How to do Pancake Day 2026 the healthy way — without missing out

Chasing health goals doesn’t mean having to miss out. These pancake recipes bring the joy and the nutrition — whether you’re craving sweet, savoury or protein-packed stacks.

Pancake Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, 17 February, and while tradition says, ‘Flip first, think later’, modern Pancake Day looks a little different.

Yes, we still want golden stacks, satisfying toppings and that unmistakable Shrove Tuesday joy, but we also want to feel good after the last bite.

Eating healthily doesn’t have to mean missing out. With smarter ingredients, protein-boosted batters and fibre-rich swaps, pancakes can be just as indulgent, fluffy and comforting — minus the bloating and sugar crash.

Whether you’re celebrating before work, fuelling a workout or hosting a leisurely brunch, these recipes prove that Pancake Day can be both joyful and nourishing.

Read more: Busy week? 4 easy meal prep recipes to stock up your freezer

The best healthy pancake recipes for 2026

Banana protein pancakes

Perfect for Pancake Day mornings that still involve work, workouts or school runs, these Myprotein banana protein pancakes are fast, filling and naturally sweet — no syrup required (unless you want it).

Makes: four pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large ripe banana
• 2 large eggs
• 1 scoop Impact Whey Protein
• 50g rolled oats

METHOD

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat — too hot and they’ll stick.
2. Blend the banana and eggs until smooth.
3. Add the protein powder and oats, and blend again (adding powders last helps avoid clumps).
4. Pour a quarter of the batter into the pan, aiming for a pancake around 5 inches wide.
5. Cook for about 30 seconds until golden underneath, flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
6. Repeat and finish with toppings of choice.

Read more: Three fibre-filled recipes for ultimate weeknight nutrition

Gluten-free pancake recipe

These light, crepe-style pancakes prove you don’t need wheat to celebrate Pancake Day properly. They’re easy on digestion and endlessly customisable — sweet or savoury.

Makes: six small pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 125g gluten-free plain flour (we recommend Freee)
• 1 egg
• 250ml milk
• Butter for frying

METHOD

1. Whisk the flour and egg with a quarter of the milk until smooth, then gradually add the rest.
2. Allow the batter to rest for 20 minutes before cooking.
3. Fry thin pancakes in a buttered pan until golden on both sides.
4. Serve immediately with your favourite toppings.

Read more: Justin Tsang on the best collagen-rich recipes to make on repeat

Spinach pancakes

Bright green and impressive, these spinach pancakes from chef Vittoria Veltri are a great way to bring vegetables into Pancake Day — especially if you’re leaning towards savoury this year.

Makes: two pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 200g spinach, stalks removed
• 300ml milk
• 3 eggs
• 100g plain flour
• Pinch of salt, to taste

METHOD

1. Blanche the spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until tender. Drain thoroughly and squeeze out any excess liquid.
2. Blend the spinach with the milk until smooth and vibrantly green.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour and a pinch of salt.
4. Gradually add the spinach-milk mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth batter.
5. Heat a lightly greased non-stick pan. Pour in a ladle of batter, swirl to coat the pan thinly and cook for about one minute per side until just set.
6. Stack the pancakes and keep warm until ready to serve.

Read more: Celebrity chef shares three high-protein veggie dishes from his latest cookbook

Gut-friendly two-ingredient pancakes

If Pancake Day usually leaves you feeling more bloated than blissed out, this one’s for you. TikTok creator Doctor Julia (@balanceinbeauty) shared the recipe as a low-effort option for anyone with a sensitive stomach.

In her video, she explains that the pancakes are IBS-friendly, using low-FODMAP ingredients that are easier to digest and less likely to trigger bloating, gas or stomach discomfort. The result is pancakes that feel just as comforting as the classic version — without the uncomfortable aftermath.

Makes: one pancake

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• Handful of blueberries (optional)

METHOD

1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
2. Crack in the eggs and mix well until fully combined.
3. Cook the batter in a skillet over medium heat until set and golden, then flip.
4. Top with blueberries, if using, and serve immediately.

@balanceinbeauty

Pancakes that WON’T make you bloated ??!!👇 These pancakes are IBS friendly by having low-FODMAP ingredients. 🥞 Low-FODMAP foods help reduce symptoms of IBS like bloating, gas, and stomach pain by minimizing difficult-to-digest carbs. These pancakes are gentle on your gut while still being delicious. Enjoy a healthy, happy tummy! ✨ Pancakes for 1 serving: – 1 ripe banana – 2 eggs – a handful of blueberries (optional) Directions: 1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth. 2. Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and mix well. 3. Cook the pancakes in a skillet over medium heat, then top with blueberries. Enjoy your delicious, gut-friendly pancakes! #IBSFriendly #LowFODMAP #GutHealth #HealthyBreakfast #pancakes #pancakelovers

♬ Food – Densky9

Japanese savoury pancakes (okonomiyaki-style)

If Pancake Day 2026 is pushing you towards savoury, this Japanese-inspired option from The Groovy Food Company is a brilliant change of pace. Packed with fibre-rich cabbage and protein from eggs, it’s deeply satisfying without being heavy — proof that pancakes don’t have to be sweet to feel indulgent.

