The 9 Best Gluten-Free Pancake Mixes of 2023

Who doesn’t love starting the day off with a stack of fresh, hot, fluffy pancakes, towered high with a waterfall of maple syrup and melted butter cascading down the sides? But for those following a gluten-free diet, pancakes are often a no-go due to the usual main ingredient— all-purpose flour.

Luckily, as gluten-free diets (and overall gluten-free awareness) have been on the rise to quell upset stomachs and other symptoms for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, manufacturers are meeting the need and are developing delicious gluten-free formulations of their products. Swaps like almond, rice, or coconut flour are in abundance nowadays, and that means there are more gluten-free pancake mixes to choose from. But with a plethora of varieties out there now, how do you know which one to pick? We did the research for you and found. d lots of suitable gluten-free options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Pancake Mix at Amazon

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Best Buttermilk:

Krusteaz Gluten-Free Pancake Mix at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Stonewall Kitchen Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix at Amazon

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Best "Just Add Water":

Birch Benders Gluten-Free Pancake at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Great Value Gluten-Free Pancake & Waffle Mix at Walmart

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Best Dairy Free:

Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Pancake Mix at Amazon

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Best Fortified:

King Arthur Gluten-Free Pancake Mix at Amazon

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Best Bulk:

Pamela's Products Gluten Free Baking and Pancake Mix at Amazon

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Best Protein Pancake:

Orgain Gluten-Free Pancake at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQs
How We Selected
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sources

Bob's Red Mill Pancake Mix, 24 Ounce (Pack of 1)

Amazon

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What We Like

Brand knows alternative flours
Fluffy and light when cooked
Resealable packaging

What We Don't Like

Requires three other ingredients

Bob’s Red Mill has become somewhat synonymous with the alternative flour movement—with a full line of certified gluten-free products from flour to cornbread mix to crackers to popcorn—so it’s no surprise this somewhat splurge-worthy gluten-free pancake mix could rival any standard gluten-containing version. This mix’s primary ingredients include white rice flour, brown rice flour, potato starch, and whole-grain sorghum flour, producing fluffy, light pancakes with the addition of 2 eggs, milk, and oil (or butter). It’s also vegan-friendly for those who are also dairy-free, as long as eggs and butter are swapped for alternatives.

The resealable packaging will keep the mix fresh in your pantry, so no need to worry about spoilage or spillage. This mix is also relatively low in sugar with 4 grams per serving. For all these reasons we believe it is the best choice for your money and your family.

Price at time of publish: $4

Size: 22 and 24 ounces | Serving Size: 0.25 cup | Flour Type: Sweet white rice, whole grain brown rice flour, whole grain sorghum flour, tapioca flour

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Rises well
Certified gluten-free
Makes a lot of pancakes

What We Don't Like

Needs milk

Sure, you can get fancy with blueberries and chocolate chips and pumpkin puree, but sometimes nothing beats a stack of simple, classic buttermilk pancakes. And with the Krusteaz Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancake Mix, even those with an allergy or sensitivity to gluten can enjoy a flapjack breakfast. Although gluten is needed in baked goods—including pancakes—to get them to rise, all you need is water, milk, and an egg to get these light and fluffy Krusteaz cakes to the table for the most important meal of the day.

This certified gluten-free mix is considered whole grain (thanks to rice flour, whole grain sorghum flour, and brown rice flour). Each 1-pound box makes over two dozen 4-inch pancakes and the product is made with real sweet cream buttermilk.

Price at time of publish: $5

Size: 16 ounces | Serving Size: 0.33 cup | Flour Type: Rice flour, brown rice flour, whole grain sorghum flour

Stonewall Kitchen Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Vanilla flavored
Contains enough for three batches
Company has other gluten-free breakfast favorites

What We Don't Like

Contains soy

Stonewall Kitchen, has arguably been best known for its high-end, gourmet selection of condiments (think Wild Maine Blueberry Jam and Truffle Ketchup) since the brand was first started in 1991 at a local farmers’ market. The company now owns and operates other brands like Napa Valley natural and the Vermont Coffee Company, but, also offers many baking mixes, including this splurge-worthy gluten-free pancake mix.

Composed primarily of rice, corn, and soy flours, this vanilla-flavored blend churns out super fluffy, easy-to-prepare pancakes every time. Each 16-ounce container will yield about three batches, and you’ll need to provide milk, butter, and an egg. Whisk the milk and egg together first before adding the dry mix and butter to get the perfect browned pancake once the bubbles on top begin to pop on a griddle and you flip. Take note that if anyone in your home has an allergy or sensitivity to soy, this gluten-free pancake mix isn't for you.

Don’t forget to check out Stonewall Kitchen's mouth-watering maple syrup selection while you’re at it (the Organic Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup is gluten-free, too).

