Pancake Mix Taste Test by Professional Chefs

Overview

• Conducted a blind taste test with professional chefs to evaluate various pancake mixes.
• Focus on texture, flavor, sweetness, and overall quality of pancakes.
• Pancakes prepared as per package instructions.

Key Characteristics Evaluated

• Fluffiness and Tenderness: Desired light and airy texture.
• Flavor Balance: Not too sweet or bland; should complement maple syrup.
• Crispy Edges: Adds desirable texture.
• Moisture Content: Important for tenderness and flavor.
• Acidic Tang: Added bonus if present due to ingredients like buttermilk.

Pancake Mixes Reviewed

1. Betty Crocker Bisquick Original

• Pros: Nice color, fluffy, good rise.
• Cons: Slight bitterness, a bit dry and sticky, dense, low sweetness.
• Ingredients Note: Low sugar and salt, lots of starch.

2. Betty Crocker Bisquick Shake and Pour

• Pros: Easy preparation (just add water).
• Cons: Flat, gummy texture, very sweet.
• Ingredients Note: Contains soy flour, DATM as an emulsifier.

3. Trader Joe's Buttermilk Pancake Mix

• Pros: None highlighted.
• Cons: Dense, dry, lacking in buttermilk flavor.
• Ingredients Note: Overmixing makes it tough.

4. Jiffy Buttermilk Pancake Mix

• Pros: Good flavor, nice color, balanced sweetness and saltiness.
• Cons: Reasonably dry.
• Ingredients Note: Contains lard, cornstarch, high sugar, and maple flavoring.

5. Pearl Milling Company Original

• Pros: Homemade feel, fluffy, tender.
• Cons: Slight dryness and odd aftertaste.

6. Hungry Jack Original

• Pros: Fluffy, moist, balanced flavor, crispy edges.
• Cons: None noted.
• Tip: Let prep mix stand for a loftier rise.

7. Dolly Parton's Buttermilk Pancakes

• Pros: Cute appearance, crispy edge.
• Cons: Gummy, bland, dry.

8. Krusteaz Light and Fluffy

• Pros: None highlighted.
• Cons: Tough, chewy, lacking richness.

9. Annie’s Organic Classic

• Pros: None highlighted.
• Cons: Flat, dry, bland.
• Tip: Applesauce as vegan substitute improved texture.

10. Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake Mix

• Pros: None highlighted.
• Cons: Flat, bitter taste, dry.

11. Birch Benders Organic

• Pros: Good taste.
• Cons: Tough, gluey texture.
• Ingredients Note: Contains tapioca flour.

12. Bob's Red Mill Organic Multigrain

• Pros: Health benefits.
• Cons: Dense, dry, not fluffy.

13. Good Dee's Pancake Plus

• Pros: None highlighted.
• Cons: Gluten-free, flavor-free, too eggy and gritty.

14. Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten-Free

• Pros: None highlighted.
• Cons: Acidic aftertaste, sandy texture.

15. Kodiak Power Cakes

• Pros: High protein content, good for quick satiety.
• Cons: Gummy texture, wet.

16. Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Mix

• Pros: Beautiful appearance, balanced flavor, moist, fluffy.
• Cons: None highlighted.

Conclusion

• Favorites: Jiffy, Pearl Milling Company, Hungry Jack, and Cracker Barrel.
• Least Favorites: Good Dee's, Bob’s Red Mill.
• General Tips: Enhance box mixes with richer ingredients like milk or eggs for better taste and texture. Homemade pancakes are superior.

Final Thought

• Chefs emphasize the importance of experimenting beyond the box instructions for more flavorful pancakes.