Not all pancake mixes flip the same. Some whip up golden stacks you’d swear came from a diner, while others barely rise and taste like cardboard. To find out which brands are worth your breakfast dollars, 17 popular mixes were tested head-to-head. Every box went through the same process: cooked by package directions, judged on flavor, texture, and ease. The results? A few surprises, a lot of misses, and one clear winner that stole the spotlight.
#17 Arrowhead Mills Too Dense for Comfort
These pancakes came out unusually heavy—closer to English muffins than a fluffy short stack. While hearty, they were bland and earthy, needing heavy toppings to mask the taste. If you like dense textures, maybe, but most will find them unappealing for breakfast.
#16 Krusteaz Complete Fails to Impress
Krusteaz is a grocery staple and widely loved for convenience. But this batch turned out pasty and muted in flavor, without the bright buttermilk kick you’d expect. The batter is easy, sure, but the results don’t rise above average. You can do better.
#15 Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Misses the Mark
This mix looks wholesome on the shelf but disappoints on the plate. The batter was thin, producing flat, dense pancakes with a dry, grainy chew. Whole grains added bulk but not flavor, leaving them bland. Unless you’re after fiber and don’t care about texture, this one isn’t worth the price.
#14 Whole Foods 365 Leans Biscuit, Not Pancake
This organic mix had an ultra-thick batter that cooked into biscuit-like rounds. The savory notes overpowered the mild sweetness expected in pancakes. Unless you want biscuit pancakes, this one won’t hit the spot.
#13 Maple Grove Farms: Sweetness Nowhere to Be Found
With organic buttermilk and honey, this mix sounds like a winner. Instead, it cooked up dry and salty, with no detectable honey flavor. Whole wheat gave it some body, but the pancakes lacked any balance. At a premium price, it doesn’t justify the taste trade-off.
#12 Kodiak Power Cakes Don’t Deliver on Flavor
A favorite for fitness fans, Kodiak is high in protein and only needs water. But the payoff is weak—chalky aftertaste, minimal buttermilk tang, and pancakes that feel more like a supplement than a treat. They’re fine if protein grams matter most, but not if you actually want good pancakes.
#11 Mrs. Butterworth’s Easy Morning Win
This just-add-water mix worked exactly as promised. The pancakes cooked up evenly, with fluffy interiors and a classic buttermilk taste. If you need a no-fuss weekday option, this one is a safe bet.
#10 Bisquick Still Holds Its Ground
The OG mix requires eggs and milk, but the effort pays off. It produced fluffy, smooth pancakes with that nostalgic diner-style flavor. For anyone who grew up with Bisquick, this one is still worth keeping in the pantry.
#9 Aldi’s Millville Keeps It Simple
This mix from Aldi turned out golden, fluffy pancakes with a mellow sweetness. The buttermilk flavor wasn’t bold, but it was enough to keep them from being bland. Affordable, easy, and decent flavor make this a solid everyday choice.
#8 Pearl Milling Still Reliable
Formerly Aunt Jemima, this brand still delivers dependable results. Thin batter turned into thick, soft pancakes with a golden brown finish. The nostalgic taste makes it a comforting option for those who grew up with it.
#7 Walmart’s Great Value Delivers on Budget
Thin batter, fluffy results—this store brand was surprisingly balanced. The pancakes weren’t too sweet or too salty, and they cooked evenly. At a bargain price, it’s one of the better budget picks when you need a reliable stack without overspending.
#6 Hungry Jack Plays It Safe
Hungry Jack mirrored Bisquick closely—fluffy texture, comforting flavor, and easy prep. The main appeal here is convenience, as it’s widely available and consistent. Nothing groundbreaking, but it won’t let you down either.
#5 Birch Benders Gets It Right with Rest Time
This organic mix had one trick up its sleeve: letting the batter rest. After two minutes, the pancakes puffed up with crisp edges and chewy centers. Balanced flavor and texture made it one of the standouts, especially for health-conscious shoppers.
#4 Trader Joe’s Punches Above Its Weight
TJ’s mix turned out extra-fluffy pancakes with a strong buttermilk flavor. The texture was soft without being soggy, and they tasted better than many pricier options. Definitely worth tossing in your cart if you’re a TJ’s regular.
#3 ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket Surprises
Store-brand skeptics might want to reconsider. This mix delivered fluffy, golden pancakes that tasted like they came from a cozy diner. Nostalgic flavor at a low price makes this one a hidden gem.
#2 King Arthur Baking Brings Premium Quality
Known for flour, King Arthur proved its pancake mix game is strong too. The pancakes rose beautifully, with a light sweetness and tangy buttermilk balance. At a higher price point, they’re best for those who prioritize flavor over convenience.
#1 Winner: Dolly Parton’s Mix Reigns Supreme
The clear winner of the bunch. The batter mixed easily, cooked into pillowy stacks, and delivered buttery, balanced flavor. Sky-high fluffy and restaurant-quality, Dolly Parton’s mix is now the one to beat in the boxed pancake world.