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 16 ounces per pack | Serving Size: 0.33 cup | Flour Type: Rice flour, corn flour

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Birch Benders Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix

Amazon

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What We Like

Very easy to prepare
Slightly sweet batter
Bag is resealable

What We Don't Like

Small bag

Like other gluten-free pancake mixes, we like this one because it makes light and fluffy flapjacks without anything that will make those intolerant or allergic to gluten sick. What stands out about Birch Benders, though, is that the only ingredient it needs before cooking is something we all have at home at all times—H2O!

With buttermilk included in the dry mix, our favorite "just add water" option for gluten-free pancake mixes is one that is still flavorful without eggs, oil, or butter. Simply combine a half cup of mix with one-third of a cup of water for about four 4-inch pancakes in minutes. Brown rice flour, potato starch, almond flour, white rice flour, and leavening make them fluffy, while the buttermilk and sugar add a hint of sweetness. The bag weighs less than a pound, but is a good deal nonetheless.

Price at time of publish: $5

Size: 14 ounces | Serving Size: 0.25 cup | Flour Type: Brown rice flour, almond flour, white rice flour

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

"Great value"
Brown rice flour is the main ingredient
Won't spoil quickly

What We Don't Like

Can only get it at one store

Baking alternatives for dietary restrictions and different ways of eating can get pricey at the grocery store, but at under $3 for a pound of pancake mix, you can’t beat the value of Walmart’s Great Value option. It features some of the same high-quality ingredients as other gluten-free pancake mixes on the market. Brown rice flour is the primary ingredient, combined with sugar, potato starch, cornstarch, and others, and you’ll need to provide an egg, milk, and butter in the recipe.

Unlike many competing mixes that are packaged in boxes, this mix conveniently comes in a resealable bag, making it super simple to keep fresh and not worry about spillage in your pantry.

Price at time of publish: $3

Size: 16 ounces | Serving Size: 0.25 cup | Flour Type: Brown rice flour

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Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix

Amazon

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What We Like

Contains three ingredients
On the cheaper side
Great for savory recipes

What We Don't Like

May taste gritty to some

The Bisquick Gluten-Free Pancake Mix does not contain allergens, and is made with rice flour, leavening, and sugar, making it a solid dairy-free option that doesn’t require much effort. Instructions call for 1 cup of milk and 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 cup of the dry mix, but can be changed to a non-dairy milk and egg substitute of your choice. There are a handful of these, including vegan egg or ground flax mixed with water and left to thicken.

A 1-pound box of this mix is a cheap option to have in the cabinet for a pancake breakfast, but it is also versatile—while it also makes fluffy waffles, it can be used to make gluten-free things like biscuits, cinnamon rolls, muffins, pies, and more. Some may find it to be gritty, but if you add a little flour, it should smooth out the batter.

Price at time of publish: $6

Size: 16 ounces per box | Serving Size: 0.33 cup | Flour Type: Rice flour

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What We Like

Fortified with three vitamins and minerals
Large serving of whole grains
Mix is vegan

What We Don't Like

Makes less than 20 pancakes

It’s no surprise that King Arthur, the all-things-flour experts, would produce a stellar gluten-free pancake mix among its many offerings. The whole-grain, non-GMO mix, meaning that it is not made with any genetically modified ingredients, is made with whole grain brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, and is also fortified with iron, calcium, and vitamin B. Plus, each serving includes 21 grams of whole grains.

The 15-ounce mix will yield about sixteen 4-inch pancakes, and you’ll need to provide eggs, butter (or oil), and milk (the mix can be used to make waffles as well). A tip King Arthur recommends: even though there is no gluten, let the batter sit for about 10 minutes in order to thicken. It can also be made vegan for those who are not only looking for no gluten but also no dairy. Sub a milk alternative with oil or vegan butter.

Price at time of publish: $5

Size: 15 ounces | Serving Size: 0.33 cup | Flour Type: Whole grain brown rice flour, rice flour

The 9 Best Pancake Mixes of 2023

Pamela's Products Gluten Free Baking and Pancake Mix

Amazon

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What We Like

Nice value for a large size
Contains almond meal
Versatile

What We Don't Like

The 4-pound may be hard to carry for some

Pancakes aren’t a luxury for a rainy morning anymore, especially for those with a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten—bulk sizes of gluten-free pancake mix are available. We love this one from Pamela’s, not only because it is made with brown and white rice flour as well as almond meal, but because it is on the cheap side. The price per pound means you won’t have to keep reordering once the mix gets low. The bag has enough mix to make about 90 pancakes.

To make add water, egg, and oil in with the dry mix and cook over medium-high heat. The slightly sweet and nutty gluten-free pancakes are best if served fresh immediately, but you can also let them cool and wrap them in plastic wrap to save for microwaving in a damp paper towel later.

Because this is a bulk option, the bag weighs more than others on this list. Be mindful of placing it on a higher shelf or handling it if you or anyone in your home has any upper body impairment that restricts lifting ability.

