When it comes to gluten free diets, many people wonder if popular foods like protein pancakes and vans are safe to eat. In the opening section of this article, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions related to the gluten content of vans protein pancakes.
Are vans protein pancakes gluten free? A quick answer
The short answer is – it depends. Vans protein pancakes themselves are typically gluten free, as many brands use gluten free flour blends. However, vans protein pancakes can become contaminated with gluten during manufacturing if the facility also processes wheat products. So it’s important to check labels and contact manufacturers to confirm gluten free status.
What are vans protein pancakes?
Vans protein pancakes are a type of high protein, low carb pancake mix or pre-made frozen pancakes. They are designed to be an easy, convenient way to increase protein intake, often aimed at bodybuilders, athletes, and those looking to build muscle or lose weight.
Protein pancake mixes are essentially pancake batter that has added protein, typically whey or plant-based protein powders. They may also use protein-rich flour alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour rather than traditional wheat flour.
Frozen protein pancakes are pre-made protein enriched pancakes that can be heated and served. These are essentially protein pancake batter that has been cooked into pancake form for convenience.
Are regular pancake mixes and frozen pancakes gluten free?
Traditional pancake mixes and frozen pancakes are typically not gluten free. Most conventional pancake mixes contain wheat flour as the main ingredient, which contains gluten. Frozen pancakes are also usually made with wheat flour.
However, there are some gluten free traditional pancake mixes made with alternate flours like rice flour, tapioca flour or almond flour. And some brands offer gluten free frozen pancakes. But unless labelled as gluten free, pancake mixes and frozen pancakes likely contain gluten.
Why vans protein pancakes may be gluten free
There are a few reasons why many vans protein pancake brands and products are gluten free:
- Many use alternative gluten free flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or tapioca flour as the base instead of wheat.
- Some mixes use oat flour or oat bran, which are naturally gluten free as long as the oats are not contaminated.
- Most add a protein powder like whey protein isolate or plant-based protein powder to increase protein content. These protein powders do not contain gluten.
- Many vans protein pancake brands specialize in gluten free offerings, so they formulate their mixes to exclude gluten ingredients.
So the ingredients used in most vans protein pancake mixes tend to be gluten free. Many brands that offer frozen vans protein pancakes also formulate them to be gluten free.
Potential sources of gluten in vans protein pancakes
Although the core ingredients may be gluten free, there are some potential sources of gluten that could contaminate vans protein pancakes:
- Cross-contamination during manufacturing – If made in a facility that also processes wheat-based foods, gluten cross-contamination can occur.
- Added flavors or inclusions – Some added flavors, chocolate chips, etc may contain gluten.
- Substitutions – The restaurant or cook may substitute regular wheat flour if they run out of gluten free mix.
So it’s crucial to thoroughly check the ingredient list and labels of any vans protein pancake mix or frozen pancakes for potential gluten sources.
How to determine if vans protein pancakes are gluten free
To determine if a brand of vans protein pancakes is gluten free, check for the following:
- Gluten free labelling – Look for explicit “gluten free” labeling.
- No wheat, barley, rye – Check the ingredients list avoids these gluten grains.
- GMP certification – See if the brand is Good Manufacturing Practices certified for gluten free.
- Third party testing – Some brands test finished products at less than 10-20ppm of gluten.
- Dedicated equipment – Opt for brands that process gluten free foods only on dedicated equipment.
- Reputable gluten free brands – Stick to well-known gluten free brands and manufacturers when possible.
Calling the manufacturer directly is also a good idea if unsure. Reputable brands should be able to verify the gluten free status of their products.
5 top gluten free vans protein pancake brand options
Here are 5 top recommended gluten free brands of vans protein pancakes:
| Brand | About |
|---|---|
| Kodiak Cakes Protein Flapjack and Waffle Mix | Uses 100% whole grains and whey protein. Explicitly labelled gluten free. |
| Birch Benders Paleo Protein Pancake Mix | Grain-free mix with collagen protein. Lab tested gluten free. |
| Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix | Made with gluten free whole grains. Dedicated gluten free facility. |
| Bob’s Red Mill Protein Pancake Mix | Made with brown rice flour and pea protein. Gluten free certified. |
| Love Grown Protein Power Pancakes | Pre-made frozen pancakes with plant-based protein. Third party testing for gluten. |
Tips for safely eating vans protein pancakes gluten free
Here are some tips to safely enjoy gluten free vans protein pancakes:
- Always read labels carefully and check with the manufacturer if uncertain.
