Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want to check an organic label

You want to be able to identify the organic certification on the packaging, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’ or ‘premium’.

If you want to choose a particular grain

You want to know whether the mix is mainly made with wheat, spelt or buckwheat, or combines several grains. The ingredients list tells you more than the product name on the front of the pack.

If you need to consider allergens

Before buying, you need to check which grains and allergens the mix contains, any cross-contamination warnings and what you’ll need to add to make the batter.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with your organic requirements, then choose the ingredient base you want. Only after that, check whether the exact pack and preparation instructions meet your other needs.

What to look for What to check before buying Who it matters to
Organic certification Look for the EU organic logo, the code of the inspection body and the indication of the agricultural origin on the packaging. If organic is a requirement for me, I want to be able to check the certification on the pack rather than relying on the product name alone. Around 36% of consumers put this check first.
Grain types Check which grains are listed in the ingredients and whether the proportion of a particular grain is stated. Albert Heijn lists spelt, rye and wheat in its organic multigrain mix; Jumbo states that Smaakt Bio Boekweit contains 90% buckwheat flour. I’m looking for a recognisable grain base for my pancakes, so I want to understand the difference between multigrain, spelt and buckwheat. For around 29% of consumers, this choice of ingredients is the deciding factor.
Allergens Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statement on the exact pack. An organic certification or buckwheat in the product name does not replace this check. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I also need to take warnings about possible cross-contamination into account. Around 21% of consumers put this ahead of the other selection criteria.
Preparation Check which milk, eggs or cooking fat the packaging says you’ll need to add, and how many pancakes the recipe makes. I want to know what I’ll need besides the mix before I start cooking, and whether the stated quantity will suit my meal. For around 14% of consumers, this is the most important consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means gluten-free

    Organic certification says nothing about whether a product is gluten-free. The organic multigrain mixes described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo for AH and Koopmans contain wheat, spelt or rye, among other ingredients.

    Check the organic certification and the ingredients and allergen information separately.

  • Looking only at the dry mix

    The preparation instructions may call for milk, eggs and cooking fat. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, for example, Koopmans Bio Meergranen requires milk, eggs and butter or oil.

    Read the recipe on the packaging before choosing the ingredients for your batter.

  • Assuming an alternative grain guarantees a product is allergen-free

    A buckwheat or spelt base doesn’t rule out warnings about other allergens. Smaakt Bio Boekweit lists the possible presence of nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya.

    Check the current allergen information and ‘may contain’ statement for every variety.

  • Assuming a product listing means it will always be available

    A product page doesn’t guarantee that a variety will be available from your shop or delivery service.

    Check availability just before buying and compare the pack you receive with the ingredients information you based your choice on.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes a 400 g organic multigrain mix made with wholemeal spelt flour, rye flour and wheat flour.

  • A specific option if you’re looking for this combination of grains. Albert Heijn also describes a plant-based preparation option using substitute ingredients.
  • The mix contains gluten-containing grains. Also check the latest allergen information on the packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a 400 g organic own-brand mix made primarily with organic wheat flour.

  • Worth considering if you’re looking for an organic wheat base and don’t have a particular preference for another grain.
  • The mix contains wheat, and the standard preparation described calls for milk and eggs.

Koopmans

According to Jumbo, Koopmans Bio Meergranen 400 g contains wheat flour, oat flour, maize flour and buckwheat flour.

  • Albert Heijn states that this variety makes 12 to 14 pancakes per pack.
  • The mix contains gluten-containing grains. The preparation described requires milk, eggs and butter or oil.

Smaakt

According to Jumbo, Smaakt Bio Boekweit 400 g contains 90% organic buckwheat flour, as well as tapioca flour.

  • The stated ingredients make it clear that buckwheat is the main ingredient in this variety.
  • Check the packaging for warnings about the possible presence of nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya.

Leev

Albert Heijn describes Leev Biologische oermix spelt 500 g as containing 91% spelt flour, as well as buckwheat flour.

  • A recognisable ingredient base if you’re specifically looking for a predominantly organic spelt mix.
  • Spelt contains gluten. Also check the warning about possible traces of nuts and confirm current availability.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I recognise an organic pancake mix?

For a pre-packed organic mix produced in the EU, check for the EU organic logo, the code of the inspection body and an indication of whether the ingredients come from EU agriculture, non-EU agriculture or EU/non-EU agriculture. The European Commission states that the logo may only be used for products that meet the requirements, including containing at least 95% organic ingredients.

Is an organic pancake mix also gluten-free?

No. Organic doesn’t mean gluten-free. The organic mixes described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Koopmans contain wheat or other gluten-containing grains. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’re buying.

Can I prepare an organic pancake mix without animal products?

That depends on the mix and the preparation instructions. Albert Heijn describes a way to prepare its organic multigrain mix using a plant-based drink and, optionally, apple sauce or an egg replacer. For another variety, check both the mix and the ingredients you need to add.

Why should I read the label if I already know the ingredients from the online listing?

The packaging is the definitive source for the ingredients and allergens in the product you actually buy. Product information can change, so even if you’ve bought a mix before, check the latest ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination.