Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want to shop organic

You want to check the organic status against the EU organic logo, inspection code and origin statement, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’.

If you pay attention to grain types

You compare the ingredients in wheat, multigrain and spelt mixes, perhaps because you’re looking for a particular grain or need to avoid one. You also check the allergen information.

If you’re specifically looking for sourdough

You want to know whether a mix actually contains a starter or fermented ingredient. An organic label or an artisan-sounding product name won’t tell you that.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Organic status Check the EU organic logo, inspection code and origin statement. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic. If you want to shop organic with confidence, you’ll want to recognise the label on the packaging. For around 33% of consumers, checking this comes first.
Grains and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information, including any warnings about traces. Spelt or multigrain does not replace an explicit gluten-free label. If you’re looking for or need to avoid a particular grain, you’ll want to know what’s actually in the mix. This is the main consideration for roughly 27% of consumers.
Sourdough Look for a specific mention of sourdough, a starter, a fermented ingredient or fermentation instructions. If you’re choosing a mix specifically for its sourdough, you won’t want to rely on an artisan-sounding name. Confirmation of sourdough is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Preparation Check which ingredients you need to add yourself and how many portions the pack makes. For nutritional information, check whether the values apply to the dry mix or the prepared product. If you want to make the batter without finding yourself short of ingredients, the preparation instructions matter. Around 20% of consumers put practical preparation first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘organic’ means ‘contains sourdough’

    The organic certification doesn’t tell you whether a pancake mix contains a sourdough starter or has been fermented.

    Only make sourdough a deciding factor if the ingredient or process is specifically mentioned on the packaging or in the preparation information.

  • Assuming spelt or multigrain means gluten-free

    AH Biologisch multigrain mix contains spelt, rye and wheat; Luna e Terra’s spelt mix contains spelt and wheat flour.

    If you need a gluten-free option, look for a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the information about possible traces and other allergens too.

  • Assuming the dry mix is ready-made batter

    According to Jumbo, the standard preparation for Jumbo Organic Pancake Mix, 400 g, requires 1,000 ml of milk and 2 eggs.

    Read the preparation instructions on the pack you’ve chosen before buying, especially if you want to use different ingredients.

    As well as the dry mix, you may also need milk or a plant-based drink, eggs or an alternative, and cooking fat.

  • Assuming an old product listing means it’s currently in stock

    Albert Heijn marks its listing for Koopmans Organic Multigrain Pancake Mix as ‘discontinued’. This doesn’t tell you whether it’s available from other shops.

    Check the current packaging and availability before relying on this particular product.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a 400 g organic pancake mix made with wheat flour.

  • The product information lists the ingredients, allergens and standard preparation method.
  • The mix contains wheat. Check separately whether the product meets your sourdough requirements.

AH Biologisch

Albert Heijn describes a 400 g organic multigrain mix made with spelt, rye and wheat.

  • The product information gives the ingredient proportions and a plant-based preparation option.
  • The grains listed contain gluten; multigrain on its own also doesn’t mean the mix contains sourdough.

Joannusmolen

Ekoplaza describes both a pancake mix with wheat and buckwheat and a separate gluten-free version containing, among other things, rice and buckwheat.

  • The ingredient lists make it easy to distinguish between the two versions by grain type.
  • The standard mix contains gluten; possible traces of lupin, mustard and soya are listed for the gluten-free version.

Luna e Terra

The 500 g spelt pancake mix is described as being made with Demeter ingredients, including spelt flour, wheat flour, rice flour and buckwheat flour.

  • The listed ingredients and proportions help you compare the grain content.
  • As it contains spelt and wheat, this isn’t suitable if you need a gluten-free mix.

Koopmans

The product information from Albert Heijn describes an organic multigrain mix made with wheat, oat, maize and buckwheat flour.

  • The ingredient information can help you compare the grain types.
  • Albert Heijn marks this listing as ‘discontinued’; check availability before choosing this product.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether a packaged pancake mix is organic?

Look for the EU organic logo, inspection code and origin statement on the packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic. Also read the ingredients and allergen information: the logo won’t tell you which grains the mix contains or whether it’s sourdough.

Is an organic spelt or multigrain mix gluten-free?

No, not if the mix contains grains with gluten. AH Biologisch multigrain mix lists spelt, rye and wheat; Luna e Terra’s spelt mix contains spelt and wheat flour. If you need a gluten-free option, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the information about possible traces too.

Does ‘artisan’ mean a pancake mix contains sourdough?

No, the word doesn’t confirm that the mix contains a sourdough ingredient or has been fermented. If that’s a deciding factor for you, check the ingredients list and preparation instructions for a specific mention of sourdough, a starter or fermentation.

Can I make organic pancake mix without milk and eggs?

It depends on the instructions for the mix you choose. Albert Heijn describes a plant-based preparation option for its organic multigrain mix, using a plant-based drink and, optionally, apple sauce or an egg replacer. The standard preparation for the Jumbo mix requires milk and eggs, so check the instructions on your pack.

Can I taste batter made from pancake mix before cooking it?

Follow the preparation instructions and cook the batter thoroughly before eating it. Koopmans’ product information at Albert Heijn specifically says that the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be heated all the way through.