Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health or lifestyle reasons. For those following a gluten free diet, finding tasty and convenient gluten free options for meals and snacks can be challenging. Pancakes are a breakfast staple for many, so having access to a gluten free pancake mix makes morning routines much easier. Kodiak Cakes are a brand of protein-packed pancake and waffle mix that has grown in popularity, leaving many to wonder: is Kodiak protein pancake mix gluten free?
What is Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mix?
Kodiak Cakes are a brand of high protein, whole grain pancake and waffle mix made from 100% whole grains. Their protein pancake mix contains whey protein and milk protein isolates to boost the protein content to 14 grams per serving. The mix contains 100% whole wheat flour along with other whole grains like oats, millet, buckwheat and quinoa. Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mix comes in several flavors like buttermilk, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and more. The mix can be prepared with just water, making pancakes or waffles easily and quickly. Kodiak Cakes touts their mixes as a nutritious breakfast option high in protein and whole grains.
Are Kodiak Cakes gluten free?
No, standard Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mixes are not gluten free. Since they contain 100% whole wheat flour, they do contain gluten. Whole wheat flour is made from wheat grains, which contain the proteins glutenin and gliadin. When combined with water, these proteins form gluten, the elastic substance that gives wheat-based baked goods their chewy texture. Those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity need to avoid all sources of gluten in their diets, including whole wheat flour.
Does Kodiak Cakes offer any gluten free options?
Yes, in recent years Kodiak Cakes has introduced some gluten free pancake and waffle mixes to their product line. They have two main gluten free options:
Kodiak Cakes Gluten Free Buttermilk Pancake Mix
This gluten free mix contains a blend of millet flour, brown rice flour, tapioca flour and teff flour along with potato starch. It has 11 grams of protein per serving. The mix can be prepared with water only. The gluten free buttermilk pancake mix is dairy free but contains egg whites.
Kodiak Cakes Gluten Free Protein Pancake Mix
This gluten free protein pancake mix contains pea protein and whey protein isolate to provide 10 grams of protein per serving. The flour blend includes brown rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch and xanthan gum. Milk is required when preparing this mix. It is dairy free but contains egg whites. The protein mix comes in vanilla and dark chocolate flavors.
What ingredients are in Kodiak Cakes gluten free pancake mixes?
Here is an overview of the main ingredients found in Kodiak Cakes’ gluten free pancake mixes:
Flours and starches
- Brown rice flour
- Millet flour
- Tapioca flour
- Teff flour
- Potato starch
Binding ingredients
- Xanthan gum
- Egg whites
Leavening agents
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
Flavorings and sweeteners
- Cane sugar
- Maple syrup
- Dextrose
- Salt
- Spices like cinnamon
Dairy and proteins
- Milk protein isolate
- Whey protein isolate
By avoiding all gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley and rye, Kodiak Cakes’ gluten free mixes are specially formulated to be safe for gluten free diets while providing the great taste and texture Kodiak Cakes are known for.
What pancakes can you make with Kodiak Cakes gluten free mix?
Kodiak Cakes’ gluten free pancake mixes allow you to whip up light and fluffy gluten free pancakes, waffles, muffins and more. The mixes produce classic style pancakes and waffles that are tender on the inside with a hint of crispiness on the outside. You can keep it simple and make plain buttermilk pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, blueberry pancakes or banana walnut pancakes. Kodiak Cakes’ gluten free protein pancake mix lends itself well to making high protein snacks like protein packed muffins, energy bites and pancake dippers.
Gluten Free Pancake Recipes to Try
- Lemon blueberry pancakes
- Protein packed pumpkin pancakes
- Cinnamon roll pancakes
- Funfetti pancakes with sprinkles
- Bacon and cheddar waffles
- Pancake dippers with chocolate hazelnut dip
- Protein power muffins
The possibilities are endless with Kodiak Cakes gluten free mixes! Their versatility allows you to get creative and come up with endless variations to enjoy.
What can you use instead of Kodiak Cakes gluten free mix?
