If someone with coeliac disease is joining you, choose a pancake mix whose current packaging explicitly states that it is gluten-free, and check the warnings and toppings too. Then compare what you need to add to the batter and how many pancakes the mix makes. Use clean utensils and equipment while cooking to avoid contact with gluten-containing residue.
You’re looking for a mix with a clear gluten-free statement and want to avoid contact with gluten-containing residue in the batter, toppings and kitchen utensils too. The Dutch Coeliac Association highlights the importance of warnings about cross-contamination.
You want to make enough pancakes for Sinterklaas Eve, so you’re comparing the stated yield with the milk, eggs or alternatives you’ll need to add. Product information from Albert Heijn and Koopmans shows that the quantities vary between mixes.
As well as gluten, you’re taking milk, eggs or plant-based preparation into account. Check the dry mix and everything the recipe says to add to the batter separately.
For someone with coeliac disease, the starting point is still an explicit gluten-free statement on the current packaging. Then compare any additional dietary requirements, the yield and availability for your Sinterklaas Eve.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free preparation | Read the gluten-free statement and warnings on the packaging; keep the batter, pan and toppings free from gluten-containing residue. | If someone with coeliac disease is joining me, I want to avoid crumbs getting into the batter or toppings. For around 36% of consumers, gluten-free preparation comes first. |
| Milk, eggs and alternatives | Check both the mix’s allergen information and the ingredients you add to the batter yourself. | If a guest also avoids milk or eggs, I want both the dry mix and the finished dish to meet their needs. This additional dietary requirement comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Yield and preparation | Compare the stated number of pancakes and the quantities of milk, plant-based drink, eggs or alternatives needed. | When I have several guests, I want to know in advance whether I can make enough batter without having to improvise during the festivities. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this kind of planning. |
| Availability | Check shortly before buying whether the mix you want is available, and read the label on the pack you actually buy. | When I’m planning my Sinterklaas Eve shopping, I want to know whether I can get the mix I’ve chosen. For around 14% of consumers, availability is the most important practical consideration. |
The ingredients shown on the front don’t tell you enough about the gluten-free statement or warnings. The Dutch Coeliac Association stresses that warnings about possible gluten-containing cereals are relevant when it comes to cross-contamination.
If you’re cooking for someone with coeliac disease, choose a mix whose current packaging explicitly says it is gluten-free, and read all the allergen and warning information.
The recipes for Albert Heijn and Koopmans mixes call for additional ingredients. As a result, the finished pancakes may not have the same composition as the dry mix.
Before cooking, check the milk or plant-based drink, eggs or alternatives, cooking fat and toppings against your guests’ dietary requirements too.
Gluten-containing crumbs or leftover batter can get onto the gluten-free pancakes while they’re cooking.
Make the gluten-free pancakes first, using separate or thoroughly cleaned equipment, and don’t use shared cutlery in jars of toppings.
Jumbo says that its specific Lekker Vrij van Gluten mix is no longer part of its online range. Ingredients and allergen information can also change from one pack to another.
Check availability with your chosen shop shortly before buying, and use the label on the pack you buy to make your final assessment.
Albert Heijn describes a 400 g gluten-free pancake mix containing, among other things, maize and potato starch, rice flour and buckwheat flour.
Koopmans gluten-free pancake mix contains 300 g of mix. The Albert Heijn product listing gives a yield of 9 to 11 pancakes.
Jumbo listed a 400 g pancake mix in its Lekker Vrij van Gluten range, made with maize starch, rice flour and buckwheat flour.
Jumbo listed Consenza pancake flour in a 2 × 250 g pack, with a stated yield of 6 to 8 pancakes.
Yes, take that warning into account when assessing the mix. The Dutch Coeliac Association says it points to a real risk of cross-contamination, so don’t rely on the ingredients list alone. Read all the information on the current packaging.
No, the dry mix and the finished dish can differ. Albert Heijn describes its dry mix as vegan and lactose-free, but the standard recipe calls for milk or plant-based drink and eggs or an egg alternative. Koopmans lists milk and eggs as additions and warns that the mix may contain both.
Keep the gluten-free batter separate from gluten-containing products, and use separate or thoroughly cleaned equipment. Also watch out for crumbs near the toppings and cutlery that has already been used with other products.
According to the Association of European Coeliac Societies, the crossed grain symbol is used under licence for products that meet the AOECS standard. You still need to check the current label and all the ingredients in your pancakes.
