For oliebollen, choose a mix specifically designed for making them, rather than a pancake mix just because it’s described as premium: the pancake mixes we looked at are intended for cooking in a frying pan. Choose a yeast-based mix if you can allow time for the batter to rise, or a yeast-free oliebollen mix if you want to skip that step. In either case, check the label for allergens and any ingredients you need to add yourself.
Want to make oliebollen with risen batter, and don’t mind waiting before you start frying? A yeast-based oliebollen mix could suit your plans. Koopmans says its Oliebollenmix Origineel needs around 45 minutes to rise.
Want to fry oliebollen without leaving the batter to rise? According to the manufacturer, Koopmans Oliebollen Gemak is yeast-free and requires no rising time. You’ll still need to add eggs and water, then fry the oliebollen.
Are you actually looking for a pancake mix, perhaps one specifically labelled gluten-free? Check the label and preparation instructions. A pancake mix isn’t automatically suitable for making oliebollen.
First decide whether you want to make oliebollen or pancakes. If you’re making oliebollen, choose between a batter that needs to rise and a mix that doesn’t; then check the pack to see what you need to add and which allergens are listed.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Mix for oliebollen | Check that the pack mentions oliebollen and gives instructions for making and frying the batter. | If I want to make oliebollen with risen batter, I need a mix with preparation instructions suited to that. Around 44% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Rising time and preparation | Check whether the mix contains yeast, needs time to rise and what ingredients you need to add yourself. | If I have little time to prepare, I want to make oliebollen without waiting for the batter to rise. For around 33% of consumers, skipping the rising time is the main priority. |
| Pancakes and dietary requirements | Read the preparation instructions and the label; check the allergens and any dietary claims on the pack you choose. | If I want to make pancakes or need a mix with a specific dietary claim, the pack must suit that purpose. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this use or dietary requirement. |
According to their instructions, the pancake mixes we looked at are cooked as thin batter in a frying pan. That’s different from the method used for the oliebollen mixes we reviewed.
If you want to make oliebollen, look for a mix with specific instructions for them rather than relying on the word ‘premium’.
The ingredients you need to add vary from one mix to another. For example, the manufacturer says Koopmans Oliebollen Gemak requires two eggs and water; you’ll also need oil for frying.
Before buying, check the list of ingredients to add and what kitchen equipment you’ll need.
Koopmans describes both Oliebollenmix Origineel and Oliebollen Gemak as seasonal products. So it’s important to check current availability if you want to make them on a particular day.
Check that your chosen mix is available before planning when to bake.
The mixes we looked at list different allergens and ingredients that you need to add. The product information for the pancake mixes we reviewed also warns against eating the batter raw.
Read the current label, including the allergen information and preparation instructions, before using the mix.
Alongside its pancake mix, Koopmans offers two oliebollen mixes we looked at, each with a different preparation method.
The AH Mix voor pannenkoeken naturel we looked at comes in a 400 g pack and makes around 12 pancakes.
According to the product page, the Homemade Complete pancake mix we looked at requires only water and makes around 10 pancakes.
The pancake mixes we looked at aren’t a proven substitute for oliebollen mix: their instructions describe cooking the batter in a frying pan. For oliebollen, choose a mix whose packaging specifically explains how to make and fry oliebollen batter.
Choose an oliebollen mix that specifically says the batter doesn’t need to rise. According to the manufacturer, Koopmans Oliebollen Gemak contains no yeast. For this variety, add two eggs and water; the recipe says to fry the oliebollen in oil at around 180 °C.
Read the current label for the specific mix, as well as the information for any ingredients you need to add yourself. According to the product information, Koopmans Oliebollenmix Origineel contains wheat and whey powder, and may also contain egg, oats and rye. Koopmans Pannenkoeken glutenvrij is labelled gluten-free, but it’s intended for pancakes and hasn’t been assessed as an oliebollen mix.
Don’t assume so without checking: Koopmans describes both Oliebollenmix Origineel and Oliebollen Gemak as seasonal products. Check current availability for the variety you want to use.
Don’t taste the batter from the pancake mixes we looked at while it’s raw: the product information says it must be thoroughly heated. For oliebollen too, follow the preparation instructions on the pack you choose and fry them until cooked through.
