Protein Obsessed? These Pancakes Are Your New Breakfast Essential

Pancakes are a beloved breakfast and brunch staple in households across the US. In fact, research from the PM Group revealed that Americans consumed an estimated 75 billion pancakes in 2024 alone. And it’s not just a national obsession—globally, the pancake mix market was valued at more than $607 million in 2025.

RELATED: Skip the Eggs and Bacon: These High-Protein Breakfasts Are Completely Vegan

Another thing Americans can’t get enough of? Protein. A 2024 survey by Chobani found that 85 percent of Americans are actively trying to increase their protein intake.

So, why not bring the two together? Enter: protein pancakes.

How much protein do we need?

Despite what TikTok might have you believe, most people are likely getting enough protein in their diet. “Athletes and people who are more physically active may need more protein, but for most people, exceeding two grams per kilogram is likely excessive,” Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, and owner of the food blog One Pot Wellness, previously told VegNews.

“Focusing heavily on protein may crowd out other essential nutrients from your diet, such as fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.”

For the average healthy adult, a good daily target is around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That works out to roughly 54 grams per day for someone who weighs 150 pounds, for example.

Fortunately, meeting this goal is generally easy on a balanced diet. And one delicious way to start working toward that daily target? Protein pancakes, of course.

How to boost the protein content of pancakes

Pancakes aren’t naturally high in protein. For example, a typical vegan pancake made with white flour and almond milk contains only about four grams of protein. But with a few simple swaps, you can significantly boost that number.

Try replacing white flour with high-protein alternatives like chickpea or oat flour, and opt for soy milk, which contains more protein than almond or oat milk. You can also stir plant-based protein powder directly into the batter, and add nut butters or seeds—like chia, hemp, or flax—for an extra protein punch.

Vegan protein pancake recipes

Need more tips? Check out some of our go-to protein pancake recipes below.

Ashley Madden

1 Vegan Buttermilk Pancakes With Almond Butter Caramel

Protein estimate: 10 grams per serving

These fluffy, gluten-free buttermilk pancakes boast around 10 grams of protein per serving, thanks to ingredients like buckwheat, chia seeds, and a rich almond butter caramel. Hearty, wholesome, and naturally sweetened, they’re the perfect weekend treat for both indulgence and nourishment.
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2 Chia Protein Pancakes With Fresh Strawberries

Protein estimate: 9 grams per serving

These vibrant green pancakes sneak in veggies and deliver around nine grams of protein per serving due to chia seeds, oats, and whole-wheat flour. With a hint of vanilla and fresh strawberries on top, they’re super tasty, too.
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Shanika Graham-White

3 Fluffy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Protein estimate: 24 grams per serving

Creamy peanut butter, soy milk, and flour combine to make these Fluffy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes, which pack around 24 grams of plant-based protein per serving. They’re sweet, filling, and a delicious way to get your protein fix.
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Sarah Nevins

4 Chickpea Pancakes With Balsamic Mushrooms

Protein estimate: 8.5 grams per serving

Each serving of these savory, umami-rich chickpea pancakes delivers about 8.5 grams of plant-based protein, making them a flavorful and filling way to fuel your day. With protein-packed chickpea flour and tangy balsamic mushrooms, this quick and hearty dish feels like a gourmet brunch.
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Garrison McArthur Photographers

5 Spiced Banana Pancakes With Blueberry Syrup

Protein estimate:  6 grams per serving

These cozy, fruit-filled pancakes offer around six grams of protein per serving, thanks to protein-rich soy milk and bananas. With hints of cinnamon and allspice, they’re sweetly spiced and perfectly fluffy. Top with blueberry syrup and fresh berries for a comforting, satisfying start to your day.
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Best of Vegan

6 Sweet Cherry Coconut Pancakes

Protein estimate: 10 grams per serving

Each serving of these pancakes offers around 10 grams of protein from soy milk and flaxseed. Topped with juicy cherries and coconut, this recipe, which is equal parts nourishing, satisfying, and utterly tasty, is sure to become a brunch go-to.
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Trilogy Sanctuary

7 Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes With Strawberries, Bananas, and Peanut Butter

Protein estimate: 14 grams per serving

These golden, gluten-free pancakes are light, fluffy, and loaded with plant-powered goodness. Thanks to oat flour, almond milk, banana, and peanut butter, each serving delivers about 14 grams of protein.
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