- Look for dedicated gluten free brands and manufacturing facilities when possible.
- Avoid add-ins and toppings that may contain gluten like regular syrups or chocolate chips.
- Use a designated gluten free pan and utensils to prepare pancakes.
- Don’t substitute regular flour in mixes. Follow recipe exactly.
- Check restaurant ingredients if ordering gluten free pancakes.
Being vigilant about label reading and contamination risks is key for a gluten free diet. But many reputable brands offer gluten free vans protein pancakes that are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Nutritional profile of gluten free vans protein pancakes
Here is the general nutritional profile for 1 serving (2-3 small pancakes) of gluten free vans protein pancakes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-250 |
| Protein | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-30g |
| Fat | 5-10g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
The exact amounts vary between brands based on ingredients. But gluten free vans protein pancakes typically provide an excellent boost of protein, moderate carbohydrates, and relatively low fat and calories compared to traditional pancakes.
Are there any downsides to gluten free vans protein pancakes?
There aren’t really any notable downsides to choosing gluten free vans protein pancakes compared to regular pancakes, beyond the following:
- More expensive – Specialty gluten free mixes usually cost more than regular pancake mix.
- Texture differences – Some gluten free mixes yield denser, smaller pancakes.
- Fewer topping options – Things like regular syrup often contain gluten.
- Special preparation – Must avoid cross-contamination in gluten free kitchen.
However, many brands of gluten free protein pancake mixes aim to replicate the fluffy texture of regular pancakes. And gluten free syrups and other toppings are readily available. So with some minor adjustments, you can still enjoy tasty gluten free protein pancakes.
Are there benefits to choosing gluten free protein pancakes?
There are some useful benefits to opting for gluten free protein pancakes, including:
- Higher protein – Vans protein pancakes naturally have more protein than regular pancakes.
- Lower carb – They are usually lower in carbohydrates than standard flour pancakes.
- More nutrients – Gluten free flours provide fiber, vitamins and minerals found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- No inflammation – Gluten free is better for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Less disruptive – Makes following a gluten free diet easier.
So choosing vans protein pancakes that are also gluten free can enhance the nutritional benefits of this healthy breakfast option even further.
Delicious gluten free vans protein pancake recipes
Here are 3 tasty recipe ideas for gluten free vans protein pancakes:
Classic vans protein pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten free protein pancake mix
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for griddle
Directions:
- Combine pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
- Heat a nonstick griddle or pan over medium heat. Grease lightly with nonstick spray or butter.
- Pour batter onto griddle in rounds to form pancakes. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve topped with butter and sugar free maple syrup.
Blueberry vans protein pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten free protein pancake mix
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Combine pancake mix, water, egg, blueberries, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl.
- Heat greased griddle to medium-high heat. Pour batter to form pancakes.
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side. Pancakes are ready when puffed and golden brown.
- Top with extra blueberries and syrup if desired.
Banana bread vans protein pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten free pancake mix
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions:
- Mash banana in a bowl. Mix in egg, milk and cinnamon.
- Add pancake mix and chopped walnuts if using. Stir just until combined.
- Pour batter onto a lightly greased griddle heated to medium. Cook pancakes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Top with sliced banana, walnuts and syrup.
Where to buy gluten free vans protein pancake mixes
Here are some places where you can find gluten free vans protein pancake mixes and frozen pancakes:
- Grocery stores – Many carry brands like Kodiak Cakes, Birch Benders, Bob’s Red Mill in the gluten free section.
- Online – Amazon, Thrive Market, Vitacost have a wide selection available to order online.
- Natural food stores – Stores like Sprouts, Whole Foods have gluten free specialty products.
- Big box stores – Walmart, Target may have gluten free protein pancake mixes.
- Specialty websites – Gluten free sites like GlutenFreeMall and Gluten Free Palace have pancake mixes.
Checking manufacturer websites can also help locate stores near you that stock particular gluten free brands.
Conclusion
With the rise of gluten free diets, fortunately there are many tasty gluten free vans protein pancake options available. Top brands use ingredients like alternative gluten free flours and protein powders to create protein-packed pancakes safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Just be sure to carefully read labels and check for certification and testing. With some easy mix-ins and toppings, you can whip up healthy, gluten free protein pancakes quickly for a great breakfast or anytime treat.
