I tried 4 store-bought buttermilk pancake mixes. My favorite was also the cheapest.

I conducted a taste test comparing four national brands of buttermilk pancake mixes: Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, Pearl Milling Company, and Birch Benders. My favorite pancake mix turned out to be the most affordable option, Krusteaz. The other brands ranked in terms of flavor, texture, and value.

Krusteaz, the cheapest choice at $3.59 for a 32-ounce box, offered a smooth, well-balanced batter with the perfect thickness and a tasty buttermilk flavor. The pancakes had a slight golden-brown hue and were cooked evenly on each side.

Birch Benders, priced at $6.99 for a smaller 16-ounce bag, offered a rich, buttermilk-rich flavor with a balanced sweet, savory, and buttery taste. This pancake mix was slightly thicker and puffed up more than the others. While it was an excellent pancake mix, it did not offer the best value considering its higher price point.

The Krusteaz mix stood out as the best value overall, combining an affordable price, smooth and easy-to-work-with batter, and delicious buttermilk flavor. Birch Benders was my second-favorite, boasting a unique flavor profile, but its higher price made it less economical. Hungry Jack offered a classic diner-like taste, while Pearl Milling Company had a cake-like texture that was thicker than the other mixes.