For a school-holiday lunch, start by choosing a mix whose packaging lets you check the EU organic logo, control code and indication of origin. Then decide whether you want a simple wheat base, a blend of different grains or mainly buckwheat. Before buying, read the allergen information and recipe: none of these grain options is automatically suitable for everyone at the table.
You don’t want to rely on words such as ‘natural’ alone. Look for the EU organic logo, control code and indication of origin on the packaging. According to the European Commission, the logo can only appear on certified products.
You’re looking for an organic multigrain mix for lunch and want to see which grains it contains. When planning, also allow for any ingredients you need to add and the time it takes to cook.
You want buckwheat as the main ingredient rather than a standard wheat base. The full ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces still matter for everyone sharing the meal.
According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo can only appear on certified products. Check the organic labelling on the pack, then choose the grain base that suits your lunch.
Ideal for: a lunch where you want a simple wheat base, such as Jumbo Biologisch Pannenkoekenmix.
Bear in mind: the mix contains wheat and gluten, and you’ll also need milk and eggs to prepare it.
Ideal for: anyone who prefers a variety of grains: AH Biologisch uses spelt, rye and wheat; Koopmans combines wheat, oats, maize and buckwheat, among others.
Bear in mind: multigrain doesn’t mean gluten-free, and you’ll need to add other ingredients to the recipes.
Ideal for: a lunch where you want buckwheat as the main ingredient; Smaakt Bio Boekweit Pannenkoekenmix lists 90% organic buckwheat flour.
Bear in mind: the warning about possible traces on the pack, and that the recipe calls for milk and five eggs.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | The EU organic logo, control code and indication of the origin of the agricultural ingredients on the pack. | I want to choose organic for a school-holiday lunch without relying on the product name alone; around 42% of consumers prioritise checking organic labelling. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The current ingredients list, allergen information and any warning about possible traces. | If several people are sharing the meal, I want to know whether the chosen grains and other ingredients are suitable for them. Around 33% of consumers prioritise checking ingredients and allergens. |
| Preparation and yield | The recipe, any ingredients to add and the yield stated on the pack. | For a group lunch, I want to know whether I can make enough with the ingredients and time I have; around 25% of consumers put this planning first. |
Organic multigrain mixes include grains that contain gluten. For Smaakt’s buckwheat mix, Jumbo warns that it may contain traces of nuts, peanuts, sesame and soya.
Check the current allergen information and warning about possible traces on the pack for everyone who will be eating.
The recipes call for varying amounts of milk and eggs; Koopmans Bio Meergranen also requires butter or oil. The stated number of servings doesn’t necessarily tell you how many pancakes you’ll make, either.
Check the recipe and stated yield before planning the ingredients and cooking time for lunch.
Buckwheat being the main ingredient in a mix doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the finished product is labelled gluten-free. Smaakt’s product information also warns that it may contain traces of various allergens.
Check for a gluten-free claim and read the full allergen information on the current packaging. Don’t rely on the word ‘buckwheat’ alone.
Voedingscentrum warns that raw batter can pose a risk, particularly for young children.
Don’t let children taste the batter. Wash your hands after preparing it and cook the pancakes thoroughly.
Jumbo Biologisch Pannenkoekenmix, 400 g, is a mix made with organic wheat flour.
AH Biologisch Mix voor pannenkoeken meergranen, 400 g, contains wholemeal spelt, rye and wheat.
PLUS lists Koopmans Pannenkoekenmix bio meergranen, 400 g, which contains wheat, oats, maize and buckwheat, among other ingredients.
Smaakt Bio Boekweit Pannenkoekenmix, 400 g, lists 90% organic buckwheat flour as an ingredient.
Look for the EU organic logo, control code and indication of the origin of the agricultural ingredients on the pack. According to the European Commission, the organic logo can only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control body.
No. AH Biologisch Meergranen contains spelt, rye and wheat; Koopmans Bio Meergranen contains wheat and oats. A buckwheat base alone doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free, either. Check the current packaging and read the allergen information and warning about possible traces.
Yes, for the mixes mentioned here: the recipes for Jumbo Biologisch, Koopmans Bio Meergranen and Smaakt Bio Boekweit call for milk and eggs. PLUS also lists butter or oil for Koopmans. Check the quantities on the pack before preparing lunch.
Don’t let children taste raw batter. Voedingscentrum warns that raw batter can pose a risk, particularly for young children. Cook the pancakes thoroughly.
