Hello there. I completely understand your concern with rising grocery prices, and you will be glad to hear that you can make wonderfully fluffy, thick pancakes using simple, traditional ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
One of the most reliable pantry substitutes is plain yogurt or sour cream. Using about a quarter cup of full-fat yogurt or sour cream in place of an egg adds the necessary richness, protein, and moisture. The natural acidity also tenderizes the gluten in your flour, allowing the batter to hold onto air pockets during cooking so the pancakes puff up nicely instead of turning flat or dense.
Another classic pantry option is unsweetened applesauce or a well-mashed ripe banana. A quarter cup of applesauce or half of a ripe banana replaces one egg effectively. The natural fruit pectin and starches bind the batter together and retain moisture on the griddle. Applesauce provides a very neutral flavor, while banana will add a pleasant, subtle sweetness.
A helpful culinary tip for keeping eggless pancakes fluffy is to avoid overmixing. Stir your wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined, leaving some small lumps in the bowl. Allowing the batter to rest for about ten minutes before pouring it onto a medium-hot pan gives the flour time to hydrate thoroughly, which produces a much higher rise.