When you're looking to indulge on a weekend morning, there's nothing better than a stack of pancakes doused in maple syrup. However, making pancakes from scratch often requires dirtying more dishes than you feel like doing. Add a gluten-free diet into the mix and the task of making breakfast can quickly turn into a chore. But if you have a gluten-free pancake mix in your pantry, you're already halfway there. Just add a few wet ingredients, mix it up, throw it on a hot griddle, and enjoy!
Gluten-free pancake mixes aren't hard to come by, but finding one you love can take some trial and error. To help you out, we've put together a list of our top ten mixes. For fluffy pancakes, waffles, and more, we recommend Pamela's Gluten-Free Baking and Pancake mix, which contains a blend of rice flour and almond meal. Keep scrolling to see the rest of our picks! If you want to do a little research before you buy, our buying guide will help walk you through everything you need to know.
Quick List - Top Gluten-Free Pancake Mixes
Pamela's Products
A Mix for All Your Gluten-Free Baking Needs
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
When it comes to ingredients, gluten-free pancake mixes have more wiggle room than traditional pancakes, with manufacturers using different blends of ingredients to recreate the right texture. In this guide, we'll walk you through the different wheat flour alternatives, as well as some other important things to consider before you buy.
To make pancakes, you need flour, but it doesn’t have to be wheat flour! Gluten-free pancake mixes usually contain a blend of non-wheat flours that have different properties to mimic the texture of traditional pancakes.
Rice flour is a popular choice due to its neutral flavor and light texture. Like rice, it comes in white and brown varieties, with brown rice flour having a slightly nuttier flavor.
Brown rice flour is a whole grain, which means it contains all parts of the grain, including the nutritious bran and germ and carb-rich endosperm. On the other hand, white rice flour is made from rice that has had the bran and germ removed, making it lower in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Sorghum is an ancient whole grain that’s high in fiber, protein, and iron, and has a mildly sweet flavor that works well in pancakes. On its own, sorghum flour tends to be dense and heavy, so look for a mix that contains sorghum flour blended with other flours to lighten it up.
Almond flour is made from ground-up almonds, making it an excellent grain-free and gluten-free option. It has a nutty flavor and a dense texture, so it’s usually mixed with another flour or a starch.
Its higher fat content means that it has more calories than grain-based flour, so it may not be a good choice for people who are trying to limit their calories. However, almond flour is high in minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium, as well as vitamin E and healthy fats.
Cassava flour is made from the cassava root, which is native to South America. It has a neutral flavor and fine texture, making it very similar to regular white flour.
It primarily contains carbohydrates, so it has fewer nutritional benefits than whole grain flour or almond flour. However, it’s easy to digest and can be a source of resistant starch, which feeds your good gut bacteria.
Coconut flour is made from dried coconut and has a slightly sweet flavor. It’s high in fiber and healthy saturated fat, which acts as a source of energy for your body.
It’s highly absorbent, so pancake mixes that use coconut flour may need more liquid than other mixes. Look for a mix that contains coconut flour blended with another type to prevent dry pancakes.
When baking with wheat flour, the gluten helps hold the ingredients together, creating structure and elasticity in the finished product. Products without gluten can sometimes end up dense and crumbly since they lack that gluten. So in addition to flour, gluten-free pancake mixes typically contain some type of starch.
Starches, like potato, tapioca, arrowroot, and corn starch, act as binding agents. They absorb liquid to help thicken the batter and create texture and moisture in the finished pancakes.
Starches tend to be high in carbohydrates and calories compared to their low nutritional value. If you're concerned about calories or getting enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber, make sure the pancake mix contains a blend of starch plus more nutritionally dense flours, like brown rice, oat, almond, or sorghum.
Making pancakes from a mix is easier than making them from scratch, but you still need to have a few ingredients on hand. Most pancake mixes call for eggs, fat, and liquid. The fat may take the form of oil or melted butter, while the liquid may be water or milk.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can play around with egg and milk alternatives, although your results may vary. You can also try checking the reviews to see what substitutions other buyers used. If you don’t usually have those ingredients on hand, look for a mix that just requires you to add liquid.
