Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those following a gluten-free diet, pancakes can seem off-limits, as traditional pancake mixes contain wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free pancake options available, including Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes pancake mix. But are Kodiak pancakes truly gluten-free?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten can trigger an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, a gluten-free diet is sometimes used to help manage other conditions like autism, ADHD, and arthritis.
For those who need to avoid gluten, following a strict gluten-free diet is important. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those sensitive. This means reading ingredient labels carefully and avoiding products that contain wheat, barley, rye, and any derivatives of these grains.
Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Pancake Mix
Kodiak Cakes produces a number of pancake and waffle mixes that are marketed as high-protein, whole grain products. Their Power Cakes Buttermilk and Vanilla pancake mix is one of their most popular products.
Unlike traditional pancake mixes, Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes mix does not contain wheat flour. Instead, the main ingredients are:
- Brown rice flour
- Whole rolled oats
- Non-fat dry milk
- Egg whites
- Buckwheat flour
- Millet
- Cane sugar
- Flax meal
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Therefore, Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes pancake mix can be considered gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Certification
In addition to not containing any gluten-containing ingredients, Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes pancake mix is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO is an independent program responsible for testing and certifying food products as gluten-free. For a product to be certified, it must contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. This strict cutoff provides assurance for consumers who need to avoid even trace amounts of gluten. Having the GFCO certification is considered the “gold standard” for gluten-free labeling.
Other Gluten-Free Kodiak Cakes Products
In addition to their Power Cakes pancake mix, Kodiak Cakes produces a number of other gluten-free mixes:
Protein Waffles
Kodiak Cakes protein waffle mix contains similar gluten-free whole grain ingredients to the Power Cakes pancake mix. It is made with brown rice flour, whole rolled oats, and buckwheat flour. The waffle mix is also GFCO certified gluten-free.
Flapjack & Waffle Mix
The Flapjack & Waffle mix contains gluten-free oats, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour. It can be used to make both pancakes and waffles. This mix is labeled gluten-free but does not appear to be GFCO certified.
Protein Oat Flour Pancakes
These pancake mixes contain gluten-free oat flour as the first ingredient, along with other gluten-free flours like tapioca starch and sorghum flour. The mixes come in a few different flavors including cinnamon, cacao, and coconut. They are labeled gluten-free but not GFCO certified.
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Muffin Mix
Kodiak Cakes also produces a gluten-free dark chocolate muffin mix that contains gluten-free oat flour, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. It is labeled gluten-free but does not appear to be GFCO certified.
Kodiak Cakes Production Process
In addition to using inherently gluten-free ingredients, Kodiak Cakes takes steps in their production process to avoid cross-contamination with gluten:
- Their gluten-free mixes are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
- All equipment and production lines are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between production runs.
- Gluten-free mixes are produced first thing in the morning before any gluten-containing mixes are run.
- They perform gluten testing on the production line and finished products.
These controls during manufacturing help assure that the final gluten-free mixes avoid picking up traces of gluten during production.
Are Kodiak Cakes Pancakes Safe for Celiac Disease?
For those with celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet free from cross-contamination is critical. Based on Kodiak’s use of certified gluten-free ingredients, dedication to avoiding cross-contamination, and GFCO certification, their pancake mixes should be safe for those with celiac.
Of course, celiac disease is highly individualized and some may react to amounts of gluten that are within the certification limits. However, Kodiak Cakes pancake mixes present very low risk compared to pancakes made from traditional wheat-based mixes. Those with celiac should still take precautions like using dedicated cookware and avoiding cooking gluten-containing foods at the same time.
Nutrition Profile of Kodiak Cakes
In addition to being gluten-free, Kodiak Cakes pancakes have an impressive nutritional profile:
High in Protein
Kodiak Cakes contain 5 grams of protein per serving. This is high compared to traditional pancakes which may contain 2-3 grams of protein. The protein comes from egg whites and milk ingredients used in the mixes. The protein makes these pancakes more filling and nutritious.
Whole Grains
The pancakes provide whole grains from ingredients like whole rolled oats, brown rice flour, and buckwheat flour. These provide important nutrients like fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Lower in Carbs
Compared to traditional pancakes made with refined white flour, Kodiak Cakes are lower in carbohydrates with about 36 grams of net carbs per serving. They have a lower glycemic impact.
No Artificial Ingredients
Kodiak Cakes contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They use ingredients like non-fat milk, eggs, and oils rather than chemical additives. This makes them a clean, health-conscious option.
Recipe Ideas with Kodiak Cakes
Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes mix can be used just like traditional pancake mix to make fluffy pancakes. But their gluten-free, high protein mix also works great in other recipes:
Pancake Sandwiches
Use Kodiak Cakes to make pancake sandwiches with fillings like peanut butter and banana, turkey sausage, or chocolate hazelnut spread. The protein-packed pancakes make the sandwiches more nutritious and filling.
Pancake Cereal
Make bite-sized silver dollar pancakes with Kodiak mix and top with fresh fruit, nuts, honey, or maple syrup for a balanced gluten-free breakfast.
Pancake Lasagna
Layer Kodiak Cakes with ricotta cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce to make a gluten-free lasagna substitute.
Pancake Meal Prep
Make a batch of Kodiak pancakes on the weekend to reheat for quick protein-packed breakfasts throughout the week.
Pancake Sliders
Use Kodiak pancakes in place of burger buns to create chicken, turkey, or beef sliders for fun gluten-free appetizers or meals.
Pancake Energy Bites
The oats and whole grains in Kodiak Cakes make them perfect for blending into energy bite recipes along with nut butter, dried fruit, and honey or maple syrup.
Where to Buy Kodiak Cakes Pancake Mix
Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes and other gluten-free mixes can be found in the baking aisle at many major grocery stores including Safeway, Kroger, Target, and Walmart. They are also available for purchase online through retailers like Amazon. A 5 lb bag of their Power Cakes Buttermilk & Vanilla mix typically costs around $9-12.
In some stores, Kodiak Cakes can be found in the natural foods section or gluten-free specialty aisle as well. Check the gluten-free or pancake mix areas to locate these products.
Conclusion
Based on the use of certified gluten-free ingredients, production safeguards, and independent lab testing, Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes pancake mix can be considered gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease. Their mixes provide a high-protein, nutritious gluten-free alternative to traditional pancakes made with wheat flour. By using ingredients like gluten-free oats, ancient grains, and egg whites, Kodiak Cakes have created gluten-free pancake mixes with an impressive nutritional profile. Their popularity reflects the growing demand for tasty, healthier gluten-free products.
