Protein pancake mix is a great way to squeeze in a few extra calories, but is it really healthy? Of course, that depends on the protein pancake mix you pick.
Some pancake mixes contain up to 30 grams of protein per serving, whereas others have extra sugar, and that is definitely a bad idea to go for. Generally, the low-sugar and whole-grain protein pancakes are healthy, and the ones with high sugar content are not.
Read this: The best protein pancake mix
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What makes a good protein pancake mix?
Much like there are good protein powder products and bad protein powder products, there are healthy and unhealthy protein pancake mixes. After all, one of the main ingredients in protein pancake mixes is whey protein.
Depending on the quality of the whey protein used, the quality of the protein pancake mix changes accordingly as well. Aside from that, the amount of sugar per serving is something else to look for. On a general note, avoid consuming products that have more than 10 grams of sugar per serving and aim for the higher protein content.
Non-sugar carbohydrates, on the other hand, are not bad for you at all, and should not be avoided, despite popular belief.
Look out for artificial sweeteners, preservatives and other substances you would not otherwise want to consume. Ingredients to avoid include E-substances, sugar, and colorants.
What topping makes protein pancakes healthy?
If you have chosen a great protein pancake mix with low sugar, high protein content, and no artificial sweeteners or colorants, now is the time to pick the right topping. Regardless of having picked a healthy mix, if you drown the entire mix in maple syrup and caramel, you’ll end up spiking your insulin levels due to the high amount of sugar.
Eating too much sugar causes an increase in appetite toward more sugar-based foods, which often results in unnecessary and unwanted fat gain. Recommended toppings include a moderate amount:
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Yogurt
- Fruits like berries, melons, apples, or bananas.
Read this too: The best lactose free protein powder
More about protein pancakes
What is the best brand of protein pancake mix?
Kodiak Cakes’s protein pancake mix is a great choice with a moderate amount of sugar and high protein content. Moreover, they are very quick and easy to cook. Aside from that, they taste crispy and not much different than regular pancakes. They contain oat flour, milk and whey protein, as well as 5 grams of fiber.
To what kind of a diet can you add protein pancakes?
Protein pancakes can be a powerful breakfast. Depending on the topping of your choice, they can be added to both weight-gaining and weight-losing diets. If you are trying to lose weight, go for less sugar and carbs and focus on adding fat and protein-based toppings like peanut butter or fruits that promote weight-loss like grapefruit and apples.
Are protein pancakes a full meal?
Protein pancakes can become a full meal if you combine them with the missing vitamins, minerals and fat. That means using a topping that is rich in all of these micro and macronutrients like peanut butter or fruits such as mangoes, avocado, berries, bananas and melons.
User comment about using pancake mix
How To Choose The Best Pancake Mix
If you enjoy the occasional protein snack but are tired of the often-substandard proteins offered by mass-market prepackaged foods, you may find yourself looking for a pancake mix that can offer you something a little more substantial. Made with easy, hearty ingredients such as whole wheat flour, whole-wheat flour, oatmeal powder, dry milk, egg white, and buttermilk, Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix definitely is a cinch to make; no tough, muscle-building ingredient required. In fact, this pancake mix offers eight grams of protein per serving, making it one of the most complete options among competitive brands. This flavorful pancake mix can satisfy hunger pangs at the mid-morning jog or late afternoon workout, or even between meal snacking as a post-workout treat.
To ensure a nutritious and well-balanced meal that meets your needs for protein, wholesome grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy, you need to make sure you’re using the best ingredients possible. The problem with many pre-packaged protein shakes and pancake mixes is they often use skim or very low-quality ingredients that are cheaper and less healthy than regular food. One serving of a popular brand of Buttermilk contains only 50 calories and doesn’t feature any recognizable ingredients, so you know you’re getting the best possible value.
If you prefer a higher quality protein per serving but don’t care about really tasting the ingredients, you should consider purchasing a quality starter kit. Just make sure you’re buying a starter kit for your regular pancakes or waffles since you’ll likely be making a larger quantity of healthier, lighter meals in the future. A quality pancake or waffle mix can last for months, so buy a package of ingredients and a measuring cup and spoon now. And if you don’t like the taste of a sweet waffle mix, try one with no sugar added. You’ll be able to find one that you’ll love for years to come.