For those who don’t have access to Kodiak Cakes gluten free mixes or would rather make their own base from scratch, there are several substitution options:
Gluten Free Pancake Mix
Make your own gluten free pancake mix by combining gluten free flours like almond flour, coconut flour, cassava flour or sorghum flour along with xanthan gum, baking powder and salt. Add sugar or maple syrup and milk or dairy free milk as desired.
Protein Powder
For a protein boost, add your favorite protein powder like pea protein, collagen peptides, or vanilla whey protein. Aim for 2-4 tablespoons of protein powder per batch of pancake batter.
Gluten Free Oats
Use certified gluten free oat flour or rolled oats. Oats give great flavor and nutrition to gluten free pancakes.
Dairy Free Milk
Substitute any non-dairy milk like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk or soy milk 1:1 for regular milk.
Vegan Eggs
To make your batter vegan, use flax eggs, chia eggs, banana or commercial egg replacers instead of eggs.
With the right gluten free flour blend and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up gluten free pancakes just as tasty as the Kodiak Cakes gluten free mixes.
Are there any downsides to Kodiak Cakes gluten free protein pancake mix?
Kodiak Cakes’ gluten free pancake mixes are free of most major allergens outside of dairy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Higher processed food – Gluten free flours and isolates mean more processed ingredients
- Higher carbohydrates – Gluten free flours can have higher net carbs than wheat flour
- Contains egg whites – Not suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies
- Higher cost – Specialty gluten free mixes are typically more expensive
- Limited flavors – Currently only 2 gluten free flavor options
- May contain traces of gluten – Made in a facility that processes wheat
These potential downsides may not be an issue for most but are worth considering for your individual dietary needs and preferences.
What are some other brands with gluten free pancake mixes?
In addition to Kodiak Cakes, there are a number of brands now offering gluten free pancake and waffle mixes:
Birch Benders
Birch Benders makes gluten free pancake mixes in flavors like chocolate chip, banana buckwheat, and blueberry. Most Birch Bender mixes are made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca flour, sorghum flour and fava bean flour.
Bob’s Red Mill
Bob’s Red Mill has gluten free all purpose baking flour as well as single ingredient gluten free flours. You can use these to make homemade pancake mixes. Bob’s Red Mill also offers gluten free pancake mixes.
King Arthur
King Arthur Flour has gluten free pancake mixes and baking mixes that can be used for pancakes. They offer flavors like cinnamon raisin, chocolate chip and buttermilk.
Pamela’s Products
Pamela’s makes gluten free pancake and waffle mix in plain and whole grain varieties. Their mixes rely on rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch and buckwheat flour.
Namaste Foods
In addition to flours, Namaste Foods has complete pancake mixes in flavors like blueberry, strawberry and lemon ricotta.
Should you choose Kodiak Cakes or make your own gluten free mix?
Choosing between buying a pre-made mix like Kodiak Cakes gluten free versus making your own gluten free pancake mix comes down to a few factors:
Convenience
Pre-made mixes are super fast and convenient – just add water or milk. Making your own requires more ingredients and time.
Cost
Homemade is typically more affordable than store-bought gluten free mixes.
Ingredients
You can customize a homemade mix to suit your dietary needs, like using truly paleo flours or making it vegan.
Flavor
While you can add flavors and extras to homemade mixes, store-bought mixes like Kodiak Cakes have proprietary flavors that would be hard to replicate.
Nutrition
It can be easier to control sugar, protein, and nutrients with a homemade gluten free pancake mix.
At the end of the day, either option can produce delicious gluten free pancakes! Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle, budget and health goals.
Conclusion
Those following a gluten free diet looking for tasty and nutritious pancakes will be happy to know that yes – Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mix does come in gluten free varieties! While their original mixes contain wheat, Kodiak Cakes has created specialty gluten free pancake mixes in buttermilk and protein flavors. Made with a blend of gluten free flours and proteins, their gluten free mixes allow you to whip up classic pancakes and waffles that are safe for gluten free diets. While store-bought mixes like Kodiak Cakes gluten free line offer convenience, you also have the option of making your own gluten free pancake mix at home. Either way, with the right ingredients and recipes, you can still enjoy fluffy gluten free pancakes for breakfast.
