Parents looking for a fun snack
With a plain mix, you can choose the flavour yourself by adding toppings. A flavoured mix is another option, but check the ingredients and allergens in the finished snack, too.
Which option is right for you?
Busy cooks after school
A complete mix means you need to add less to the batter, while a shaker bottle lets you mix it without a bowl. You’ll still need to cook the pancakes and let them cool before packing them.
Families avoiding gluten
A multigrain mix is not a substitute for one specifically labelled gluten-free. Check the current packaging, any ingredients you add, and the arrangements with your school for the snack you plan to send in.
What should you look for?
First, check whether allergens or school guidelines limit your options. Then decide whether you’d rather create your own dessert-style flavour, save time making the batter or choose a multigrain base.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and school guidelines | Read the allergen information for both the mix you’ve chosen and any additions. Check what your school allows children to bring in. | If a child needs to eat gluten-free or there are classroom food rules, I want to make sure the whole snack is suitable first. For around 23% of consumers, this comes first. |
| Dessert-style flavour | Choose between a plain mix with your own toppings and a flavoured variety. For either option, check the ingredients in the complete snack. | For a special treat, I want to choose my own fruit or another topping, or use a mix with a familiar flavour. This freedom of choice is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Preparation time | Compare what you need to add and how to mix the batter. Remember to allow time for cooking and cooling, too. | After school, I don’t want to spend ages making batter and washing up, but I still need time to cook the pancakes. Convenience matters most to around 31% of consumers. |
| Multigrain base | Check which grains the mix contains, what you need to add yourself and whether the flavour will go with your chosen toppings. | I’m specifically looking for a mix made with several grains, even if that means choosing a different base from a plain pancake mix. This is the main thing around 15% of consumers are looking for. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means gluten-free
Koopmans describes its organic multigrain mix as containing wheat and oats, among other ingredients. So, a pack mentioning several grains does not mean that the product is suitable when a gluten-free diet is required.
In that case, choose a mix specifically labelled gluten-free. Also check the information about other allergens and any ingredients you add yourself.
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Counting on one particular flavour
A flavoured mix can give your snack a dessert-like taste, but the variety you want may not be available at your chosen shop.
Check availability before planning your snack. You can also create your own flavour with a plain mix and a topping of your choice.
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Checking only the dry mix
Some varieties require you to add milk, egg or fat. Toppings also change the ingredients and allergens in the finished snack.
Read the preparation instructions, then check the mix, additions and toppings together against your school’s guidelines.
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Assuming a quick mix is a ready-to-eat snack
Adding water or mixing the batter in a bottle saves you a step, but you’ll still need to cook the pancakes.
Allow time to cook the pancakes thoroughly and let them cool before packing them.
Brands to compare
Koopmans
Offers original, complete, shaker bottle, multigrain and gluten-free pancake mixes, among other varieties.
- The varieties differ in what you need to add to the batter: Albert Heijn says that Koopmans Compleet needs only water, while the original shaker bottle mix needs milk.
- Check the allergens for each variety. Koopmans says its specific gluten-free mix meets the AOECS standard; this does not apply to its other mixes.
Albert Heijn
Own-brand alternative with plain, multigrain and wholemeal mixes in the range shown.
- Offers different types of base to compare with branded varieties.
- For ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions, read the label on the specific AH variety you choose.
Jumbo
Own-brand alternative offering Plain and Complete varieties, among others.
- Lets you compare a plain and a complete own-brand mix.
- Don’t assume both varieties have the same additions or allergens; check the pack you’ve chosen.
Belbake
Lidl’s own brand, with original and multigrain mixes in the baking range shown.
- Offers a choice between a plain and a multigrain base.
- Don’t take the word ‘multigrain’ to mean a mix is gluten-free; check the pack for allergen information.
Homemade
Offers a complete mix and a Multigrain Shake & Bake variety, among others.
- Gives you the choice of a complete mix or a shaker bottle variety.
- For the variety you choose, check separately what you need to add and which allergens are listed.
Products for different snack occasions
These products include plain pancake mixes for adding toppings, varieties that make batter preparation simple, and a Kaiserschmarrn mix for a different sweet treat. The Kaiserschmarrn mix won’t make regular, whole pancakes. If you’re packing a snack for school, always check the pack you’ve chosen and the guidelines on allergens.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A complete mix for anyone who wants to keep batter preparation simple after school. Check the pack to see what you need to add and whether the allergens fit your school’s guidelines; the pancakes still need to be cooked.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
A shaker bottle for anyone who wants to mix batter without needing a separate bowl. Check the pack to see which liquid to use, and check the allergens in both the mix and any additions; you’ll still need to cook the pancakes.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
A plain pancake mix that lets you create your own dessert-style snack with your choice of toppings. Check what you need to add to the batter and read the allergen information for your toppings before packing the snack.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
A multigrain mix for anyone who wants to pair this base with their own choice of toppings. Multigrain does not mean gluten-free; check the current pack for the grains, allergens and ingredients you need to add.
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Dr. Oetker Kaiserschmarrn with raisins, 165 g
A different sweet treat for anyone who’d like to serve pieces of Kaiserschmarrn instead of regular pancakes. Check the allergens and preparation instructions on the pack, and cook the batter thoroughly before serving or packing the snack.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a child to school with regular pancake mix if they need to eat gluten-free?
Don’t choose based on names such as ‘original’ or ‘multigrain’: the plain and multigrain varieties described contain grains that contain gluten. Koopmans describes its specific gluten-free pancake mix as meeting the AOECS standard. Check the current packaging, check all added ingredients, and ask the school what the child can bring in.
Should I check the school’s guidelines if my own child doesn’t have an allergy?
Yes. Before packing anything, ask about the rules for food and treats in the classroom. Stichting Voedselallergie stresses the importance of clear communication with schools about food allergies.
Does a complete mix or shaker bottle save much time after school?
They can save you a few steps when preparing the batter: according to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Compleet needs only water, while the original shaker bottle mix described needs milk and means you don’t need to mix the batter in a bowl. With either option, you’ll still need to cook and cool the pancakes before packing them.
Can I pack raw batter or partly cooked pancakes in advance?
No. Don’t pack raw batter or partly cooked pancakes for this snack. Cook the pancakes thoroughly, let them cool and follow the storage instructions for the variety you’ve chosen.