Brunch hosts catering for fussy eaters
If your guests have different ideas about toppings, start with an original or plain mix and offer a second option for anyone who prefers wholemeal.
Which choice is right for you?
Guests looking for wholemeal and fibre
For them, the word ‘wholemeal’ matters more than ‘multigrain’. Compare the fibre content too, using the same basis for each product.
Cooks looking to keep preparation simple
A complete mix that only needs water requires fewer extra ingredients than a recipe that also needs milk and eggs. Check the preparation instructions and allergens separately.
What should you look for?
First, decide which preference or dietary requirement matters most for your Easter brunch. Then compare the preparation instructions and how much mix you need.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and toppings | Compare an original or plain option and check how many pancakes each pack makes. | If guests want to add their own sweet or savoury toppings, I want a base that works with either. Around 36% of consumers would put that flexibility first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g, using the same preparation basis. | I want to choose a wholemeal option, even if I have to compromise on flavour to find one that suits my preference. Around 29% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
| Preparation | Check which liquid and other ingredients you need, and when the batter should be used. | If there are already lots of dishes to prepare for brunch, I want to measure out as few extra ingredients as possible. For around 21% of consumers, convenience would be the top priority. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the latest ingredient and allergen information. Check for a gluten-free label and other allergens separately. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I first need to work out which mix is suitable for them. Around 14% of consumers would put this requirement first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
Multigrain means a product contains different types of grain; it does not necessarily tell you how much wholemeal flour it contains. For example, the Koopmans Multigrain described by Jumbo contains 78% wheat flour.
If wholemeal is your priority, check the product label and compare the ingredients and fibre content on the same basis.
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Assuming a complete mix is allergen-free
Being prepared with water tells you nothing about the allergens in the dry mix. The complete mix described by PLUS contains wheat, milk and egg; a gluten-free mix may contain other allergens too.
Check the ingredients you need to add, the ingredients in the mix and the allergens as separate points.
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Relying on a product page when someone has an allergy
For the person sharing the meal, the information on the packaging of the product you’re going to use is what matters when choosing a mix.
Before you start cooking, read the latest ingredient and allergen information and check for any warnings about cross-contamination.
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Choosing a quick option without planning how much you need
A shaker bottle and a packet of mix may differ in the extra ingredients they need and how many pancakes they make. The plain shaker bottle described by PLUS needs milk, and the mixed batter must be used straight away.
Compare the stated yield and preparation instructions with the number of guests and the rest of your brunch plans.
If one pack doesn’t make enough pancakes, you may need extra packs or ingredients.
Brands to consider
Among these brands and ranges, the options reviewed differ mainly in their grains and preparation instructions. Check the packaging of the option you choose.
Koopmans
Offers original, wholemeal, multigrain and complete pancake mixes among the options reviewed.
- Koopmans says its complete mix is prepared with water.
- Multigrain is a separate option and shouldn’t be treated as a wholemeal choice without checking.
AH
The AH mix reviewed is labelled wholemeal; Albert Heijn also describes a gluten-free Consenza mix.
- The product information for the AH wholemeal mix lists wholemeal wheat flour as an ingredient.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Consenza mix described contains milk and egg powder, so gluten-free does not mean free from these ingredients.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s product information offers a specific point of comparison for Koopmans Multigrain.
- Jumbo lists ingredients including wheat flour, rye, maize and wholemeal oats in this mix.
- The same ingredient list states that it contains 78% wheat flour, so the multigrain label doesn’t confirm that it’s a wholemeal mix.
PLUS
The options reviewed are a complete mix and a plain shaker bottle, each with different preparation instructions.
- PLUS says its complete mix is prepared with water.
- The plain shaker bottle needs milk; PLUS says the mixed batter must be used straight away.
Albona
ALDI sells pancake mixes under the Albona name in plain and multigrain varieties.
- These two descriptions make it easier to look for the option you want on the pack.
- If you’re looking for a wholemeal option or catering for someone with allergies, check the ingredients and labels on the relevant pack.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These three Koopmans options give you an original mix, a Wholegrains mix and a complete mix to compare for your Easter brunch. If you’re specifically looking for a wholemeal mix, check the packaging of the Wholegrains option.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
If you’d like to compare another option alongside an original mix, check the packaging of this Wholegrains mix for its wholemeal label, ingredients and fibre content. The pack contains 400 g of mix.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
If guests will be choosing their own toppings at brunch, this original option could make a good base. The pack contains 400 g of mix; check the preparation instructions to see what else you need to add.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
If you’re considering a complete option for brunch, compare the preparation instructions and stated yield with your plans. This pack contains 210 g of mix; check the allergens separately from the preparation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain the same as wholemeal?
No. A multigrain mix can still be made mainly from flour: the Koopmans Multigrain described by Jumbo contains 78% wheat flour. If wholemeal is your priority, look for the wholemeal label, then compare the ingredients and fibre content.
Which mix can I choose if I don’t want to add milk and eggs separately?
Check the preparation instructions for a complete mix. Koopmans and PLUS say their complete mixes described here are prepared with water, but that doesn’t mean the mix itself is free from milk, egg or other allergens.
Can I serve a regular multigrain mix to someone who needs to eat gluten-free?
Not if the mix contains ingredients with gluten. The Koopmans Multigrain described by Jumbo contains wheat flour and rye flour. Choose a product labelled gluten-free for that guest, and check the pack for other allergens too.
Why should I check the packaging again if I already know the mix?
The packaging of the mix you’re about to use has the information you need for that preparation. Before you start cooking, check the ingredients, allergens and any additions required, especially if a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients.