Pearl Milling Company: the American breakfast par excellence — since 1888 in St. Joseph, Missouri!

In 1888, in a small mill in St. Joseph, Missouri, two men invented something revolutionary: the first ready-to-use pancake mix in American history. No more weighing, sifting, mixing ingredients one by one — just add water or milk and whisk. This culinary innovation transformed American mornings forever. Now part of PepsiCo/Quaker Oats, the brand has been called Pearl Milling Company since 2021 — a return to the original name of this historic little mill. My American Market imports the classics straight for you!

From Pearl Milling Company to Aunt Jemima… and back

The Pearl Milling Company story is one of the richest in American breakfast. In 1888, Chris Rutt and Charles Underwood founded the Pearl Milling Company in St. Joseph, Missouri — a mill producing flour and cornmeal. In 1889, they invented a self-rising pancake mix — the first "ready-mix" in American history. They marketed it under the name "Aunt Jemima" from 1890. The brand passed through several hands until 1925 when Quaker Oats bought it, then in 2001 when PepsiCo acquired Quaker. In 2021, after 130 years under the Aunt Jemima name, PepsiCo decided to rename the brand Pearl Milling Company — a tribute to the original 1888 mill. The iconic red and yellow packaging is kept, the recipe is identical. "New name, same great taste."

The 3 Pearl Milling Company products at MYAM

The Pearl Milling Company Syrup — the classic American syrup! This amber, thick, sweet syrup is the inseparable companion of American pancakes. Its formula is different from Canadian maple syrup — softer, sweeter, with those signature caramel and vanilla notes. It's the syrup you pour generously over stacks of pancakes, waffles, French toast and American waffles. The red bottle with its golden cap is a visual icon of American breakfast.

The Pearl Milling Company Syrup Light — the calorie-reduced version! Same amber American syrup flavor, with less sugar and fewer calories. Perfect for those who want to enjoy American breakfast without the calories of the classic syrup. Same smooth texture, same pleasure.

The Pearl Milling Company Pancake Mix — the mix that invented it all in 1889! A self-rising flour specially formulated for perfect American pancakes — thick, fluffy, with that signature rise you won't find in French crêpes. Just add water, milk and eggs to get a batter ready in 2 minutes. The result: authentic American pancakes, golden and fluffy, with that slightly chewy texture that perfectly absorbs the syrup.

The recipe for perfect American pancakes with Pearl Milling Company

Pour the Pancake Mix into a bowl. Make a well in the center, add the liquid ingredients (milk, egg, melted butter) and mix from the center outward — don't overmix! Lumps are normal and essential. Let it rest 5 minutes. Heat a pan over medium-low heat with a little butter. Pour a ladle of batter, wait for bubbles to appear on the surface and the edges to be dry — only then flip. 2 minutes per side. Stack on a warm plate, pour Pearl Milling Company syrup generously, and add a pat of butter melting on top if you like. That's authentic American brunch!

Where to buy Pearl Milling Company in Europe?

Pearl Milling Company is impossible to find in regular European stores. My American Market, the hunter of American pop food, imports it to you straight from the States. Express delivery!

Into American breakfast? Check out Log Cabin, Jiffy and Clabber Girl in our shop too!

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