Who is each approach suitable for?

Caterers who regularly make large batches

If you regularly cook for groups, using a consistent bag size makes it easier to plan preparation. A mix that only needs water means you don’t have to measure out milk and eggs separately for the batter.

Organisers responsible for allergen information

Guests must be able to get information about allergens present in unpackaged pancakes, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. A separate option for specific dietary requirements also calls for careful consideration of equipment and the work area.

Teams catering for a small or one-off session

If you don’t need a full 1 kg batch, smaller packs or a complete mix may be a better fit for the quantity you’re planning. Check what else needs to be added for each product.

What should you look for when choosing?

Standard 1 kg water-based mix

When: You want to make regular batches without adding milk and eggs to the batter separately.

Consider: According to the supplier, Van de Meester’s mix contains gluten, milk and egg, and may contain traces of nuts.

Speciality 1 kg mix

When: You need a separate gluten-, milk- and egg-free option.

Consider: Baktotaal states that the Koopmans Professional variety requires separate equipment and a clean gluten-free work area; also check the information about possible soya.

Smaller supermarket packs

When: You’re making a small quantity or want to top up existing supplies.

Consider: For a larger batch, you’ll need to open several packs and follow the preparation instructions for each product you choose.

Consideration What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Batch size Check the weight per bag and the mixing ratio. Match the expected yield to your own portion size. When we’re making pancakes for a conference regularly, we want to plan a consistent batch per bag without combining different packs. Batch planning is the top priority for around 43% of consumers.
Preparation Check whether you only need water or also have to add milk, eggs and cooking fat. When our team has little time to prepare, we want to measure out fewer ingredients separately. For around 29% of consumers, convenience matters most.
Allergens and dietary options Read the current label for the exact variety and decide whether it needs to be prepared separately. If we need to cater for guests with specific dietary requirements, we want to be able to give clear information about the ingredients and prepare the food separately if necessary. Allergen management is the top priority for around 28% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Treating a small supermarket pack like a 1 kg bag

    The ranges mentioned at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and Lidl include packs of 200 g and 400 g. For a larger batch, that means opening several packs.

    Check the weight of the pack you’ve chosen before planning regular batches; smaller packs are best when they match the quantity you’re planning to make.

  • Assuming ‘just add water’ means allergen-free

    A mix that you prepare with water may still contain allergens. For example, Van de Meester lists gluten, milk and egg for its 1 kg mix.

    Give guests allergen information based on the current label or product specification for the exact variety you’re using.

  • Preparing a gluten-free mix in the same work area without keeping it separate

    For the Koopmans Professional mix reviewed, Baktotaal states that preparation for people with coeliac disease requires separate equipment and a clean, gluten-free work area.

    Put these measures in place before offering guests a gluten-free option, and check the mix’s current allergen information.

  • Relying on the yield per bag without testing a batch

    The number of pancakes you get from a bag depends partly on the serving size and cooking method you choose. The stated yield may therefore not match what you need for your event.

    Beforehand, prepare a bag using the pan or machine and portion size you plan to use at the conference. Record the actual yield for your planning.

Brands and suppliers to consider

Van de Meester

The supplier positions its 1 kg Old Dutch pancake mix for (semi-)professional use.

  • Van de Meester says that only water is needed for the batter; the supplier mentions using it in a pan, carousel or specific pancake machine.
  • The listed allergens are gluten, milk and egg; the mix may contain traces of nuts.

Koopmans Professional

Baktotaal describes a 1 kg speciality mix that is prepared with water and sold as gluten-, milk- and egg-free.

  • A separate product option when you need a gluten-, milk- and egg-free choice.
  • According to Baktotaal, preparation for people with coeliac disease requires separate equipment and a clean gluten-free work area; the recipe may contain soya.

Koopmans

The consumer range includes mixes with different preparation methods.

  • According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Compleet (400 g) only needs water.
  • For Koopmans Origineel, the manufacturer lists milk, eggs and butter as additional ingredients, so check which variety you’re choosing.

Albert Heijn

The range includes Albert Heijn own-brand and Koopmans mixes in smaller packs.

  • Albert Heijn lists mixes in 200 g and 400 g packs, among other options, for smaller batches.
  • If you need a larger quantity, check the pack size and preparation method for each product you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers its own-brand plain pancake mix, among other products.

  • The plain mix described comes in a 400 g pack.
  • One pack of this variety isn’t enough for a 1 kg batch.

PLUS

PLUS offers plain pancake mix in a 400 g pack and a 200 g bottle, among other options.

  • With PLUS Naturel (400 g), you can factor the required milk, eggs and butter or oil into your preparation plan in advance.
  • PLUS says that batter made from the 200 g bottle should be used straight after mixing with milk and not stored.

Belbake / Lidl

Lidl lists Belbake Pannenkoekenmix origineel in a 400 g pack.

  • A smaller pack option for a short cooking session.
  • Lidl states that this variety is only available in store.

Albona / ALDI

ALDI describes an Albona baking mix for plain pancakes.

  • According to ALDI, you prepare this mix with milk and eggs.
  • Check the pack size before planning to use several packs for a larger batch.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give conference guests allergen information for freshly made pancakes?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, guests must be able to access information about allergens present in unpackaged foods, including catering, before they buy or are offered the food. This information can be provided in writing or electronically, or verbally if it’s clearly indicated that guests can ask for it.

Is a gluten-free mix enough for guests with coeliac disease?

No, preparation matters too. Baktotaal states that the Koopmans Professional mix reviewed requires separate equipment and a clean gluten-free work area. Also check the current label, including for information about possible soya.

When is a mix that only needs water useful?

This preparation method is useful when you don’t want to add milk and eggs to the batter separately. For its 1 kg mix, Van de Meester gives a ratio of 1.7 litres of water per kilo; according to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Compleet (400 g) needs 700 ml of water. Always follow the instructions for the variety you’ve chosen.

Can I make a larger batch using smaller supermarket packs?

Yes, by using several packs, but don’t treat them as a single bag with one obvious mixing ratio. Ideally, choose the same variety and check the current label and preparation instructions for each pack before combining the batter.