Key takeaways
- One box covers pancakes and waffles
- Mid-sized 32 oz format fits most pantry shelves
- Limit: the title gives few ingredient details, so check the label
Saturday breakfast usually comes down to one question: do you want a box that works with just water, or one that rewards you for adding eggs, milk and a little melted butter? Pancake and waffle mixes split cleanly along that line, and the right choice depends on how many people you feed and how often the griddle comes out.
This guide is for home cooks stocking a pantry for weekend stacks, weekday waffles or the occasional camping trip. The eight mixes below range from single boxes to bulk multipacks, and nearly all lean on buttermilk, so the differences come down to size, preparation method and what the listing actually says about ingredients.
If the household is small, the single boxes make the most sense; if mornings are chaotic, the add-water formats win on speed. Either way, it helps to decide on a serving routine before you pick a size.
Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Key detail from the title |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Butterworth’s Complete Buttermilk | Pancakes and waffles from one box | 32 oz |
| Krusteaz Complete Buttermilk, 5 lb | Big families, bulk storage | 5 lb bags, pack of 6 |
| Pearl Milling Company Buttermilk Complete | Familiar diner-style stacks | 2 lb box, packaging may vary |
| Krusteaz Light and Fluffy, 32 oz | Quick weekday batches | Just add water, 32 oz |
| Grocery house-brand Buttermilk Mix | Budget-minded stocking | 32 oz |
| King Arthur Buttermilk Pancake Mix | Ingredient-label readers | Non-GMO sourced, kosher, 16 oz |
| Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes | Hearty, filling breakfasts | 20 oz, pack of 6 |
| Betty Crocker Buttermilk Mix | Camping and travel | 6.75 oz pouches, 9 pack |
How to Choose
Decide between add-water and add-your-own
Some titles say “just add water” or “no eggs or milk required.” Those complete mixes trade a little richness for convenience and shelf stability, since dried egg and milk are already in the box. Others expect you to supply eggs, oil or milk, which gives more control over thickness. Read the preparation line on the listing before you order.
Compare size and count by serving
A 16 oz box and a 5 lb bag are not on the same scale, and multipacks multiply the difference. Divide the total ounces by the amount of mix you use per batch to compare value per serving. Sort products into budget, mid-range and premium tiers by cost per ounce rather than cost per box.
Check the ingredient list and labels
Look for buttermilk, flour type and the leavening listed in the ingredient panel. Only rely on labels the listing names, such as non-GMO sourced or certified kosher, and read the full ingredient and allergen statement. Most pancake mixes contain wheat, and many contain milk or egg, so anyone with allergies or celiac disease should check with a clinician or dietitian.
Storage and flavor fit
Dry mixes keep best in a cool, dry cabinet in a sealed container once opened. Buttermilk mixes typically lean slightly tangy and tender, while mixes marketed as protein or flapjack styles are usually denser. Match the style to how you plan to serve them: syrup, fruit, savory toppings or waffle-iron crispness.
The 8 Best Options
Mrs. Butterworth’s Complete Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
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This 32 oz box is a straightforward all-rounder named for both pancakes and waffles, so one pantry item covers two breakfast formats. The word “complete” in the title suggests that no extra baking ingredients are needed beyond liquid, though the listing’s full directions are worth a read.
- One box covers pancakes and waffles
- Mid-sized 32 oz format fits most pantry shelves
- Limit: the title gives few ingredient details, so check the label
Skip it if you need a certified or specialty ingredient claim.
Krusteaz Complete Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 5 lb Bags (Pack of 6)
Six 5 lb bags is a commitment to a lot of breakfast. It makes sense for large families, church groups, short-term rentals or anyone who restocks rarely and wants the lowest cost per serving.
- Bulk quantity lowers the cost per serving into the budget tier
- Titled “Light & Fluffy,” which signals a tender style
- Limit: far too much to store for a small household
Skip it if you only make pancakes occasionally or lack cabinet space.
Pearl Milling Company Buttermilk Complete Pancake and Waffle Mix
A 2 lb box sits comfortably between single-serve pouches and bulk bags. The listing notes that packaging may vary, so the box you receive might not match the photo.
