Who is this choice relevant to?

Home cook looking to buy organic

Wants to check the organic certification before choosing a particular type of grain. The European Commission explains when the EU organic logo may be used.

Shopper with a preference for particular grains

For example, someone looking for a mix of spelt, rye and wheat, or a buckwheat-based mix. The ingredients list shows which grains are actually in the mix.

Shopper who needs to check ingredients carefully

Checks for gluten and other allergens, possible traces, and any ingredients that need to be added to the batter according to the preparation instructions.

What should you look for?

First decide which grain base you want, then read the label on the specific pack. An organic certification alone tells you nothing about seeds, gluten or how to prepare the mix.

What to look for What to check before buying Who it matters to
Organic certification Check for the EU organic logo, the code of the inspection body and the origin statement. If I’m buying organic, I want to be able to check the certification rather than judge by the look of the packaging alone. For around 31% of consumers, this check is the deciding factor.
Grains and seeds See which grains are listed first in the ingredients and whether seeds are named explicitly. Anyone looking for a particular grain base or for seeds will want to know what’s actually in the mix. Around 31% of consumers put the ingredients first.
Allergens Check the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces on the pack. If I need to avoid gluten or another allergen, the label tells me whether the mix suits my needs. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers.
Preparation and yield Check which ingredients you need to add and how many pancakes the pack says the mix will make. If you want to make the batter without any unexpected extra ingredients, the preparation instructions are key. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing organic with gluten-free

    The organic multigrain mixes reviewed contain ingredients such as wheat, spelt, rye or oats. The EU organic logo does not replace allergen information.

    If you need to avoid gluten or other allergens, check the ingredients and allergen information on every pack.

  • Assuming a plant-based dry mix will automatically make a plant-based meal

    The preparation instructions may call for milk and eggs, even if the dry mix lists no animal ingredients.

    Check both the mix and the preparation instructions if you want to use plant-based ingredients. Albert Heijn and Koopmans each describe a plant-based preparation option for the multigrain mixes mentioned here; this doesn’t automatically apply to other mixes.

  • Reading ‘multigrain’ as ‘contains seeds’

    The ingredients lists reviewed name several different grains, but that doesn’t mean seeds are a standard part of the mix.

    If you want seeds in the dry mix, look for them explicitly in the ingredients list. If you add them yourself, also check that they’re suitable for any allergen requirements you may have.

Brands and variants reviewed

These brand names refer to specific organic pancake mixes. Ingredients and preparation methods vary between variants, so check the pack you choose.

AH Biologisch

Albert Heijn describes a 400 g organic multigrain mix.

  • The ingredients include wholemeal spelt, rye and wheat; the product information also gives organic certification details.
  • The mix contains gluten-containing grains. Check the pack for current ingredients and allergen information.

Jumbo

The organic pancake mix from Jumbo reviewed here is based on organic wheat flour.

  • The ingredients list also includes food acid, raising agent and sea salt.
  • The mix contains wheat and gluten; the preparation instructions call for milk and eggs.

Koopmans

Koopmans makes an organic multigrain mix with wheat, oats, maize and buckwheat.

  • The ingredients list clearly shows which grains are combined in this particular variant.
  • The product may contain egg, milk and rye. The standard preparation calls for milk, eggs and oil.

Smaakt

The organic buckwheat mix from Smaakt reviewed here has buckwheat as its main ingredient.

  • According to the ingredients list, the mix is 90% buckwheat flour and also contains tapioca flour.
  • The pack warns that the mix may contain traces of nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya.

Leev

An organic spelt pancake mix from Leev previously listed by Albert Heijn.

  • The variant reviewed lists 91% organic spelt flour, as well as buckwheat flour.
  • Albert Heijn lists this variant as discontinued. If you buy it from another retailer, check the pack, including the warning about possible traces of nuts.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify an organic pancake mix?

For a pre-packed mix, check for the EU organic logo, the code of the inspection body and the origin statement. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only be used on certified products that contain at least 95% organic ingredients and meet the other requirements.

Is an organic multigrain mix also gluten-free?

No. Organic doesn’t mean gluten-free. The AH Biologisch and Koopmans multigrain mixes mentioned contain gluten-containing grains; check the allergen information on the pack you intend to buy.

Can I make organic pancake mix using plant-based ingredients?

Some mixes can be prepared this way with a few adjustments. Albert Heijn gives a plant-based option for its organic multigrain mix, and Koopmans publishes a plant-based recipe for its Bio Meergranenmix. For each mix, check which ingredients the standard preparation calls for and what substitutions the manufacturer recommends.

Can I eat pancake batter raw?

Don’t eat the batter made with the Koopmans Bio Meergranenmix mentioned here raw. The product instructions say it must be cooked thoroughly. For other mixes, follow the instructions on the pack.