Makes: four pancakes

INGREDIENTS

For the okonomiyaki sauce

• 1½ tbsp tomato ketchup
• ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp runny honey
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce

For the pancakes

• 3 large free-range eggs
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp dark soy sauce
• 4-5 sprays The Groovy Food Company Organic Butter Flavour Cooking Spray
• 2 large spring onions, thinly sliced
• 275g white cabbage, finely shredded
• Sunflower oil, for frying

METHOD

1. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, flour, salt and soy sauce until smooth.
3. Fold in the spring onions and cabbage until well coated.
4. Heat the butter flavour spray in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Spoon the mixture into palm-sized pancakes and press down gently.
6. Fry until golden on both sides, flipping halfway.
7. Drain briefly on kitchen paper and serve drizzled with the sauce.

Matcha pancakes

Earthy, vibrant and antioxidant-rich, matcha gives these pancakes a gentle energy lift without the caffeine jitters. They’re perfect for Pancake Day brunch when you want something a little different — and very Instagrammable.

Makes: four pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 120g plain flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp matcha powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 240ml milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp The Groovy Food Company Light Agave Nectar

METHOD

1. Mix the flour, sugar, matcha, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
2. Add the milk, egg and agave nectar, stirring until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over a medium heat and lightly grease.
4. Spoon in around 80ml batter per pancake.
5. Flip when bubbles appear on the surface and cook until golden.
6. Serve with yogurt, berries and an extra drizzle of agave, if desired.

Pesto and halloumi pancakes

These savoury pancakes from Trewithen Dairy feel like a brunch upgrade — salty halloumi, herby pesto and a runny egg on top.

Makes: four pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 80g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 100ml Trewithen Dairy Milk
• 75g halloumi, diced
• 2 tbsp pesto
• Pickled red onions, to serve (optional)

METHOD

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, 1 egg, milk, halloumi and pesto until smooth.
2. Fry spoonfuls of batter in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat until golden.
3. Fry the remaining egg separately.
4. Stack the pancakes and top with the fried egg and pickled red onions.

Can I freeze pancakes?

Yes, and it’s one of the best Pancake Day prep tricks. Let pancakes cool fully, freeze them flat, then pop straight into the toaster from frozen for an instant breakfast win.

Healthy Pancake Day toppings to try

• Greek yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, with none of the sugar hit of syrup.
• Fresh berries: Fibre-rich and antioxidant-packed for gut and immune support.
• Kefir: A fermented favourite that adds a tangy, probiotic boost.
• Nut butter and banana: Healthy fats, protein and prebiotic fibre in one combo.
• Chia seed jam: Omega-3s and fibre without refined sugar.
• Salmon and avocado: Ideal for savoury pancakes, delivering omega-3s, protein and lasting satiety.

Healthy pancake swaps, according to the experts

Small tweaks can transform Pancake Day classics into everyday-friendly breakfasts. Mark McShane, chef and food expert at Food Hygiene Certificate, recommends starting with fat swaps.

Instead of butter or oil, mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce can be used to keep pancakes moist while significantly reducing saturated fat. Pairing these with whole-grain flours such as oats or whole wheat also boosts fibre, helping with digestion and fullness.

For gluten-free pancakes, Mark favours almond flour, buckwheat or gluten-free oat flour. Combining almond flour with a smaller amount of oat flour and baking powder creates a lighter texture, while almond milk and apple cider vinegar help achieve fluffiness without dairy.

When it comes to vegan pancakes, ground flaxseed mixed with water works as a reliable egg replacement, acting as both a binder and thickener. Plant-based milks add richness, while pumpkin puree or grated courgette quietly increase nutrients and softness. For sweetness, mashed banana or a small drizzle of maple syrup keeps refined sugar off the ingredient list.

Best pancake restaurants in London

If you’re not in the mood to whip up your own pancakes, London has plenty of incredible spots to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the top-rated pancake restaurants in the city:

• The Breakfast Club: famous for its fluffy American-style pancakes and indulgent toppings.
• Where The Pancakes Are: a must-visit for creative pancake dishes, from sweet to savoury.
• My Old Dutch: a pancake institution serving giant Dutch pancakes with a variety of toppings.
• Granger & Co.: known for its legendary ricotta hotcakes.
• Christopher’s: a great choice for luxurious, all-American pancake stacks.

Feature image: Pexels