Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix

Trader Joe’s is still in the depths of Pumpkinpalooza as I like to call it. Their rabid fans of all things pumpkin have come to a head about this time of year (October) with no end until Thanksgiving and Christmas rapidly takes over in November. I would guess that about 25% of all products in the store right now have pumpkin or pumpkin spice flavor in them as I slowly turn a light shade of orange from eating so much of that squash.

What’s better than mashing up two trendy things like gluten free and pumpkin? Leave it to Trader Joe’s to never leave a trend behind! We have here Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake mix. Not to be confused with the wheat based pumpkin pancake mix I reviewed a while back, this one is based mainly on rice flour and potato starch.

As in the other one, there are little tiny flakes of dried-up pumpkins in it. They change the color of the pancakes to a nice deep orange. It looked yummy and I gave it the ultimate taste test, I fed it to my teenage sons for breakfast without telling them it was Gluten Free otherwise, they would probably turn their noses up at it.

Taste and Texture:

The first thing to note is the flavor. The pumpkin taste is authentic, rich, and not overly spiced. Unlike some pumpkin-flavored products that rely heavily on cinnamon and nutmeg, this mix strikes a perfect balance. The pancakes have a subtle sweetness, making them versatile for different types of toppings.

Texture is a crucial aspect, particularly for gluten-free products. Trader Joe’s has done an impressive job here. The pancakes come out fluffy and light, without the grittiness or heaviness that sometimes plagues gluten-free mixes. They manage to retain a good structure, holding together well during cooking and flipping, which can be a tricky aspect in gluten-free pancake mixes.

Ease of Preparation:

Preparation is straightforward and user-friendly. The mix requires just a couple of common ingredients (like eggs, milk, or their alternatives) and follows a simple, foolproof process. This ease makes it a great option for quick breakfasts or impromptu fall brunches.

Nutritional Profile:

For health-conscious consumers, the mix’s nutritional profile is reasonably balanced. It’s a comfort to find a gluten-free option that doesn’t skyrocket in sugar or unnecessary additives. The inclusion of real pumpkin adds a dose of fiber and vitamins, making these pancakes a slightly guilt-free indulgence.

Packaging and Price:

True to Trader Joe’s form, the packaging is whimsical yet informative, with clear labeling and preparation instructions. The price point is typically reasonable, aligning with the brand’s reputation for value. However, the mix is a seasonal item, so availability can be limited.

Versatility:

Another impressive aspect is the mix’s versatility. It pairs well with a variety of toppings, from classic maple syrup to nut butter, yogurt, or even a dollop of whipped cream. This versatility extends to the mix being used for other recipes, like waffles, or as a base for a pumpkin spice-inspired dessert.

Final Thoughts:

Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix is a seasonal delight that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a crowd-pleaser, satisfying both those who eat gluten-free and those who don’t. The balance of flavor, texture, and nutritional content, paired with the ease of preparation and versatility, makes it a standout product. The only downside is its seasonal availability, making it a coveted item in the autumn months. Whether you’re cozying up with a warm stack on a chilly morning or fueling up for a fall adventure, these pancakes are sure to bring a smile to your face.

While these are a different twist on pancakes, I didn’t find it so much different that I would go out of my way to make them. That being said for pancakes there were good, not great.

I am going to rate them 7 Bells!

INGREDIENTS:

GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN PANCAKE MIX:    WHITE RICE FLOUR, POTATO STARCH, CANE SUGAR, DEHYDRATED PUMPKIN FLAKES (PUMPKIN, MALTODEXTRIN, CORN FLOUR, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN [AN EMULSIFIER]), BUTTERMILK POWDER (MILK), TAPIOCA FLOUR, MOLASSES POWDER (MOLASSES, MALTODEXTRIN), BAKING POWDER (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, BAKING SODA, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), SEA SALT, ORGANIC VANILLA FLAVOR, EXPELLER PRESSED CANOLA OIL, GROUND CINNAMON, GROUND ALLSPICE, GROUND GINGER, XANTHAN GUM, ANNATTO FOR COLOR (ANNATTO POWDER, MALTODEXTRIN), GROUND NUTMEG.

CONTAINS MILK.

MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF EGG, SOY, COCONUT AND PECANS.

NUTRITION FACTS:
GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN PANCAKE MIX:  Servings per container 14 | Serving size 1/3 cup dry mix (37g) or 2 pancakes prepared (94g) | Amount per serving: Calories 130, Total Fat 0.5g (1% DV), Saturated Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 250mg (10% DV), Total Carbohydrate 29g (10% DV), Dietary Fiber 1g (4% DV), Total Sugars 7g, Protein 2g, Vitamin A (6% DV), Calcium (2% DV), Iron (4% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV).
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.