You know it’s the start to a good day when you get 11 grams of protein for breakfast. Thrive Market’s organic protein pancake & waffle mix seemed worthy of the $7.99 spend.

Not only is the mix organic and high protein, but it hits on 16 Thrive Market key values including gluten free, plant based, non-GMO, and preservative free.

The recipe on the bag calls for the addition of ground flax seed, which is needed to make the consistency of the batter pancake worthy and adds dietary fiber to the mix.

The recipe also leans into the vegan diet, calling for coconut oil and almond milk as the additives. We strayed away from this mainly because we didn’t have these ingredients on hand, using real butter and milk in their place. Even with the way we made the pancakes, they had a vaguely sweet overtone, which was pleasant. The coconut oil probably would have created an even sweeter nuance.

In terms of texture, we wouldn’t call these the fluffiest pancakes in town, but the texture was good, and they were a taste pleaser among the taste testers.

We used the entire bag of pancake mix (approximately 3-1/2 cups of mix) and came out with over 20 sizable pancakes. The leftovers are hitting the freezer and will be thrown in the toaster for a quick breakfast over the next few days.

However…

There are two drawbacks of the product everyone should know. One is the inclusion of organic dextrose. This is a simple sugar made from corn, but it’s problematic for people who are diabetic or individuals with high blood sugar. Organic cane sugar is already included in the mix, so we question the need for the addition of dextrose.

The label also indicates “natural flavor”, which can mean so many things. We see this and think “hidden ingredients” they don’t want us to know. This means the label isn’t as clean as we’d like it to be.

According to the New York Times, “Government regulations define natural flavors as those that derive their aroma or flavor chemicals from plant or animal sources, including fruit, meat, fish, spices, herbs, roots, leaves, buds or bark that are distilled, fermented or otherwise manipulated in a lab.”

While we like the pancakes in terms of its noted key values plus taste and texture, we are disappointed with a couple of the ingredients, which forces us to an IMBHO-maybe rating.

For now, we’re going back to our tried and true Birch Benders. We reviewed them a year ago and still place our bets on this brand.

Don’t like pancakes for breakfast? How about gluten-free banana French toast courtesy of Thrive Market.Thrive MarketBirch Benders