You may think pancakes are pancakes, but as a connoisseur of the popular breakfast food, the mix, syrup and preparation play a significant role in the taste. I've been told that pancakes are a serious violation of a low-carbohydrate diet, so I was pleased to find a mix and syrup from Atkins at my local health food store.
The somewhat pricey Atkins mix (averaging a little over $5 for ten portions) has only 1.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of net carbohydrates per serving compared to the 3.6 grams of fat and 18.3 grams of net carbs in conventional mixes. The mix was surprisingly easy to make with very little mess and no lumps. This is a significant factor considering my limited cooking abilities. Minutes later I had 4 medium sized cakes. They were golden brown as if I ordered them at a diner.
Next, it was time to complete the dish with the Atkins syrup which had an impressive (but questionable) 0 grams of fat and 0 carbs per serving. Unfortunately, the syrup was rather runny and had very little taste forcing me to use a high carbohydrate alternative. The pancakes themselves felt like a sponge and were rough to chew. They had a very unique taste, reminding me that I was eating health food.
Overall, the bad taste and consistency of the Atkins Quick Quisine Pancake & Waffle Mix and Syrup far outweighed my excitement over the possibility of being able to eat my favorite food while still staying within the parameters of my diet. I commend Atkins for attempting to make my transition to a healthier lifestyle easier, but nothing can replace the taste of the real thing. The diet may still be worth the effort, but old-fashioned carb-filled pancakes are worth an extra hour at the gym.