If you have a household with both pancake and waffle lovers, look for a mix that can do both. Because pancakes and waffles are cooked differently, mixes will often require slightly different amounts of fat or liquid to be added.
Therefore, it’s best not to assume that a gluten-free pancake mix will work for waffles. Instead, take a look at the box and see if there are directions for both.
There are a couple of different ways to identify gluten-free foods. One is if the words “gluten-free,” “no gluten,” “free of gluten,” or “without gluten” appear on the packaging. These terms are regulated by the FDA and mean that the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a level that’s generally considered to be safe for celiacs.
Another way to identify gluten-free foods is to look for a certification from a third party. Organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), BRCGS, and the National Sanitation Foundation all provide gluten-free certifications for foods that meet their requirements.
They often test for gluten below the level accepted by the FDA and may be a more reliable source for people with high gluten sensitivity. The requirements for each certification differ, so it’s best to check their website to determine exactly what their seal means.
If you have other food sensitivities aside from gluten, it’s important to check the ingredient list to make sure the product is safe. Some pancake mixes contain powdered milk or buttermilk, which may not be good for people with dairy intolerances. People with nut allergies should stay away from mixes that use almond flour.
And if you have a wheat allergy, be aware that gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean zero wheat; there can still be cross-contamination, especially with grains like sorghum and rice. With all allergies, the safest bet will be a product that’s manufactured in an allergen-free facility.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pamela's Products Gluten-Free + Whole Grain Baking and Pancake Mix|3 pack | ![]() | A Mix for All Your Gluten-Free Baking Needs | |
2 | King Arthur Gluten-Free Classic Pancake Mix|6 pack | ![]() | Make Breakfast for the Whole Family | |
3 | Betty Crocker Gluten Free Bisquick|6 pack | ![]() | For Pancakes, Waffles, Biscuits, and More | |
4 | Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Pancake Mix|4 pack | ![]() | A Vegan-Friendly Mix With No Dairy | |
5 | Namaste Foods Gluten-Free Waffle and Pancake Mix|6 pack | ![]() | Free From the Top 8 Allergens | |
6 | Krusteaz Gluten Free Buttermilk Pancake Mix|2 pack | ![]() | Light and Fluffy Pancakes to Soak up Your Syrup | |
7 | Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake and Waffle Mix | ![]() | Contains Just 7 Plant-Based Ingredients | |
8 | Premium Gold Debbie Kay's Kitchen Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix | ![]() | A Blend of Ancient Grains and Flaxseed | |
9 | Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix | ![]() | A Sweetened Mix for Sunday Brunch | |
10 | Birch Benders Paleo Pancake and Waffle Mix | ![]() | No Milk, Eggs, or Oil Required |
This mix from Pamela's turns out fluffy pancakes, moist banana bread, tasty muffins and more! It contains a blend of brown and white rice flour plus almond meal, and has five grams of protein when prepared as directed. The addition of cultured buttermilk means you just need to add water, eggs, and oil for the perfect pancake.
The vast majority of reviewers were impressed by this mix and said they use it in all kinds of baked goods, including bread, cookies, waffles, and scones. Many said it makes the best gluten-free pancakes they've ever had!
One 15-ounce bag of King Arthur's pancake mix makes 16 four-inch pancakes, enough to feed the whole family or freeze for later. It's certified gluten-free by the GFCO and contains 21 grams of whole grains per serving from brown rice flour. Plus, the recipe works just as well with vegan butter and non-dairy milk.
Many said it makes a great blank canvas for toppings like syrups, fruit, and spices. They enjoyed the fluffy texture and said these pancakes are very similar to wheat pancakes. Parents added that this mix is loved by kids as well!
Gluten-Free Bisquick is a versatile baking mix that can replace wheat flour in a range of recipes. Add milk, eggs, and oil for classic pancakes, then take it up a notch by adding yogurt for moisture, nuts for crunch, or cinnamon for flavor. The rice flour base is lightly sweetened, with just two grams of sugar per serving.
A couple of reviewers said this mix can be grainy. On the other hand, most people loved the resulting pancakes, saying they're light, fluffy, and delicious. Others added that this mix works excellently for all kinds of things, including pizza crust, cookies, cakes, and even breading meat.
