The Aldi Pancake Mix That's Packing Serious Protein

Over the years, Aldi has built a reputation for offering shoppers cheaper alternatives to specialty products, like frozen smash burgers that are way better than fast food. This makes the discount grocery store a treasure trove for people who, for instance, want more nutritious meals without spending too much. The grocery store's low-cost model involves a lot of inventory rotation, however, which leads to a growing list of discontinued items that Aldi shoppers desperately want back. Sometimes, that includes high-protein options like L'oven Fresh Protein Bread.

It's for this very reason that you should definitely be paying closer attention to this one baking ingredient at Aldi: Millville's Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix. The boxed mix contains 15 grams of protein per serving, which is more than twice the protein content in a serving of Aldi's affordable protein bar copycats, the Elevation Pure & Simple Bars.

A nine-serving box of the mix costs just $3.85 online and comes in two flavors: classic buttermilk and chocolate chip. It doesn't need anything else besides water to make, so it's tasty, cheap, and convenient. What makes it an even better bargain is the fact that there are a ton of ways to use store-bought pancake mix beyond breakfast, ranging from sweet pastries to savory meals. That added flexibility means you can add more protein to every meal in your day, which is something everyone should be considering — even those who aren't particularly in a high-protein mindset.

Having a high-protein pancake mix isn't just for gym rats or those with specific eating habits; it's actually great for everyday use, too. Studies have found that adults need a minimum of 30 grams of protein each meal to efficiently build and repair muscle tissue, and that this is most impactful during breakfast. You can get half that amount with just one serving of Aldi's Millville's Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix. Pair it up with your favorite breakfast meat (or the salty-sweet canned ingredient that's Spam as an alternative), and you've got your morning protein fix sorted out.

Getting enough protein during breakfast also helps regulate your appetite throughout the day. Protein has a higher satiety index than either carbohydrates or fat, which essentially means that, among these three energy sources, it's the one that has you feeling full for longer. This can be especially helpful if you're trying to stick to certain portion sizes with your meals, or if you're just trying to cut down on your snacking habits.

It is, of course, important to keep in mind that protein isn't the be-all and end-all of a healthy meal; as with all nutrients, balance is key. You don't want to skip on other essentials like vitamins, good cholesterol, and calcium, among others. Think of the high-protein pancake mix as a piece of a puzzle that includes, for instance, other breakfast items that pack fiber into every bite, along with fruits, veggies, and grains — a delicious, affordable, and flexible piece worth keeping in your pantry.