Is Bisquick Original Pancake and Baking Mix Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the source of ingredients, not just the name. Bisquick relies on a blend of wheat flour, corn starch, and oils to create its signature texture. However, two specific ingredients are the reason this mix receives a 'MAYBE' verdict rather than a hard 'Yes'.

First, let's look at the sugar. In the United States, most refined white sugar is processed using bone char—charred animal bones—to remove impurities and achieve that pure white color. Unless the packaging explicitly states that the sugar is organic, raw, or unrefined, it is highly likely that the sugar in Bisquick is not vegan.

Second, the mix contains palm oil. Palm oil is plant-derived, so it is technically vegan. However, the production of palm oil is linked to massive deforestation and the destruction of the natural habitats of orangutans and other wildlife. Many ethical vegans choose to avoid palm oil entirely due to these environmental and ethical concerns.

Finally, the ingredient list includes datem and distilled monoglycerides. While these are typically plant-derived emulsifiers used to improve texture, they can occasionally be sourced from animal fats, though this is rare in modern food manufacturing. The primary flags remain the sugar and palm oil.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Bisquick Original is a processed carbohydrate source. A standard serving (1/3 cup dry mix) contains roughly 110 calories, with the majority coming from refined flour and added sugars like dextrose. It provides a small amount of iron but lacks significant fiber or protein.

For those monitoring their intake, the canola oil and palm oil contribute to the fat content, though it is relatively low compared to pre-made frozen pancakes. It fits into a standard diet as an occasional treat, but it is not a 'health food' by any stretch of the imagination.