IHOP has been America's favorite, go-to breakfast spot since 1958, but did you know that it wasn't always called IHOP? The catchy acronym for "International House of Pancakes" wasn't adopted by the restaurant until 15 years after its opening! And it was a good call - These days, no restaurant is as synonymous with breakfast as IHOP is. The buttery, fluffy pancakes, exceptionally stuffed omelets, and even their lunch and dinner items draw people in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I've been going to the same IHOP location since, well, my earliest memories of life. My grandma and great aunts would take me to a New Jersey location that consistently had a miniature brick red train circling the entirety of the restaurant's ceiling. Even decades later, I'm still memorized by it, my gaze intently following along with the tiny locomotive, ears perking when it randomly toots a horn. The only thing that can ever pull my attention away from the train is when the food finally arrives at the table. Whether I've ordered a classic stack of pancakes or an omelet, I know I'm about to enjoy a filling, yummy breakfast!
Back in the day, as spoiled as I was, I would be allowed to get anything I wanted, such as the terribly sugary double chocolate pancakes. However, as an adult, I now (for the most part) make sure to choose a meal that won't lead to a sugar crash or health issues, and that can keep me fueled all morning. And IHOP, as a brand, has grown to cater to the need for tasty, healthier options for diners. We're talking beyond typical egg whites and black coffee here. So, curious about the healthy options at IHOP? Here's a list of the most nutritious meals that IHOP has on the menu!
The Healthiest Pancakes at IHOP
We're talking about IHOP, the International House of Pancakes, so I have a feeling you're most interested in learning about which pancake dishes won't break your calorie bank. So, are IHOP pancakes healthy? You may be pleasantly surprised! Do beware, however, that the calorie amounts do go up when table side syrup is added to the plate (2 tablespoons of IHOP syrup is around 110 calories)!
Original Buttermilk Pancakes, Short Stack
If you're hungry for a good old breakfast classic, IHOP's original buttermilk pancakes topped with whipped butter is a great low calorie option that includes a surprising amount of protein. A plain short stack, which includes three pancakes, is 430 calories. If you're in the mood for a bigger meal, the regular stack of five is 660 calories - still not bad! Just be sure to go light on the syrup, or you can top your pancakes with a side of fresh fruit instead!
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes
The great thing about IHOP's beloved Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity pancakes is that they cut out the need for syrup! You can choose one of three toppings - strawberries, peaches, or blueberries - none of which brings the dish over 580 calories. One of hardest parts of sticking to a diet plan is the lack of variations, but these flavor options will help eliminate any feelings of FOMO you may get when counting calories!
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 17g
Gluten Friendly Pancakes
Whether you avoid gluten because of a health condition, or if it's just your preferred diet, IHOP caters to diners who don't want gluten filled products on their plates. Their gluten reduced pancakes, which are made with rice flour, come in stacks of four, served with whipped butter on top. At 540 calories, they make a filling option, with the different ingredients not having an impact on their signature fluffiness or taste!
- Calories: 540
- Total Fat: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
Other Healthy Entree's at IHOP
Cage-Free Egg White Veggie Omelette
Can breakfast get any more wholesome? At only 370 calories, and stuffed with filling vegetable and cheese, this vegetable egg white omelette is packed with 28 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied! All of the nutrients from the vegetables are a great way to start your day on the right foot. This dish is also a great option for vegetarians.
- Calories: 370
- Total Fat: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 27g
Grilled Tilapia
Looking to step away from the IHOP breakfast menu? The grilled tilapia dinner is probably your best bet for a filling, low calorie meal. The dish comes with two, tasty pieces of fish with any choice of side. Stick with veggie sides such as broccoli and corn to keep your meal as low in calories as possible. However, since the fish alone is only 240 calories, you might just be able to treat yourself to some mashed potatoes!
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 38g
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- Gabby
