If you’re exploring new breakfast options, you might have heard about Kodiak Cakes.

These hearty flapjack and waffle mixes have made quite a buzz among fitness influencers and nutritionists.

But the big question is: Are Kodiak Cakes good for diabetics? How do they compare to your regular pancakes?

Let’s find out whether Kodiak Cakes deserve a spot on your morning meal.

What’s In Kodiak Cakes?

Cake for breakfast doesn’t seem like the wisest food choice for people living with diabetes.

Well, Kodiak Cakes are not your average pancake. They’re whole-grain pancake mixes made from non-GMO ingredients.

With Kodiak Cakes, you can indulge in a hearty and wholesome meal without worrying about blood sugar spikes.

Let’s take a look at their ingredient list: 

  • Whole grain wheat flour
  • Whole grain oat flour
  • Whey protein
  • Wheat protein
  • Milk protein concentrate
  • Cane sugar

Unlike refined flour in regular pancakes, whole-grain flour is ideal for diabetics. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which slows down glucose absorption and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Plus, whole grains are great for digestion. They keep you feeling full for longer, so you won’t be reaching for snacks all the time.

Additionally, Kodiak Cakes provide 12–16 grams of protein per serving. That’s enough energy to kick-start your day.

Do Kodiak Pancakes Have Sugar?

Yes, most Kodiak Cakes contain cane sugar, which is less processed than refined white sugar.

Now, cane sugar is no better than, say, high-fructose corn syrup from a nutritional standpoint. The body processes sweeteners all the same.

So, mind your portion sizes when enjoying Kodiak Cakes or other food products with added sugars. Cutting back on your intake can benefit overall health and aid in blood sugar control.

You can also slow down the absorption of sugar by incorporating fiber-rich food, like berries and nuts, into your daily diet.

How Much Sugar Is in Kodiak Cakes?

Pancakes are sugary-sweet breakfast favorites. However, Kodiak Cakes tend to have less sugar than homemade pancakes or pre-packaged pancake mixes.

Here’s a summary of Kodiak Cakes varieties and their sugar content per serving:

Higher Sugar Content:

  • Birthday Cake: 11 grams
  • Chocolate Chip: 10 grams
  • Plant-Based Classic: 10 grams
  • Almond Poppy Seed: 9 grams
  • Blueberry: 9 grams
  • Cinnamon Oat: 9 grams
  • Dark Chocolate: 8 grams
  • Raspberry Lemon: 8 grams

Moderate Sugar Content:

  • Original Kernza: 6 grams
  • Gluten-Free Oat: 5 grams

Lower Sugar Content (Healthier Options):

  • Buttermilk: 4 grams
  • Buttermilk and Honey: 4 grams
  • Carb-Conscious Buttermilk: 2 grams

In comparison, a tablespoon of maple syrup contains about 14 grams of sugar. So, be mindful when adding syrup or sweet toppings to your pancakes.

To enhance the taste of Kodiak Cakes, consider using fresh fruit instead. Fruits are a superb source of fiber, and some have low glycemic load.

What Is the Healthiest Kodiak Cakes Mix for Diabetics?

The Kodiak Cakes Carb Conscious Buttermilk takes the crown for being the healthiest diabetic pancake among the bunch. It contains whole-grain wheat flour, whole-grain oat flour, almond flour, powdered egg whites, and powdered whole egg.

The best part?

It has 2 grams of sugar with zero added sugars. It also packs a punch with 6 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein.

Now, a word on almond flour.

Because of its low glycemic index, almond flour helps with weight loss and diabetes. Plus, it has low carbs but high amounts of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.

Meanwhile, the Kodiak Cakes Gluten-Free Mix is the perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivity.

What Happens if You Eat Kodiak Cakes Everyday?

Kodiak Cakes are a great source of energy, thanks to their high protein content.

Unfortunately, most flavors are also relatively high in carbs, which can add up and cause spikes in blood sugar levels if you eat them daily.

On top of that, Kodiak Cakes are heavily processed foods that can contribute to weight gain.

As such, you shouldn’t rely on these pancakes as a primary nutrient source. Instead, you can include them in your diet in controlled portions or enjoy them as occasional treats.

For a healthy breakfast, go for whole foods like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.

Tips for Buying Healthy Pancake Mix for Diabetics

Pancakes don’t have to be totally off the menu when you have diabetes. When buying a baking and pancake mix, remember these practical tips:

  • Opt for low-fat and low-carb pancake mixes.
  • Check food labels for artificial dyes, sweeteners, preservatives, and flavorings.
  • Avoid pancake mixes with white flour. Instead, look for options made from almond, chickpea, oat, or coconut flour.
  • If you have gluten sensitivity, steer clear of food products containing grains.

Here are some alternatives to Kodiak Cakes you may want to try:

  • TruEats Pancake & Waffle Mix
  • Birch Benders Keto Pancake Mix
  • Lakanto Sugar-Free Pancake
  • Gourmix Pancake Mix Low Carb Keto Friendly, Sugar & Gluten-Free

Never substitute water with milk if you can’t account for the carbs in the pancake or baking mix. Milk contains carbohydrates and can jack up your carb count.

For extra protein, you can add an egg to the pancake batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kodiak Pancake Mix High in Carbs?

Yes, most Kodiak pancake mixes are high in carbs.

If you’re on a keto diet, one Kodiak Cakes mix is perfect for you: the Carb-Conscious Buttermilk.

A serving of this pancake contains just 21 grams of carbs; the rest have over 30 grams.

Do Kodiak Cakes Contain Artificial Sweeteners?

No, Kodiak Cakes don't contain artificial sweeteners.

So, if you're cautious about those artificial ingredients in your diet, you can breathe easy with these pancakes.

Generally, artificial sweeteners are safe for diabetics. They add sweetness to food, minus the calories, and without affecting your blood sugar.

The thing is, there isn’t enough research on their long-term effects on gut health and the body as a whole.

Conclusion

So, are Kodiak cakes good for diabetics?

Kodiak Cakes make tasty breakfast foods for diabetics but with some essential considerations.

While they’re rich in protein, they are highly processed and have high amounts of carbs. You should have them as occasional treats rather than a daily staple.

In other words, enjoy them in moderation as a part of a healthy and balanced breakfast.

Sources

To ensure that we give you correct, accurate, and relevant information, all articles on Diabetic & Me are backed by verified information from academic research papers, well-known organizations, research institutions, and medical associations.

About the Author

Inez Briand

Inez Briand is the partner of a type 1 diabetic (Ely). She has always been interested in traveling and cooking, and now that she has a partner with diabetes, her interest in cooking even more healthily has skyrocketed. She loves finding new recipes for her partner and family and sharing any food and nutrition-related articles on Diabetic & Me.

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