- Moderate 2 lb size suits a family that cooks pancakes most weekends
- Complete mix designed for both pancakes and waffles
- Limit: packaging may vary, which matters if you are matching a gift or display
Skip it if you want a guaranteed look on the shelf.
Krusteaz Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Complete, 32 oz
The title leads with “just add water,” so cleanup is minimal. A single 32 oz box is an easy way to try the brand before committing to the six-bag pack.
- Water-only preparation keeps weekday mornings simple
- Single box is low commitment
- Limit: no eggs or milk means a lighter, less rich result than a from-scratch batter
Skip it if you like adding butter, eggs and milk to build richer pancakes.
Grocery House-Brand Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
The house-brand option mirrors the same 32 oz size as several name brands. It is the practical choice when you want a plain buttermilk mix and care more about budget than brand recognition.
- Typically positioned in the budget tier among comparable mixes
- Same 32 oz format as the national brands
- Limit: the title offers no certification or ingredient detail
Skip it if label claims like non-GMO sourcing matter to you.
King Arthur Buttermilk Pancake Mix, Just Add Water
This 16 oz box is the label-focused pick. The title names sourced non-GMO ingredients and certified kosher, and it uses a just-add-water method.
- Specific claims are named in the listing
- Smaller 16 oz size is easy to try
- Limit: the smallest size here, so the cost per ounce is likely in the premium tier
Skip it if you cook for a crowd every weekend.
Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes, Buttermilk
Sold as a flapjack and waffle baking mix in a pack of six 20 oz bags, this one leans toward a hearty, denser pancake. The product name includes the word protein; the listing’s nutrition panel is the place to verify any numbers.
- Pack of six suits households that go through a lot of mix
- Works for flapjacks and waffles
- Limit: multipack means a larger upfront order
Skip it if you prefer a light, airy diner-style pancake.
Betty Crocker Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 9 Pack
Nine 6.75 oz pouches, each making about ten pancakes according to the title, make this the portable option. No eggs or milk are required, so it works for camping, dorm rooms and travel kitchens.
- Individual pouches are easy to pack and portion
- Just add water, no eggs or milk required
- Limit: smaller pouches mean more packaging per serving
Skip it if you want one large container for a home pantry.
Which One Fits Your Situation
You feed a big household every weekend
The Krusteaz 5 lb six-pack is the clear volume play, while the Kodiak six-pack of 20 oz bags gives a denser option with similar quantity.
You need something easy to carry
Betty Crocker pouches are built for camp stoves and hotel kitchens. King Arthur’s 16 oz box also packs easily for a cabin weekend.
You like to cook from a reliable label
King Arthur names its sourcing and kosher claims in the title, so it is the straightforward pick for label readers. Read the full panel for allergens.
You want a no-fuss everyday box
Mrs. Butterworth’s, Pearl Milling Company and the Grocery house-brand mix are all familiar buttermilk formats in mid-sized boxes.
Not sure yet? Buy one single box first, such as Krusteaz 32 oz or King Arthur 16 oz, and compare how the batter handles on your own griddle before ordering a multipack.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter; a few lumps usually mean a more tender pancake.
- Skipping the rest period when the box suggests letting the batter sit.
- Assuming every “complete” mix is egg-free or milk-free without reading the label.
- Ordering a bulk pack before confirming you like the flavor.
- Overlooking allergens: most mixes contain wheat and may contain milk or egg, so read the full allergen statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are complete mixes different from regular pancake mixes?
A complete mix typically contains the dried ingredients, such as egg and milk powder, that you would otherwise add yourself, so water is often enough. Always follow the directions on the specific box.
Can I use pancake mix for waffles?
Titles that say “pancake and waffle mix” are designed for both. Waffles usually benefit from a bit more fat in the batter for a crisper edge, so check the box for suggestions. Folding in blueberries or chocolate chips works with most mixes if you stir gently.
How long does dry mix keep?
Check the best-by date on the package. Keep opened mix sealed in a cool, dry spot to protect it from moisture and pests.
What if someone has a food allergy?
Read the full ingredient and allergen label before buying. Anyone with allergies, celiac disease or other medical needs should check with a clinician or dietitian.
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