An organic wheat mix is a simple starting point for a coffee morning. Multigrain, buckwheat or spelt are more specific choices if the type of grain matters to your guests. First, check the organic labelling on the pack, then compare what you need to add to prepare the mix. Being organic or prepared with plant-based ingredients does not automatically mean a mix is free from gluten or other allergens.
You want to be able to check whether a mix is certified organic for your coffee morning, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’. The EU organic logo and the details alongside it give you something concrete to look for on the pack.
You might compare multigrain, buckwheat and spelt mixes, or look for a recipe that uses plant-based ingredients. Check the allergen information separately: a preference for a particular grain or preparation method says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
You want to know how many pancakes you can make from a pack and which other ingredients you’ll need. That way, you can add the mix, milk or an alternative, eggs and cooking fat to your shopping list together.
Start by checking the organic labelling on the pack, then compare the type of grain, preparation instructions and allergen information. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo is compulsory for most pre-packed organic food products from the EU, together with a control body code and an indication of the origin of the agricultural raw materials.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Look for the EU organic logo, the control body code and the origin indication on the packaging. | I want to serve organic food without relying on green packaging. For around 33% of consumers, verifiable certification comes first. |
| Quantity and preparation | Compare the stated yield and the ingredients you need to add yourself; Koopmans says each pack makes 13 to 15 pancakes. | When I’m cooking for several guests, I want to know how much batter I can make and what I need to buy beforehand. For around 25% of consumers, preparation is the top priority. |
| Type of grain and preparation | Read the ingredients list and preparation instructions: Smaakt states that its mix contains 90% buckwheat flour, Leev 91% spelt flour, and Albert Heijn describes a plant-based preparation method for its multigrain mix. | I’m looking for a particular grain or want to be able to cook with plant-based ingredients, without assuming this means the product is free from allergens. This preference is the deciding factor for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings; the words ‘buckwheat’, ‘spelt’ or ‘organic’ are not enough. | If a guest has an allergy, I want to be able to check the packaging before using the mix. Allergens are the main concern for around 17% of consumers. |
Albert Heijn and Koopmans organic multigrain mixes contain gluten-containing cereals. Smaakt’s buckwheat mix carries a warning that it may contain traces of peanuts, soya, nuts and sesame.
If a guest has a relevant allergy, read the full, up-to-date allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen; don’t rely on the main grain alone.
The recipe also determines how much preparation you’ll need to do. Smaakt calls for five eggs and 900 ml of milk; Koopmans requires milk, eggs and butter or oil.
Read the preparation instructions before you buy and make a note of all the ingredients you’ll need to add.
Albert Heijn’s product listing says the Leev spelt mix has been discontinued. If you prefer a particular grain, check what’s actually available to buy.
Check current stock and the label before planning your coffee morning around a particular mix.
PLUS states that Koopmans organic multigrain mix batter must not be eaten raw and should be thoroughly cooked.
Follow the preparation instructions on the pack and serve the pancakes only once they’re cooked through.
The 400 g organic AH multigrain mix contains spelt, rye and wheat.
Jumbo Biologisch Pannenkoekenmix is a 400 g pack made with organic wheat flour.
Koopmans Pannenkoeken Bio Meergranen combines wheat, oats, maize and buckwheat.
According to the product information, Smaakt Bio Boekweit Pannenkoekenmix contains 90% organic buckwheat flour.
According to Albert Heijn, Leev Biologische Oermix Spelt Pannenkoeken contains 91% organic spelt flour.
Look for the EU organic logo on the packaging. According to the European Commission, most pre-packed organic food products from the EU must also show the control body code and the origin of the agricultural raw materials. Words such as ‘natural’ or ‘multigrain’ are not a substitute for this labelling.
Not automatically: the organic mixes mentioned from Albert Heijn and Koopmans contain gluten-containing cereals. Even with a buckwheat-based mix, read the current label for ingredients and potential allergens; Smaakt, for example, states that its mix may contain traces of peanuts, soya, nuts and sesame.
Albert Heijn’s organic multigrain mix includes a plant-based preparation method using a plant-based drink and, optionally, apple purée or an egg replacer. The standard recipes described for Jumbo, Koopmans and Smaakt require milk and eggs. If you prepare the mix differently, check the instructions and allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen.
Don’t taste Koopmans organic multigrain mix batter raw. PLUS says this mix must be thoroughly cooked; follow the cooking instructions before serving the pancakes.
Check the current pack to see whether the mix is certified organic. Lidl’s listing for Belbake Pannenkoekenmix origineel and ALDI’s listing for Albona meergranen-pannenkoekenmix do not describe these products as organic; this says nothing about other products or products that may change in their ranges.
