Product Review: FlapJacked Protein Pancake Mix ... and a homemade, whole food alternative

So, I was wandering my local Superstore's Natural Foods section recently, and came across this product: FlapJacked Protein Pancake Mix. There's some big claims: "made with the finest ingredients", 17g protein and 6g of fiber per serving, all with the ease of "just add water". 

Two key questions come to mind: 

1. Is it actually good for you? 

2. Does it taste good? 

Question #1: Is it actually good for you?

Fast answer: Mostly. 

Some of the ingredients are impressively similar to what you might combine at home, such as whole oat flour, baking powder and baking soda. They've also jumped on the bandwagon of some so-called superfoods, including quinoa flour and coconut flour in the ingredient list. 

Where they lose me a little is in including Whey Protein Isolate, and Dried Peaches. I'm not against the use of protein powders. In fact, I may have shared with you a recipe or two that includes them as a convenient way to boost protein in a recipe. I'm just not convinced that it's required here. 

The Dried Peaches seem like a high-quality ingredient. What nutritionist wouldn't praise adding produce to a recipe? But here, it's not included for a peach flavour. So I have to guess that they're using it as a way to add sugar without seeming to. Dried fruit becomes quite concentrated, and can be a way to sneakily add sweetness. There's 8g (2 tsp) of sugar per serving. 

Last point on nutrition: Like many quick breads & other bakery products, it's surprisingly salty. 16% of your recommended daily limit in one serving. Have two, and you're about 1/3 of your way into your limit for the day. Again, not terrible, but not great either. 

See the chart below. Nutrition compares well with a similar serving of a typical pancake mix. 

 Question #2: Does it Taste Good? 

Fast answer: Not bad at all. 

These protein pancakes do a pretty good job of replicating the experience of eating buttermilk pancakes, but with the filling power of protein. Some might notice a little more graininess to the texture, or that it's especially important to follow the directions to cook on low heat - mine got a bit burned fairly quickly. But for a commercial mix, sure, I'd give it a passing grade. I mean, who eats their pancakes plain, anyway? 

Suggested topping: This may not be your favourite, but inspired by the dried peach ingredient, I chose to blend a cup or so of peaches with some plain Islandic yogurt. 

And here, the final result. 

Bottom Line: 

Will I buy it again? Probably not. But for those looking for an alternative to another protein smoothie, this could work perfectly. For me, the easy homemade recipe below is my preference. 

Alternative: Whole Food Protein Pancakes

Mash one small ripe banana with two large eggs. Scoop this 'batter' onto a skillet over medium heat. Flip when beginning to dry on edges. Enjoy as-is, top with yogurt, or place in fridge to eat later (hot or cold). 

Typical Pancakes Vs. Protein Pancakes Vs. Homemade Recipe

Don't forget to consider the topping! With Aunt Jemima, you're likely to get another large dose of low-quality carbs with the syrup. With FlapJacked's Protein Pancakes, you have choices including syrup, peanut butter, and yogurt... or nothing. With my recipe, I suggest greek yogurt. But I've also eaten them cold and plain. They're sweet enough already from the natural sugars in the banana. 

What would be your pick?