10 ways to make pancakes delicious and healthy this Pancake Day

Use a gut‑friendly base

Try swapping traditional white flour for almond flour, coconut flour or wholemeal flour. These alternatives boost fibre and nutrients, and can be easier on digestion. There's a gorgeous recipe that the Gut Gastronomy cookbook shared with us that’s rich in minerals, grain‑free and protein‑rich making it perfect for a more nourishing start to your day.

A chance to boost protein

We’re all being told about the benefits of adding more protein to our diets, especially in the morning to help stabilise blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer. Add eggs, yoghurt or protein powder into your pancake mix or your topping for added protein.

Try prebiotic and probiotic toppings

Your gut loves both probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (food for those bacteria). Try:

• Kefir
• Greek yogurt
• Oats
• Flaxseed
• Banana
• Berries
• Nut butters
• Stewed apples with cinnamon

Experiment with good fats

Healthy fats from nut butters, avocado or olive oil not only add flavour but also support nutrient absorption and gut integrity. Nut butters with seeds like chia or flax bring fibre and omega‑3‑rich benefits too.

Sweeten naturally

Instead of refined sugar or syrup, try:

• Local honey
• Maple syrup
• Banana
• Stewed fruit (made without added sugar)

Add fruit for fibre

Blueberries, raspberries or sliced apples add colour, taste and prebiotic fibre, feeding friendly gut bacteria and helping digestion. Berries are also rich in antioxidants which support overall health.

Try savoury add‑ons

Turn pancakes into a complete, protein-packed meal with savoury toppings and additions:

• Spinach and ricotta
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Ham and cheese
• Mushroom and onion
• Avocado and feta

Choose your fats wisely

There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to fats, but contrary to the 1980s narrative, fats can be good for you when you choose the right things. When it comes to cooking, extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter is fabulous for cooking and melting on vegetables, containing health-promoting fatty acids and helping to fuel our good gut bacteria.