Having a diet adequate in protein is crucial for weight management (loss, gain, and maintenance). "Protein helps to repair and build muscle tissues in the body," says Jim White, RD, adding that the standard daily protein intake is approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. That means ,if you weigh 150 pounds, which is about 68 kilograms, you should eat about 54.4 grams of protein a day. Shocking, right?
So how do you go about eating that much protein? A balanced diet is important, but there are a few store-bought products that can help, including our favorite: pancake mix. We've rounded up 12 protein-packed mixes that'll keep you feeling full and power you with the energy you need to tackle the rest of your day and get your body moving.
Bob's Red Mill Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix ($10) has 15 grams of protein per serving and is packed with whole grains.
Switch your usual eggs or oatmeal for breakfast for a few pancakes made with MET-Rx High Protein Pancake Mix Original Buttermilk ($13). One serving contains as much protein as five egg whites.
Vegans, rejoice, because King Arthur Flour Protein Pancake Mix ($5) uses plant-based protein rather than whey. If you're looking for a cleaner, non-GMO protein pancake mix, this is your pick.
If you're struggling to increase your daily protein intake, try making this Protein Pancake Mix by Phoros Nutrition ($15), because one serving has 30 grams of protein.
At 14 grams of protein per serving, Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes Flapjack and Waffle Baking Mix ($6) comes in just about every flavor from the classic buttermilk to peanut butter and even almond poppy seed.
Made entirely from whole grains, Archer Farms Chocolate Protein Pancake Mix ($11) makes the perfect option if you're looking for both high protein and high fiber.
Birch Benders Pancake & Waffle Mix Protein ($5) makes breakfast so easy. You don't have to add any eggs or milk, just water.
Thanks to the buttermilk, Krusteaz Protein Buttermilk Pancake Mix ($4) is super light and fluffy, yet will keep you feeling full with 13 grams of protein per serving.
If you are intolerant to or just avoiding gluten, this sprouted and no-sugar-added Pamela's Products Gluten Free Baking and Pancake Mix ($38 for three packs) is great to have on hand.
In unique flavors like banana hazelnut, flapJACKed Protein Pancake and Baking Mix ($11) is both protein and fiber rich with a sweet, nutty flavor the entire family will go crazy for.
Pumped Up Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix ($11) is made with whole-grain oats, no added sugar, and 20 grams of protein. There's no better way to kick off your morning than with a plate of these.
With the highest amount of protein in this list, the P28 Foods The Original High Protein Pancake Dry Mix, White Chocolate ($14), is a whole 28 grams of protein in just two pancakes. A great bonus is the addicting white chocolate flavor that makes breakfast a little sweeter with only 2 grams of sugar per serving.