Kodiak Cakes For Breakfast
I've been eating Kodiak Cakes every morning for breakfast since I started using Macrostax to count my macros. I love a hot breakfast in the morning so I'll pass on the smoothie or protein bar. I want to eat something that I won't feel hungry again an hour later. Pancakes fit the bill but I thought they were not going to work on my weight loss/fitness journey. Kodiak Cakes are not your typical pancakes! They are pancakes on steroids! After plugging Kodiak Cakes into my Macrostax app I realized it could be a foundational food in my meal planning.
Who Makes Kodiak Cakes
Kodiak Cakes is a family company based out of Utah that was started back in the 80s but got notoriety when they appeared on an episode of Shark Tank. They ultimately said no to a deal but their popularity increased afterwards. The company focuses on whole grain all-natural products that typically have more protein than their white flower counterparts. They've expanded their lineup to include oatmeal, granola bars, and more but their pancake/waffle mix is what put them on the map. It seems like every time I'm in the grocery store there is a Kodiak product I've never seen before. We actually bought the granola bars for my son's school snack last week but I'm focused on just their pancake/waffle mix.
Kodiak VS Krusteaz Pacakes
| Kodiak Cakes | Krusteaz Pancackes |
Calories | 220 | 210 |
Fat | 2.5 | 1.5 |
Carbohydrates | 37 | 45 |
Fiber | 5 | Less than 1 |
Protein | 15*** | 4 |
***Want to jack up the protein count? They have a few suggestions. Replace the water with milk and you'll get 18 grams of protein. Replace the milk and add an egg and you'll get 21 grams of protein.
There is no comparison between Kodiak Cakes and Krusteaz Pancakes. Kodiak Cakes are higher in protein and fiber and lower in overall carbs. If you are trying to incorporate pancakes into your everyday meal planning Kodiak is the way to go. Also, people are going to say that they can't taste as good as regular pancakes. It's rare that the whole-grain version of anything tastes good but I'll put up Kodiak Cakes with any pancake mix at the store.
How to Prepare Kodiak Cakes
Kodiak Cakes are about as instant as it gets. I make these for me and my son almost every morning before school. I don't have time to waste in the morning and Kodiak Cakes are pretty quick.
1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of mix per serving. Personally, I have a 3/4 cup serving and my son has a 1/2 cup serving.
Mix with a hand mixer until it's a little lumpy.
Preheat your pan/skillet and hit it with some non-stick spray.
Ladle your batter into the pan based on the size you'd like. Personally, I take one mega Kodiak Cake!
Let cook until bubbles start to form. Take your spatula and take a peek. If it's golden brown flip and repeat.
Eat!
I have mine with a drizzle of maple syrup (also from Costco!). For a treat, I'll put a few chocolate chips in my son's pancakes. I have my breakfast prep down to a science and I'll have these on my plate in less than 8 minutes!
Where to Buy
If you like Kodiak Cakes Costco will be your friend. The cost of the mix is a little pricier when you go to the store and buy the smaller boxes. An 11-serving box at my local grocery store (Meijer) costs $6.19 (56 cents per serving). At Costco, a 32-serving box is $12.79 (40 cents per serving). I couple that with a big bag of chicken breakfast sausages for a combo that I can make in 8 minutes. My Costco Breakfast of Champions comes in at 450 calories, 56 grams of carbs, 36 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fat. That's a way to start the morning!
Do you like Pancakes?
If the answer is yes go buy some. Don't think that pancakes and your fitness journey can't be on the same path? Last week I had Kodiak Cakes every day for breakfast and I lost 2 pounds! I think Kodiak Cakes and Banza Pasta (Banza Pasta Blog Post) are in the same category of food. They are both options that allow you to achieve your fitness goals while still eating your favorite foods often. Don't think you have to eat egg whites and oatmeal. You'll get sick of the taste and it will derail your fitness journey. Go buy some Kodiak Cakes and you'll be in it for the long haul!