Price at time of publish: $19

Size: 64 ounces | Serving Size: 0.25 cup | Flour Type: Brown rice flour, white rice flour, almond meal

Orgain Gluten Free Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix

Amazon

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What We Like

Protein already blended into the ingredients
Can be made with water
Can add more protein by using milk

What We Don't Like

Slightly small box

What We Like

Protein already blended into the ingredients
Can be made with only water
Can add more protein by using milk

What We Don't Like

Slightly small box

Protein is a trendy ingredient right now, and it’s made its way into breakfast via gluten-free pancake mixes. Sure, you can make an at-home concoction by adding your own protein powder to a store-bought mix, but taking home a version with the protein already included means ratios of dry to wet ingredients won’t be messed up and giving you perfectly light, fluffy, and protein-filled pancakes every time.

This one from Orgain is filled with rice flour and potato starch making it gluten-free, as well as plant-based pea protein. The box is smaller than we like, but one-fourth a cup of the dry mix makes about one 4-inch pancake that has 8 grams of protein (others only have a few grams less). With milk that can go up, as well as if you add in an egg, but it can also be made with just water.

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 15 ounces | Serving Size: 0.25 cups | Flour Type: Rice flour, pea protein

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Final Verdict

If you want an overall solid gluten-free pancake mix that isn’t too much of a splurge, offers some nutritional benefits, is conveniently packaged in a resealable bag, and comes from a famously gluten-aware company, look no further than Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Pancake Mix. If you’re on the hunt for a more basic gluten-free pancake mix at a great price, your best budget-friendly option is the Great Value Gluten-Free Pancake & Waffle Mix.

What to Look for in Gluten-Free Pancake Mix

Ease of Preparation

Most mixes for gluten-free pancakes require that you mix in other ingredients, such as water, butter, oil, or eggs. Read the fine print carefully to see what else is needed and how much it adds to your prep time. After that, it is all about the cooking process. This involves flipping the pancakes after about 2-3 minutes on a preheated pan. You'll know it is time to flip when bubbles start forming and popping around the edges of the batter. Once flipped the pancakes cook for another minute or two until they are done. Then all that is left is dressing them with your favorite toppings, like maple syrup. or fresh berries.

Ingredients

Not all of these mixes are created equally. "I think the main thing to look for when selecting a pancake batter is, does it contain other allergens like dairy?" says Paola Anna Miget, author of The Big Book of Gluten Free Baking and founder of the GF Baking Club for Kids. "There are some mixes that include dry milk powder and or soy ingredients."

Many of them have also the same flours, albeit in different formulations. However, some of them have more whole grains and omega-3s, which will change the nutrition profile. Some are non-GMO, some emphasize protein, and others contain buttermilk powder, which will give your pancakes that classic tangy taste.

Price

This list offers a variety of price points, depending on what your budget permits and what kind of ingredients you'd like in your pancakes. Watch for sales—those can be a great way to try a new brand without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Do gluten-free pancakes taste different?

A really good gluten-free mix that purports to be similar to all-purpose flour won't taste a great deal different from regular pancakes. The texture might be a bit finer, and the taste might be lighter. However, if you opt for pancakes with, say, a protein content that's different from conventional pancakes, they will be heartier.

Does gluten-free pancake batter need to rest?

The secret to amazing pancakes is to let the batter rest before you use it, which allows for even hydration and gives the gluten a chance to relax a bit. These mixes, however, have no gluten but still may benefit from a few minutes.

Taking a break can "help yield a better rise and resolve getting a gritty texture because the batter is allowed time to hydrate and soften," says Miget. "Since gluten-free batters can often be thinner as well, this rest time helps to thicken the batter. This will result in a fluffier pancake. I've seen such a difference in my pancakes and cookies with a 5-10 minute rest time."

Should pancake mix be thin or thick?

The batter, once prepared, should be thin enough to easily pour and spread onto a hot, greased griddle but not so thin that it runs all over the griddle. Aim for it to spread to about 1/4-inch thick. If the batter seems too thick, add a little more water or milk. If it seems too thin, add a couple more tablespoons of batter.

How We Selected

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best gluten-free pancake mixes on the market, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, ease of preparation, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

The Spruce Eats writer Alyssa Langer is a registered dietitian and foodie, always curious about the next food or ingredient craze and hungry to learn and try more. Having worked in cookbook publishing, CPG label data, nutrition writing, and meal kits, her diverse background and varied interests provide a unique perspective that fosters clear, well-researched, and trustworthy reviews.

Amanda McDonald is 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.

Sources

Paola Anna Miget, author of The Big Book of Gluten Free Baking and founder of the GF Baking Club for Kids

The 9 Best Waffle Mixes of 2023

Updated by

Carrie Havranek

Article Sources

The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.