Is Simple Mills Pancake Mix Clean?

The Short Answer

Simple Mills Pancake Mix is undeniably clean.

If you are looking for a convenient mix that matches the ingredient quality of a homemade recipe, this is it. It contains zero "natural flavors," gums, or emulsifiers. The sweetness comes from organic coconut sugar, and the flour base is pure almond and coconut.

It recently became one of the first products to be Non-UPF Verified, certifying it is not an ultra-processed food. The only caveat is for those with severe Celiac disease: while certified Gluten-Free, independent testing in 2024 found gluten issues in other Simple Mills almond products, suggesting potential supply chain risks.

Why This Matters

Most "healthy" pancake mixes are just refined flour with some added protein powder and artificial sweeteners. Simple Mills actually changes the base. By using almond flour, they lower the glycemic impact and increase nutrient density without relying on synthetic fortification.

The most impressive part? No gums. Nearly every gluten-free mix uses xanthan gum or guar gum to mimic gluten's elasticity. These can cause digestive bloating. Simple Mills uses arrowroot powder, a gentle, whole-food starch, to bind the pancakes together.

What's Actually In Simple Mills

The ingredient list is refreshingly short. Here is the breakdown of the Original Almond Flour Mix:

• Almond Flour — The base. High in healthy fats and lower in carbs than wheat. Is Almond Flour Healthy
• Arrowroot — A digestible root starch used as a binder instead of gums.
• Organic Coconut Sugar — A lower-glycemic sweetener that adds a slight caramel flavor. Is Coconut Sugar Healthy
• Organic Coconut Flour — Adds fiber and absorbency.
• Cream of Tartar — A natural leavening agent.
• Baking Soda — Makes the pancakes rise.
• Sea Salt — Flavor enhancer.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• No Natural Flavors: This is huge. Even "clean" brands like Birch Benders often sneak these in.
• Organic Sweeteners: Uses organic coconut sugar rather than refined white sugar or stevia/erythritol.
• Certified Gluten-Free: Officially certified by GFCO (though see the red flag below).

Red Flags:

• Cross-Contamination Concerns: A 2024 study by Moms Across America found that Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers and Brownie Mix tested positive for glyphosate (up to 49 ppb) and contained gluten above the FDA limit (up to 59 ppm), despite being labeled Gluten-Free. While the pancake mix wasn't the specific offender named, they share the same almond flour supply chain.
• Chickpea Flour (Protein Version): If you buy the "Protein" version of this mix, be aware it uses chickpea flour, which can be harder for some people to digest than the almond base.

The Best Options

If you are shopping for a clean pancake mix, Simple Mills is arguably the market leader, but it's not the only option.

The Bottom Line

1. Buy it for the ingredients. You cannot find a cleaner ingredient deck in the pancake aisle.

2. Add fat. Almond flour pancakes can be dry. Follow the box instructions to add oil or butter liberally.

3. Watch the heat. These burn faster than Bisquick because of the almond flour. Cook on low-medium heat.

4. Celiacs beware. If you are highly sensitive, the 2024 brand-wide testing results regarding gluten cross-contamination are worth considering before purchase.

FAQ

Is Simple Mills Pancake Mix gluten-free?

Yes, it is Certified Gluten-Free. However, strict celiacs should be aware that independent testing in 2024 found gluten levels exceeding FDA limits in other Simple Mills almond products, indicating potential cross-contamination in their supply chain.

Does it taste like almonds?

Slightly. It has a nuttier, heartier texture than white flour pancakes. It doesn't have that "gumminess" that many gluten-free mixes have, but it won't be as fluffy as a diner pancake.

Is Simple Mills organic?

Partially. The mix itself is not USDA Certified Organic, but it uses organic coconut sugar and organic coconut flour. The almonds are conventional, which is the primary source of the glyphosate risk mentioned above.

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