Amazing Vegan Pancake Mix Review: Is It Worth It?

Alright, pancake lovers, let's talk vegan! If you're anything like me, the quest for the perfect plant-based breakfast can feel like a never-ending saga. But what if I told you there’s a mix out there that might just change the game? I'm talking about the Birch Benders Plant Protein Pancake Mix, a contender in the crowded arena of vegan breakfast options. This isn't just another run-of-the-mill review; it's my honest take on whether this mix lives up to the hype. We'll be tackling the big questions: Is it easy to use? Does it actually taste good, especially with that monk fruit sweetener? And can it handle the heat of a waffle iron? Get ready, because in this vegan pancake mix review, I'm putting this mix to the test. I'll walk you through my experience, from mixing to munching, so you can decide if this is the next staple in your kitchen. We'll start with an overview, then I'll share my experience using it for both pancakes and waffles, and finally, I'll give you my honest verdict. Let's get flipping!

Birch Benders Plant Protein Vegan Pancake Mix: An Overview

The Basics

Okay, so Birch Benders isn't exactly new to the pancake game. They're based out of Denver and have been slinging mixes for a while, but their Plant Protein mix? That's the new kid on the block we're focusing on today. It's their foray into the vegan world, and it's designed to be super easy. We're talking just-add-water simple, which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver on those chaotic mornings. The big selling point, of course, is that it's entirely plant-based, which means no eggs or dairy. And for those of you keeping an eye on sugar, they've opted for monk fruit, which is something we'll discuss in detail, because I was a bit skeptical at first.

Now, what I find interesting is the claim that you can use this for both pancakes and waffles. Versatility is key, right? I mean, who wants a separate mix for every breakfast craving? The bag itself is pretty standard, nothing too fancy, but it contains all the dry ingredients you need, including, surprisingly, a decent amount of protein. So, right off the bat, it's checking a lot of boxes for convenience and dietary needs. But the real test, as always, is how it performs in the kitchen and, more importantly, on the taste buds.

First Impressions

When I first got my hands on this mix, I'll admit I was a little wary. I've had my fair share of vegan pancakes that tasted like cardboard, so my expectations were, shall we say, tempered. The monk fruit sweetener was a particular point of concern for me. I've had some bad experiences with artificial sweeteners leaving a weird aftertaste, but I decided to give it a fair shot. The instructions on the bag are pretty clear, and it's hard to mess up the water-to-mix ratio. I mean, even I can do it, and that's saying something. The dry mix itself looked pretty standard, a light tan color with no weird chunks or anything.

The real test, however, is always the cooking process. Does it mix well? Does it stick to the pan? Does it smell okay? These are all crucial questions. I've had mixes that turn into a gloopy mess, and others that burn before they even have a chance to cook through. So, I approached this with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. I was hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. And let me tell you, there are some surprises ahead. But first, let's talk about the taste test.

• Easy to prepare, just add water
• Contains monk fruit sweetener
• Suitable for pancakes and waffles
• Plant based

Taste Test: Vegan Pancake Mix and Waffle Experiment

Pancake Showdown

Alright, let's get to the good stuff – the actual taste test! I mixed up the batter according to the instructions, and it came together really smoothly. No lumps, no weird smells, just a nice, pourable consistency. I heated up my trusty non-stick pan and poured a few dollops of batter onto it. The first thing I noticed was how quickly they started to cook. They puffed up nicely, and the edges got that golden-brown crispiness that you want in a good pancake. The aroma was subtly sweet, not overpowering at all. So far, so good. After a few minutes, I flipped them, and they continued to cook evenly on the other side. I'll admit, I was getting cautiously optimistic at this point. They looked like real pancakes, which is more than I can say for some of the other vegan mixes I've tried.

Now, the moment of truth: the taste. I took a bite, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The texture was light and fluffy, not dense or gummy like some vegan pancakes tend to be. The flavor was subtly sweet, thanks to the monk fruit, but not in a way that made my teeth hurt. It was a nice, clean sweetness that didn't leave any weird aftertaste. I topped them with a bit of maple syrup, and they were absolutely delicious. Honestly, I could have eaten a whole stack. But, being the dedicated reviewer that I am, I had to move on to the waffle experiment. This is where things got a little… interesting.

Waffle Woes (and Wins)

So, I was feeling pretty confident after the pancake success. I figured if the mix could handle pancakes this well, waffles would be a breeze. I preheated my waffle stick maker (yes, I have a waffle stick maker, don’t judge) and poured in the batter. The first batch came out looking good, but when I bit into it, it was… soft. And moist. Like, almost too moist. It wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't the crispy, crunchy waffle experience I was hoping for. The flavor was still good, but the texture was way off. I tried a few more batches, playing around with the cooking time, but I couldn't get that crispiness I was after.

