I tried 4 store-bought pancake mixes, and my favorite was also the cheapest

Erin McDowellJan 13, 2024, 16:05 IST

I compared the buttermilk flavor of four pancake-mix brands: Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, Pearl Milling Company, and Birch Benders.Erin McDowell/Insider

I tested four national brands of buttermilk-pancake mixes.
The mixes I tried were Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, Pearl Milling Company, and Birch Benders.

Pancake mix is a pantry staple in most American households, but which one is the best?

I set out to determine which boxed pancake mix is most worth the money based on flavor, texture, and price. To do so, I compared the buttermilk flavor of four different pancake-mix brands: Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, Pearl Milling Company, and Birch Benders.

Here's how I ultimately rated the pancake mixes.

I tried the buttermilk flavor of four different pancake-mix brands: Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, Pearl Milling Company, and Birch Benders.

The four different pancake-mix boxes.Erin McDowell/Insider

My least favorite brand I tried was also the most complicated.

Pearl Milling Company buttermilk-pancake mix.Erin McDowell/Insider

Unlike the other pancake mixes, this batter called for milk, oil, and an egg.

The Pearl Milling Company buttermilk-pancake mix in a bowl.Erin McDowell/Insider

The pancake puffed up slightly and became a thicker consistency while cooking.

The pancake cooking in a pan on the stove.Erin McDowell/Insider

This pancake was thicker and more cake-like than the others.

A piece of the finished pancake.Erin McDowell/Insider

My third-favorite brand was the Hungry Jack buttermilk complete pancake mix.

Hungry Jack buttermilk-pancake mix.Erin McDowell/Insider

The batter was slightly runnier than the others.

The Hungry Jack buttermilk-pancake mix in a bowl.Erin McDowell/Insider

The pancake browned easily in the pan.

The pancake cooking in a pan on the stove.Erin McDowell/Insider

The pancake had a sweet, buttery flavor. I thought it was the most classic of the mixes I tried.

A piece of the finished pancake.Erin McDowell/Insider

My second-favorite was the organic Birch Benders buttermilk pancake and waffle mix.

Birch Benders buttermilk-pancake mix.Erin McDowell/Insider

The batter was slightly thicker, and I could practically smell the buttermilk.

The Birch Benders buttermilk-pancake mix in a bowl.Erin McDowell/Insider

The delicious smell of the buttermilk pancake wafted through the kitchen.

The pancake cooking in a pan on the stove.Erin McDowell/Insider

I thought the Birch Benders buttermilk pancake had the right balance of sweet buttery and savory flavor.

A piece of the finished pancake.Erin McDowell/Insider

My favorite was the Krusteaz buttermilk-pancake mix.

Krusteaz buttermilk-pancake mix.Erin McDowell/Insider

The batter was perfectly smooth without being too watery.

The Krusteaz buttermilk-pancake mix in a bowl.Erin McDowell/Insider

The pancakes turned a delicious-looking golden brown in the pan.

The pancake cooking in a pan on the stove.Erin McDowell/Insider

The pancakes had a tasty buttermilk flavor and were the perfect thickness.

A piece of the finished pancake.Erin McDowell/Insider

I'm a dietitian who shops at Trader Joe's. Here are 12 things I often buy my family of 4.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I tried 4 store-bought pancake mixes, and my favorite was also the cheapest

I tried the buttermilk flavor of four different pancake-mix brands: Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, Pearl Milling Company, and Birch Benders.

My least favorite brand I tried was also the most complicated.

Unlike the other pancake mixes, this batter called for milk, oil, and an egg.

The pancake puffed up slightly and became a thicker consistency while cooking.

This pancake was thicker and more cake-like than the others.

My third-favorite brand was the Hungry Jack buttermilk complete pancake mix.

The batter was slightly runnier than the others.

The pancake browned easily in the pan.

The pancake had a sweet, buttery flavor. I thought it was the most classic of the mixes I tried.

My second-favorite was the organic Birch Benders buttermilk pancake and waffle mix.

The batter was slightly thicker, and I could practically smell the buttermilk.

The delicious smell of the buttermilk pancake wafted through the kitchen.

I thought the Birch Benders buttermilk pancake had the right balance of sweet buttery and savory flavor.

My favorite was the Krusteaz buttermilk-pancake mix.

The batter was perfectly smooth without being too watery.

The pancakes turned a delicious-looking golden brown in the pan.

The pancakes had a tasty buttermilk flavor and were the perfect thickness.