Pancakes: what the available label data says

Traditional pancakes often contain dairy. Recipes commonly use milk and butter. Many store-bought pancake mixes also contain dairy ingredients like milk powder or whey. It's essential to check the ingredient list of any mix or pre-made pancake product.

Several delicious dairy-free alternatives can satisfy a pancake craving. Look for dairy-free pancake mixes made with water or plant-based milk. You can also make pancakes from scratch using dairy-free milk (like almond, soy, oat, or rice milk) and oil or dairy-free butter instead of butter. Other breakfast options like fruit, dairy-free yogurt, or oatmeal are also safe choices.

You can eat pancakes with a dairy allergy, but only if they are specifically made without any dairy ingredients. This means using dairy-free milk alternatives (like almond, soy, oat, or rice milk) and dairy-free butter or oil. If buying a mix or eating out, you must verify that the product is completely dairy-free and prepared in a dairy-free environment to avoid cross-contamination.

When ordering pancakes at a restaurant or from a vendor, you should ask: 'Are your pancakes made with milk or butter?' 'What kind of milk alternative do you use if not dairy milk?' 'What do you use to grease the griddle – butter or oil?' 'How do you prevent cross-contamination with dairy products during preparation?' Be explicit about the severity of the allergy.