(PHOTO: BIRCH BENDERS)
I usually prefer savory breakfasts, but my family adores pancakes. Recently I spotted Birch Benders Plant-Based Protein Pancake Mix at the grocery store and decided to try it. The mix is plant-based, oil-free, and free of refined sugar, and it only requires water to prepare. I often add fruit—frozen blueberries work especially well because they pop when cooked, giving extra texture and flavor.
My husband Paul loves sweets, so I sometimes make just a few pancakes for him while I enjoy a savory option like Southwest tofu scramble or a vegan quiche. The mix is convenient for small batches, making it easy to prepare 3–4 pancakes when needed.
Ingredients in Birch Benders Plant-Based Pancake Mix
(PHOTO: BIRCH BENDERS)
- Whole-wheat flour
- Unbleached wheat flour
- Organic coconut sugar
- Pea protein (extracted from yellow and green split peas)
- Brown rice flour
- Vital wheat gluten (concentrated wheat protein)
- Potato starch
- Cassava starch
- Salt
- Spices
- Xanthan gum (thickening agent and stabilizer)
- Monk fruit sweetener
The mix uses two unrefined sweeteners and provides about 10 grams of protein per serving. Note that it contains wheat products, including vital wheat gluten, so it is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. It is oil-free and designed for easy preparation with water only.
Possible Additions for Pancakes and Waffles
- Frozen blueberries
- Chopped apples
- Sliced strawberries
- Diced peaches
- Raspberries
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Pecans
Nutritional Facts
Birch Benders Pancake Mix: Waffles, Muffins and More
The mix is versatile and adapts easily to plant-based recipes. With minor additions you can make waffles, muffins, and flavored pancakes. Below are a few adapted recipes that work well with this mix.
(PHOTO CALI WARNE MEDIA)
Hot Cocoa Waffles (adapted from Cali Warner Media)
- 1 pouch Birch Benders Plant Pancake Mix
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 ¾ cups water
Chocolate Syrup (optional)
- ½ cup oat milk (or other plant milk)
- ¾ cup vegan chocolate chips
- Optional: vegan mini marshmallows
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix and cocoa powder.
- Add water until you have a thick, slightly lumpy batter; do not overmix.
- A thicker batter yields fluffier waffles.
- For the syrup, warm oat milk and chocolate chips in a small pot over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Serve waffles hot with chocolate syrup and optional mini marshmallows.
(PHOTO CALI WARNER MEDIA)
Gingerbread Pancakes (adapted from Cali Warner Media)
- 1 pouch Birch Benders Plant Pancake Mix
- 2 ¾ cups water
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Combine the spices and salt until evenly mixed.
- Stir the pancake mix into the spices, then add water and maple syrup to form a thick batter.
- Do not overmix; a thick batter produces fluffy pancakes.
- Use a ½-cup measure to pour batter into the pan and cook according to package guidance until set and golden.
Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins (adapted from Rachel @ Healthways for Days)
- 1 cup Birch Benders Plant-Based Pancake Mix
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup vanilla almond milk (or other vanilla plant milk)
Apple Topping
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- ⅛ cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the muffin ingredients until just mixed. Toss the diced apples with coconut sugar or maple syrup and cinnamon, then sprinkle over batter.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Where to Buy Birch Benders Plant-Based Mix
I found my pouch at a local Sprouts, but availability varies. The mix is commonly sold at major retailers, grocery chains, and online stores. If you don’t find it locally, check larger grocery chains or national online retailers.
The Bottom Line
Birch Benders Plant-Based Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix is an easy, versatile option for quick breakfasts and baking projects. It makes fluffy pancakes with minimal effort—just add water—and adapts well to waffles, muffins, and flavored pancake variations. While it contains wheat and is not gluten-free, it offers a convenient plant-based choice with a good protein boost that my family enjoys.