Start with a mix whose organic credentials you can verify, then check which grains and allergens are listed on the label. A wheat mix may be suitable if wheat isn’t an issue for the group; with multigrain, spelt and buckwheat mixes, the individual ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings will also help you decide. Check what you need to add yourself, too, and find out what rules apply if the pancakes are going to school or a children’s activity.
If you’re planning a tea-time treat with children, you’ll want more reassurance than just the word ‘organic’ on the front of the pack. The European Commission says the EU organic logo is intended for certified organic products. Also check the packaging for the control code and a statement showing where the agricultural ingredients come from.
If you’re making pancakes for a school group or children’s activity, the mix you choose needs to be suitable for the relevant allergens and the organiser’s rules. The wheat, multigrain and spelt mixes described here contain cereals containing gluten; the Smaakt buckwheat mix carries warnings about possible traces of peanuts, soya, nuts and sesame, among other allergens.
When planning, remember to factor in the ingredients you need to add, the cooking time and how many pancakes each pack makes. Jumbo lists milk and eggs as ingredients to add to its organic wheat mix. For Koopmans Organic Multigrain, you’ll also need cooking fat, and PLUS gives the preparation time as around 30 minutes.
First check whether the mix meets your organic requirements, then review the full allergen label. After that, work out how much batter you’ll need and how long it will take to cook for the group.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and group rules | Check the allergens present and any ‘may contain’ warning on the current pack. Ask the school or organiser what rules apply to the group. | If I’m taking pancakes along for a group, I want to know whether all the ingredients and possible traces are suitable for the children. For around 40% of consumers, checking allergens comes first. |
| Organic labelling | Look for the EU organic logo, control code and statement of origin for the agricultural ingredients on the packaging. | If you’re choosing a mix specifically because it’s organic, you’ll want to be able to verify the claim on the product; around 40% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Cooking for a group | Compare the ingredients you need to add, the number of pancakes each pack makes and the preparation time required. | When I’m cooking for several children, I want to know in advance whether I have enough ingredients and time. Around 20% of consumers put this kind of planning first. |
The organic mixes from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Koopmans contain cereals containing gluten. The Smaakt buckwheat mix doesn’t list wheat as an ingredient, but it does warn that it may contain traces of other allergens.
Before buying, compare both the allergens present and any trace warnings on the current pack with what’s allowed for the group.
You’ll also need ingredients such as milk and eggs to make the batter for the mixes described here. For example, Smaakt lists five eggs and 900 ml of milk; Koopmans Organic Multigrain lists four eggs and 900 ml of milk.
Include any additional ingredients in your allergen check, and compare the number of pancakes per pack with the number of children you’re cooking for.
Albert Heijn’s product page lists Leev Organic Spelt Pancake Mix as discontinued. This doesn’t tell you whether it’s available from other retailers.
Before buying, check availability with your chosen retailer and read the information on the packaging again.
PLUS says that Koopmans Organic Multigrain batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be heated all the way through.
Follow the preparation instructions for your chosen mix and cook the pancakes thoroughly before serving or packing them up.
Jumbo Organic Pancake Mix is a 400 g wheat mix made with organic wheat flour.
AH Organic Multigrain Pancake Mix, 400 g, contains spelt, rye and wheat. The product page displays the EU organic logo and control codes.
Koopmans Organic Multigrain Pancake Mix, 400 g, combines wheat and oats with ingredients including maize and buckwheat.
According to the product information, Smaakt Organic Buckwheat Pancake Mix, 400 g, contains 90% organic buckwheat flour as well as tapioca flour.
According to the product information, Leev Organic Spelt Pancake Mix, 500 g, contains spelt flour and buckwheat flour.
Check the packaging for the EU organic logo, control code and a statement of origin for the agricultural ingredients. The European Commission says the EU organic logo may only be used on products that meet the requirements for organic certification.
No. The organic mixes from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Koopmans described here contain cereals containing gluten; spelt also contains gluten. If you’re managing a specific allergy or dietary restriction, always check the ingredients and warnings on the current pack.
It varies by mix: Jumbo Organic requires milk and eggs, Koopmans Organic Multigrain also requires cooking fat, and Smaakt Organic Buckwheat additionally requires salt. Check the quantities on the packaging before shopping for a group.
Use it to help you prepare, but compare it with the current label before buying and ask what rules apply to the group. Under EU food labelling rules, allergens present must be emphasised in the ingredients list of prepacked foods.
Not with Koopmans Organic Multigrain: according to the preparation information on PLUS, the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be heated all the way through. For other mixes, follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