Bob's Red Mill makes their gluten-free products in a facility that's also free of dairy and casein. This mix contains a blend of rice flours, sorghum flour, and starches to create light and fluffy pancakes. You can use substitutions like almond, soy, or coconut milk. One bag makes about 30 four-inch pancakes, and it works for waffles.
While a handful of reviewers had issues with the flavor or texture of these pancakes, others said that it takes some trial and error to find the right ratio of ingredients for your taste. Many said the pancakes come out fluffy and are tasty on their own or with toppings. Others liked adding more milk to create a thinner, crepe-like pancake.
This pancake mix from Namaste foods is not only certified gluten-free by the GFCO, but it's also free of the top eight allergens, including soy, dairy, corn, and nuts. The non-GMO ingredient list is free of added sugar, with a base of rice flour flavored with vanilla bean. Just add eggs, oil, and water or milk!
Some reviewers said their pancakes came out either too flat or gummy in the middle. Others mentioned that adding less liquid or measuring the mix by weight can help improve the texture. For the most part, reviewers said their pancakes came out fluffy and tasty. Many added that waffles made from this mix are even better!
Use this mix from Krusteaz to make light, fluffy pancakes; all you need to add is water, milk, and eggs! The base is made from rice flour and sorghum flour, with some sugar for sweetness and buttermilk for that classic pancake flavor. This mix can also be used to make waffles.
A couple of reviewers were disappointed in the flavor, saying that their pancakes came out bland. On the other hand, many loved the texture. They said this mix makes pancakes that are very similar to regular pancakes, and encouraged adding fruit or chocolate chips. Others added that they're easy to whip up and cook.
Simple Mills' pancake mix contains just seven ingredients, including almond flour, arrowroot, and coconut flour. It's certified gluten-free by the GFCO and is a great option for paleo diets. One box yields about 20 four-inch pancakes or waffles.
Some reviewers said their pancakes were gooey in the middle; one person said you need to cook these low and slow for the best results. Still, many said their pancakes turned out delicious. They appreciated the simple ingredients and said they work well for thin crepes, too.
This pancake mix provides six grams of whole grains per serving. It contains a blend of brown rice, flaxseed, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, and sorghum, with some sugar for a hint of sweetness. It works for pancakes as well as waffles.
Some reviewers warned that the instructions are poorly written and resulted in thin batter or gummy pancakes. However, a couple of people said the trick is to let the batter sit and thicken after mixing. Many found the resulting pancakes and waffles to be light and tasty, with good flavor from the variety of grains.
Cup4Cup's mix is designed to recreate the texture of regular pancakes, just without the gluten. It contains cornstarch and white and brown rice flour, plus some sugar for sweetness. And it's Non-GMO Project and GFCO certified to give you peace of mind. Use it for pancakes, waffles, crepes, and funnel cakes.
Most reviewers were pleased with their pancakes and said they turned out thick and fluffy, without the grit that sometimes accompanies gluten-free baking mixes. Some said they couldn't even tell it's gluten-free!
Not only is this mix gluten-free, but it's also a great option for anyone on the paleo diet. It uses cassava flour as the base plus almond and coconut flour to provide seven grams of protein and five grams of fiber per serving. Plus, it's a breeze to prepare; all you need to do is add water, mix, and cook!
Reviewers warned that these aren't like traditional pancakes. Some said they're grainy or crumbly, while others noticed an aftertaste and a few got stomach pains. Still, many said they're a tasty option for low-carb or paleo diets. They recommended cooking them longer and tweaking the recipe until you get your desired texture.
Eating gluten-free doesn't have to feel like a chore. There are tons of gluten-free foods that are so good you won't even miss the wheat! Check out some more of our favorites below.
No. 1: Pamela's Products|Gluten-Free + Whole Grain Baking and Pancake Mix|3 pack
No. 2: King Arthur|Gluten-Free Classic Pancake Mix|6 pack
No. 3: Betty Crocker|Gluten Free Bisquick|6 pack
No. 4: Bob's Red Mill|Gluten-Free Pancake Mix|4 pack
No. 5: Namaste Foods|Gluten-Free Waffle and Pancake Mix|6 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices