Looking for an organic pancake mix? First check the organic label and certification on the packaging. Then choose a grain blend to suit your preferences, and read the allergen information and preparation instructions. A wheat mix, a multigrain mix and a buckwheat-rich mix each call for different considerations.
A name that sounds natural isn’t enough for you: you want to be able to check the organic label on the packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is mandatory for prepacked foods produced in the EU and sold as organic.
Perhaps you’re looking for a mix with several grains, spelt or mainly buckwheat. The ingredients lists from Albert Heijn and PLUS show why your choice involves more than just the name on the front of the pack.
You want to know before buying which grains or possible traces are listed on the label, and what else you need to add to the batter. The preparation instructions from Jumbo and PLUS specify different quantities of milk and eggs.
If organic is a must for you, start by checking for organic certification. Then compare the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions of the mixes that meet your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Check the current packaging for an organic label and the EU organic logo. Skal Biocontrole states that this logo is mandatory for prepacked foods produced in the EU and sold as organic. | If organic is the deciding factor for me, I want to recognise the label on the pack rather than rely on words such as ‘natural’. For around 36% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| Allergens and gluten | Read the ingredients and precautionary allergen statements. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check that the product is explicitly labelled as such. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients, a suitable grain in the name is little help if other relevant allergens are listed on the label. Allergens and suitability for specific diets are the most important factors for around 29% of consumers. |
| Grain blend | Compare the grains listed and any proportions given: Albert Heijn states that its organic multigrain mix contains 49% wholemeal spelt flour; PLUS states that its organic Smaakt mix contains 90% buckwheat flour. | If I’m mainly looking for spelt, several grains or buckwheat, the ingredients list tells me which mix suits my plans. The type of grain is the first consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Preparation and shopping | Check how much milk and how many eggs the recipe calls for, and whether you’ll need butter or oil. | If I want to pick up everything I need for one pancake-making session, I need to know what else to add to my shopping list. Around 14% of consumers put this practical preparation first. |
These words do not, on their own, indicate organic certification. Skal Biocontrole states that the EU organic logo is mandatory for prepacked foods produced in the EU and sold as organic.
Check the organic label and certification on the packaging of the mix you’re buying.
The grain named in a product’s name does not mean it is gluten-free. The Smaakt buckwheat mix also warns that it may contain traces of peanuts, soya, nuts and sesame.
Read the full label and check separately whether the product is explicitly labelled as gluten-free if that matters to your choice.
The recipes differ in what you need to add. Jumbo lists milk and eggs; for its organic Koopmans multigrain mix, PLUS also specifies butter or oil.
Read the preparation instructions before buying and add the required ingredients to your list.
Nutritional information per 100 g of mix uses a different basis from nutritional information for prepared pancakes. The ingredients you add are included in the prepared product’s values.
Only compare values that use the same stated basis, and take into account anything you add to the recipe.
Jumbo lists a 400 g organic pancake mix made with organic wheat flour.
Albert Heijn lists a 400 g organic multigrain mix made with spelt, rye and wheat.
The 400 g organic Koopmans multigrain mix contains wheat, oats, maize and buckwheat, among other ingredients.
PLUS lists a 400 g organic Smaakt buckwheat pancake mix.
Check the packaging for an organic label and the EU organic logo. According to Skal Biocontrole, this logo is mandatory for prepacked foods produced in the EU and sold as organic.
No. The organic multigrain mixes from Albert Heijn and Koopmans contain gluten-containing grains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain trademark on the packaging to identify gluten-free products.
It depends on the recipe on the packaging. Jumbo specifies 1,000 ml milk and 2 eggs for its organic mix; PLUS lists 900 ml milk, 4 eggs and butter or oil for the organic Koopmans multigrain mix.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists 14 allergens that must be declared on the label; also check any precautionary allergen statements that are relevant to your choice.