Then, I had a thought. Maybe the batter was too thin for waffles. So, I mixed up a new batch, this time adding a little less water. I also let the waffle maker get a little hotter before pouring in the batter. And you know what? It worked! The waffles were still a bit softer than traditional ones, but they were much more enjoyable. They had a nice, slightly crisp exterior and a tender interior. The key, it seems, is to adjust the batter consistency to suit your cooking method. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation, which is something to keep in mind.

• Waffles initially came out too soft and moist.
• Adjusting the water-to-mix ratio improved the texture.
• Higher heat also helped achieve crispier results.
• Overall taste remained great.

Adjusting the Mix

The big takeaway from my little waffle experiment is that you might need to tweak the mix to get your desired consistency. The instructions on the bag are a good starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment. If you want crispier waffles, use a bit less water. If your pancakes are too thick, add a splash more. It's all about finding what works best for your specific cooking style and equipment. I also found that letting the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking helped it thicken up a bit, which can be beneficial for both pancakes and waffles. It's a good practice to let it rest, just like you need to rest after a good workout.

Final Verdict: Is This Vegan Pancake Mix Worth It?

The Price Point and Portions

Okay, let's talk money. The Birch Benders Plant Protein mix goes for $5.99 on their website. Now, some might balk at that price, but let's consider what you're getting. First off, it's a vegan mix, and those tend to be a little pricier than your standard pancake mixes. Second, it's super convenient. Just add water, and you’re good to go. I managed to get multiple meals out of one bag, with about one or two servings left over. So, if you break it down, it's not that bad. It's certainly cheaper than going out for vegan pancakes, and it's way less hassle than making them from scratch. Plus, the added protein is a nice bonus. For me, the convenience and the taste make it worth the price.

I think if you're on the fence, consider how often you eat pancakes or waffles. If it's a once-a-week kind of treat, then this mix is a solid choice. It's easy to store, and it's ready when you are. But if you're a daily pancake fiend, it might be a bit more of an investment. However, for its quality and convenience, I'd say it's pretty reasonable. It's not the cheapest option, but it's definitely not the most expensive either. It falls somewhere in the middle, and I think it's a fair price for what you get.

The Taste and Texture Debate

Alright, let's be real. Taste is subjective, but I gotta say, I was genuinely impressed with how this mix tasted. The monk fruit sweetener was a concern for me initially, but it ended up being a non-issue. It provided a subtle sweetness that didn't overpower the other flavors. The pancakes were light and fluffy, and the waffles, with a little tweaking, turned out pretty good too. I've had some vegan mixes that taste like cardboard, and this was definitely not one of them. It actually tasted like a real pancake, which is a win in my book. The texture was also great, not too dense or gummy. It was just right, and I think that's a big part of what makes a good pancake or waffle.

Of course, you might have different tastes than me. But I feel like this mix has a pretty good balance of flavor and texture. It's not trying to be overly sweet or overly complicated. It's just a simple, solid mix that delivers a good breakfast. And I think that's what most people are looking for. I really appreciate that it doesn't have that weird aftertaste that some vegan mixes have. The monk fruit sweetener seems to do its job without being overpowering or artificial. So, if you're worried about the taste, I would say give it a try. You might be surprised.

• Monk fruit sweetener is a non-issue.
• Pancakes are light and fluffy.
• Waffles are good with adjustments.
• No weird aftertaste.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

So, after all my experimenting and taste-testing, here's my final take: the Birch Benders Plant Protein Pancake Mix is a solid option for anyone looking for a vegan-friendly breakfast. It's easy to use, tastes great, and is reasonably priced. The fact that you can use it for both pancakes and waffles is a bonus, although you might need to tweak the batter a bit for waffles. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. It's not perfect, but it's definitely one of the better vegan mixes I've tried. And it's certainly better than some of the non-vegan mixes I've had. I'd say if you are looking for a simple, tasty vegan breakfast option, give it a shot. You might just find a new favorite.

Now, remember, this is just my opinion. Everyone's tastes are different, and what works for me might not work for you. But I tried to be as honest and thorough as possible in this review. And based on my experience, I'd say this mix is worth checking out. I am not trying to sell you the mix, or anything, but I think if you're in the market for a vegan pancake mix, this one should be on your radar. The convenience, taste, and value make it a winner in my book. So, go ahead and give it a try. And let me know what you think! I'm always curious to hear other people's opinions. Happy cooking!