creating a balanced, easy-to-eat bite. The neutral flavor works in its favor here, allowing the syrup to take center stage. This is a great option for quick breakfasts where toppings need a place to shine.
- What’s Needed Water
- Flavor Buttermilk
- Size 32 ounces
- What's Notable Complete mix, widely available
- Versatile, multi-use baking mix
- Thick pancakes with good structure
- Reliable, consistent cooking results
- Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients
- Slightly dry texture
- Low sweetness and minimal flavor complexity
- Chewier than ideal for pancakes
Bisquick is a well-known household classic that produces a thicker, more structured pancake that holds up well during cooking. The batter is easy to mix and results in pancakes with moderate rise and even browning. The texture leans slightly chewy and dense rather than soft and fluffy, and the flavor is mild with very little sweetness. Syrup tends to sit more on the surface than fully absorbing, which creates a more layered bite. While it's not the most indulgent pancake, its versatility is where it really shines. Beyond pancakes, it can be used to make biscuits, waffles, shortcakes — even savory recipes like pot pie topping or dumplings. Its ability to work across multiple recipes makes it a reliable, all-purpose staple to keep on hand.
- What’s Needed Eggs, milk, oil
- Flavor Original
- Size 40 ounces
- What's Notable Multi-use for pancakes, biscuits and more
How to Choose the Best Pancake Mix
For Diner‑Style Pancakes: Look for classic or buttermilk mixes made with traditional wheat flour. These tend to deliver the fluffiest texture, better browning, and that familiar soft, tender crumb.
For Quick Breakfasts: Just‑add‑water mixes are the fastest and most convenient. Don't correlate the simplicity with bland flavor — these options usually use dried buttermilk or eggs to stand in for the fresh versions.
For Dietary Goals: Protein-packed or whole-grain mixes offer more staying power and nutritional value. Expect a denser texture and more pronounced, hearty flavor compared to classic mixes. If protein is your goal, you can always add a scoop of protein powder to any pancake mix.
For Families: Choose a neutral-flavored mix that plays well with toppings and add-ins. These are the most versatile and tend to appeal to a wider range of tastes.
Taylor Murray
Tips for Elevating Your Pancakes
Batter Upgrades: Swap water for buttermilk (or milk and a splash of vinegar) for added tang to complement the sweetness of pancakes and syrup. Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes to hydrate the flour and improve texture. Adding a little melted butter or oil boosts richness, and a splash of vanilla extract can elevate even the simplest mixes to gourmet.
Add-In Ideas: Fold in blueberries, sliced or mashed bananas, or chocolate chips for a quick upgrade. Nuts, shredded coconut, or even a spoonful of peanut butter can add texture and depth. Don't underestimate the power of a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add a simple depth of flavor.
Topping Ideas: Classic butter and maple syrup always work, but you can go further with whipped cream, fruit compote, lemon curd or yogurt. A drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds a simple finishing touch of sweetness.
Make It Savory: Skip the sugar and add shredded cheese, chopped herbs or crumbled bacon to the batter. Top with a fried egg or dollop of sour cream for a savory twist that turns pancakes into a full meal.
Taylor Murray
Other Pancake Mixes We Tested
While the Krusteaz Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancake Mix is easy to prepare and highly absorbent, this mix leaned noticeably spongy and slightly gummy rather than delivering on its “light and fluffy” promise.
Several pancake mixes employ various gums and stabilizers intended to make preparation simpler, but that tends to make the final pancake have a chewy and elastic texture, like the Pearl Milling Company Buttermilk Mix and Birch Benders Organic Buttermilk Pancake Mix.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake Mix delivered a tender, well-browned pancake with a noticeably nutty flavor. While enjoyable, the almond-forward taste overpowered the syrup and strayed far from a classic pancake profile.
Overall, mixes with shorter, more straightforward ingredient lists tended to produce the most tender, balanced pancakes, while those relying more heavily on stabilizers leaned spongier and less cohesive.
Taylor Murray
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
Taylor Murray is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Nutrition. She worked as a professional chef for over 10 years before moving into recipe and product testing and development. She has tested several hundred products for Food Network and other brands over the last six years, covering everything from soft-serve ice cream makers to carbon steel pans to food dehydrators.
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Food Network Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are tested in real home kitchens that reflect real-world use cases. Our testers follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing the best products, our testers evaluate all of the testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. The products covered on FoodNetwork.com are chosen completely independently by our editors without any outside influence. Our editors do not accept products in exchange for a positive review or promised coverage.
