Kodiak vs Birch Benders: Protein Pancake Mix
Kodiak Cakes and Birch Benders are the two protein pancake mixes everyone cross-shops. Both promise a real protein hit in a flapjack, but they differ on whole-grain content, added protein, and ingredient simplicity. Here is the breakdown.
The verdict
On the Labelgrade — our 6-dimension score weighing protein, ingredients, sugar, saturated fat, sodium, and fiber — Kodiak Cakes comes out ahead, 81 to 76. Birch Benders actually has more protein (16 g vs 14 g per serving (dry mix)), but loses ground on ingredient quality or sugar.
Higher Labelgrade Kodiak Cakes — Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix Power Cakes, Buttermilk B+ 81/100 Check price →
Side by side
| Kodiak Cakes — Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix Power Cakes, Buttermilk | Birch Benders — Pancake & Waffle Mix Protein | |
|---|---|---|
| Labelgrade | B+ 81/100 | B 76/100 |
| Protein (per serving (dry mix)) | 14 g | 16 g |
| Protein per 100 g | 26.4 g | 32 g |
| Calories (per serving (dry mix)) | 190 | 180 |
| Sugar | 3 g | 6 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg | 300 mg |
| Fiber | 4.98 g | 1 g |
| Ingredient list length | 11 items | 11 items |
Bold/highlighted = the better figure on that row. Protein per 100 g normalizes for different serving sizes. All data from USDA FoodData Central.
Where to buy
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Where each one wins
- Birch Benders leads on protein — 16 g vs 14 g per serving (dry mix).
- Kodiak Cakes is lower in sugar — 3 g vs 6 g.
- Birch Benders is lower in sodium — 300 mg vs 380 mg.
How they're scored
Both products are graded on the identical v3 Labelgrade formula (see methodology): protein density 23% + ingredient quality 21% + saturated fat 18% + sodium 15% + sugar 15% + fiber 8%. Nothing here is hand-weighted to favor one product. Want to compare different items? Use the interactive Compare tool. Last refreshed 2026-06-03.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more protein, Kodiak or Birch Benders?
Both deliver in the mid-teens of grams per dry serving — the table shows the exact figures. Note that the protein number you see on the box is for the dry mix; preparing with milk and an egg adds more.
Which is cleaner?
Kodiak is built on 100% whole grains with whey and milk protein added; Birch Benders uses a protein blend and is often a bit lower in sugar. Both are far cleaner than standard pancake mix. The Labelgrade in the table reflects the full ingredient and macro picture.