A small Christmas gathering
If you’re cooking for a small group, a pack with a stated yield can help you avoid making more batter than you need. Albert Heijn says the 175 g Koopmans shake bottle makes 4–6 pancakes.
Who are the different mixes suitable for?
If you want to measure out less
A shake bottle lets you mix the batter in the packaging. For a complete mix, the preparation instructions from brands such as Koopmans say to add water; also check what you’ll need for cooking.
If you’re catering for guests’ dietary requirements
Check the label on the exact variety against any ingredients your guests want or need to avoid. Even a mix labelled gluten-free may require milk and eggs for preparation.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many pancakes you want to make. Then compare how easy each mix is to prepare and check that its ingredients are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of batter | Compare the net weight with the stated yield. Albert Heijn says the 175 g Koopmans shake bottle makes 4–6 pancakes. | If only a few guests are eating, you won’t want to make a large amount of batter that goes to waste. Around 45% of consumers give this smaller portion top priority. |
| Ease of preparation | Check which liquid and cooking fat you’ll need. Koopmans says to add water to Pannenkoeken Compleet. | If you want to spend less time measuring and washing up during the party, look for a simple method of preparation. Around 33% of consumers put convenience first. |
| Ingredients and dietary requirements | Check the current label for allergens and any additional ingredients required. Albert Heijn says to add milk and eggs to Koopmans Pannenkoeken glutenvrij. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to choose a suitable mix and prepare it accordingly. This is the main consideration for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a large packet when you only need a few pancakes
Koopmans gives Pannenkoeken Origineel a yield of 11–13 pancakes, compared with 4–6 for the shake bottle, according to Albert Heijn. That difference matters if not everyone is eating.
Decide in advance how many pancakes you want to make, then compare the stated yield before choosing a pack.
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Assuming ‘complete’ means suitable for every dietary requirement
The fact that you add water to a complete mix doesn’t tell you which allergens the mix itself contains. You may also need butter or oil for cooking.
Read both the ingredients list and the preparation instructions on the pack you choose.
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Relying only on online ingredient information
Product information can change. If you have a specific allergy or dietary requirement, it’s important to check the packaging of the product you’re using.
Check the label on the exact variety before preparing it, including any allergen warnings.
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Storing mixed batter without reading the instructions
PLUS says that batter made from its 200 g natural shake mix should be used immediately after mixing with milk and not stored.
For this variety, only mix the batter when you’re ready to cook. For other mixes, follow their own instructions for use and storage.
Brands and shops to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers several varieties, including original, complete and shake-bottle mixes. Choose between them based on how much you need and what you want to add yourself.
- Koopmans gives a yield of 11–13 pancakes for Origineel and 8–10 for Pannenkoeken Compleet.
- Check the allergens and preparation instructions for each variety; they don’t all require the same additional ingredients.
Albert Heijn
Its online range includes its own pancake mixes as well as varieties from Koopmans.
- Natural, multigrain and wholemeal are separate options to compare.
- Check the latest product information and the label on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo stocks several Koopmans pancake mixes.
- The range includes several varieties to compare by preparation method.
- Check which varieties are available when ordering or visiting the shop.
PLUS
PLUS offers a 200 g natural shake mix and a 400 g complete mix.
- The shake mix is a packaging option if you want to make a smaller amount.
- PLUS says the batter made from its natural shake mix should be used immediately after mixing with milk.
Albona
Albona is the brand of a 395 g natural pancake mix sold at ALDI.
- ALDI says this natural variety is prepared with milk and eggs.
- Compare the yield on the pack with the number of pancakes you want to make.
Belbake
Lidl sells an original pancake mix under the Belbake name.
- If you’re choosing based on portion size, additional ingredients or allergens, check the information on the exact pack.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
This selection includes two smaller Koopmans packs and a 400 g packet for anyone wanting to make more batter. Before buying, compare the preparation instructions for the variety you choose.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A smaller pack for anyone who wants to make a little batter at a time.
Contents: 175 g. Check the label to see which ingredients you need to add to this variety.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A smaller complete mix to consider if you want to make a little batter.
Contents: 210 g. Follow the preparation instructions on this pack; don’t estimate the amount of water needed based on a larger packet.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A larger packet to consider if you want to make more pancakes.
Contents: 400 g. Koopmans gives Pannenkoeken Origineel a yield of 11–13 pancakes; compare this with how many your group needs.
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid having batter left over after a small Christmas gathering?
Match the stated yield to the number of pancakes you want to make. Albert Heijn says the 175 g Koopmans shake bottle makes 4–6 pancakes; PLUS says batter made from its 200 g natural shake mix should be used immediately and not stored.
What else should I have in the house besides pancake mix?
It depends on the variety. Koopmans says to add milk and eggs to Pannenkoeken Origineel, while Pannenkoeken Compleet is made with water. Also check which butter or oil you’ll need for cooking.
Is a complete mix or shake bottle suitable for someone with an allergy?
The preparation method alone doesn’t tell you whether a mix is suitable for someone with an allergy. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack, as well as anything you’ll be adding yourself. A gluten-free variety may still require milk and eggs, for example.
Can I make pancake batter in advance and store it?
Follow the instructions for the mix you’ve chosen. PLUS specifically says that batter made from its 200 g natural shake mix should be used immediately after mixing with milk and not stored.