Better Pancakes & Waffles
Whole grain, lower sugar, clean ingredient mixes
✨ Editor's Picks
Our top recommendations for this category

Pancake & Waffle Mix, 14 OZ

Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix, 16 OZ

Hungry Jack Pancake & Waffle Mix, Chocolate Chip

Birch Benders Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix

Birch Benders Paleo Pancake & Waffle Mix

Full Circle Market Pancake And Waffle Mix Gluten Free

Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix, 20 OZ

Arrowhead Mills Organic Buckwheat Pancake & Waffle Mix

Hungry Jack Pancake & Waffle Mix, Original

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix

Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake and Waffle Mix

Bob's Red Mill Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix

Hungry Jack Pancake & Waffle Mix, Extra Light & Fluffy

Bobs Red Mill Mix Pancake Waffle Buttermilk
Flourish Mix Pancake & Waffle Buttermilk Protein

Vans Waffles, Protein Chocolate Chip Pancake

Vans Waffles, Power Grains Chocolate chip Waffles

De Wafelbakkers Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Van's Waffles, Gluten Free, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Blueberry

Hungry Jack Pancake & Waffle Mix, Buttermilk

Original Wheat Free Waffles, 9 OZ

Wheat Free Blueberry Waffles, 9 OZ

Vans Waffles, Power Grains

Pearl Milling Pancake & Waffle Mix - The Original

365 by Whole Foods Market, Gluten Free Waffles, 8 Ounce

Homestyle Protein Waffles, 7.4 OZ

Kodiak Waffles, Double Dark Chocolate

Catalina Crunch Cereal, Maple Waffle - KETO Friendly

Kashi Organic Maple Waffle bite

Van's Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles

365 by Whole Foods Market, Homestyle Waffles Family Pack, 31.9 Ounce

Mixed Berry Cobbler Waffles, 9 OZ
Pearl Milling Company Pancake Mix

King Arthur Pancake Mix

Chocolate Chip Protein Waffles, 7.4 OZ

Pearl Milling Company Pancake & Waffle Mix, Original, Large Size 32 oz

Pearl Milling Company Complete Pancake Mix

De Wafelbakkers Buttermilk Pancakes

Zucchini Carrot Cake Waffles, 9 OZ

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Waffles, 9 OZ

Arrowhead Mills Mix Pancake Buttermilk Org

Kodiak Power Waffles, Frontiers Oat
What is NOVA?
NOVA isn't just about "good vs bad" but about understanding how food is made. Foods are grouped into 4 categories, from unprocessed or minimally processed (Group 1) to ultra-processed foods (Group 4).
Unprocessed or minimally processedRaw grains, nuts, seeds, fresh produce
Processed culinary ingredientsOils, butter, salt, sugar
Processed foodsSimple foods made by combining NOVA 1 + 2 with methods like baking, canning
Ultra-processedIndustrial formulations with additives
What You Should Know About Better Pancakes & Waffles
This hub is for people who love pancakes and waffles but want options that lean whole grain, lower sugar, and fewer mystery ingredients. Think mixes made with whole wheat, oats, or almond/cassava blends, and frozen waffles that aren’t basically dessert. It’s not about moralizing breakfast; it’s about choosing mixes that keep you full longer and don’t spike and crash your morning. You’ll still get fluff and crisp—just with a bit more substance. Real talk: “clean” is a fuzzy word. We look for short, recognizable ingredient lists and skip the extras you don’t need (artificial flavors, dyes). Lower sugar doesn’t mean no fun—add fruit or a drizzle of maple and call it balanced. Price-wise, whole-grain and specialty mixes can run higher than classic box brands. Birch Benders and similar lines are usually mid-to-premium; Trader Joe’s frozen whole grain waffles are budget-friendlier. Protein mixes can cost more—and may use whey, egg, or added gluten—so weigh your goals against your wallet and preferences. Chocolate chip mixes? Delicious, but typically higher sugar; they can still fit, just treat them like a sweet breakfast rather than an everyday staple.
Key Benefits
- More whole grains help with steady energy and longer-lasting breakfast satisfaction.
- Lower sugar mixes leave room for fruit, yogurt, or maple without overload.
- Shorter ingredient lists reduce additives and keep flavors clean and simple.
- Protein-forward options support satiety on busy mornings or post-workout breakfasts.
- Freezer-friendly waffles and batch mixes save time and reduce weekday stress.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Better Pancakes & Waffles
Start with the ingredient list. Look for “whole wheat flour,” “oat flour,” or nut/cassava blends near the top, and aim for short, pronouncable lists. For sugar, under roughly 5–7 grams per serving in the base mix is a decent rule unless you’re deliberately choosing a treat like chocolate chip. If protein matters, seek mixes hitting 10+ grams per serving and note the source (whey, egg, added gluten, or plant-based). Paleo-style blends can be great for grain-free eaters, but they’re pricier and more calorie-dense—portion accordingly. Specifics: Trader Joe’s Whole Grain Waffles are a solid frozen shortcut with minimal fuss and a good price. Birch Benders’ classic line is dependable for simple ingredients; the Protein mix bumps satiety and tends to crisp nicely in waffles. The Paleo mix is grain-free and almond-forward—lovely with berries, but handle gently and don’t overmix. Hungry Jack Chocolate Chip is fun for brunch with kids, but consider it an occasional, sweeter option. If you’re on a budget, check store brands with “100% whole wheat” on the front, compare unit prices, or DIY a jarred mix with whole wheat pastry flour and oat flour. Where to buy: big-box and grocery chains for classic and protein mixes; natural grocers and online for paleo/grain-free lines. Stock up during sales, use digital coupons, and freeze extra waffles to make premium mixes stretch further.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Grain Base | Added Sugar (per serving) | Protein (g) | Best For / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Whole Grain Waffles | Whole wheat blend | Low (~2–5g) | 3–5g | Budget-friendly freezer staple; toaster-ready convenience |
| Birch Benders Classic Mix | Wheat/oat blend | Moderate (~4–7g) | 4–6g | Clean-ish ingredients, everyday pancakes and waffles |
| Birch Benders Protein Mix | Wheat + added protein | Low–moderate (~3–6g) | 10–16g | Higher satiety; great for waffle irons and grab-and-go |
| Birch Benders Paleo Mix | Almond + cassava | Low (~2–5g) | 6–9g | Grain-free, tender crumb; pricier and calorie-dense |
| Hungry Jack Chocolate Chip Mix | Refined wheat | Higher (~9–12g) | 3–5g | Treat vibes; best for occasional sweet breakfasts |
| DIY Whole-Grain Jar Mix | Whole wheat + oat flour | You control it | Depends on add-ins | Most budget control; customize sweetness and fiber |
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