When choosing an organic pancake mix for a toddler’s breakfast, don’t rely on the certification alone: check the grains, allergens and preparation instructions too. The multigrain mixes reviewed here contain different grains from Jumbo’s organic wheat mix, but all three contain gluten-containing grains. If gluten needs to be avoided, these mixes aren’t suitable.
You want to be able to find the EU organic logo, the code of the control body and the indication of origin on a pre-packed mix. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control body.
You’re considering pancakes for a change at breakfast and are also thinking about the grains and the rest of the day’s meals. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends variety for children aged 1 to 3, including alternating bread with wholegrain breakfast cereals that contain no added sugar or salt.
Before packing, you want to check the current label and the school or nursery’s allergen policy. The organic mixes from AH Biologisch, Jumbo and Koopmans discussed here contain gluten-containing grains.
First, check the organic certification on the packaging. Then compare the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions with what matters for this breakfast.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check the EU organic logo, the control body’s code and the indication of origin on the pre-packed mix. The European Commission describes the organic logo as a sign that a product has been certified by an approved control body. | I want to be able to verify the organic claim on the pack, rather than relying on a word on the front alone; around 31% of consumers give this certification top priority. |
| Grains and ingredients | Compare the grains used and check the nutritional information and ingredients list for things such as sugar and salt. Consider the mix alongside what else you’re serving for breakfast. | For a toddler’s breakfast, I want to know which grains and ingredients I’m serving and how the pancakes fit in with the rest of the day’s meals; around 31% of consumers prioritise the ingredients. |
| Allergens and packing food to take away | Check the current label for gluten and other allergens. Ask about the relevant school or nursery’s policy before packing food to take along. | If I’m packing pancakes, I want to know whether the ingredients are suitable given any allergens that need to be taken into account; around 23% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Preparation | Check what type of milk, eggs or cooking fat the packaging says you’ll need, and how much preparation time to allow. Follow the instructions to make sure the pancakes are cooked through. | On a busy morning, I want to know in advance which ingredients to get ready and how long cooking will take; around 15% of consumers make preparation their main consideration. |
The EU organic logo relates to organic certification. It doesn’t tell you which grains, allergens or nutritional values a particular mix contains.
As well as checking the logo, read the ingredients list, nutritional information and allergen statement on the pack you choose.
The organic mixes from AH Biologisch, Jumbo and Koopmans discussed here contain gluten-containing grains. Their labels also warn that other allergens may be present.
Don’t use these mixes if gluten needs to be avoided. For school or nursery, also check the current label and the local allergen policy.
According to Jumbo’s preparation information, its organic wheat mix requires 1.000 ml of milk and 2 eggs per pack. For the Koopmans Bio Meergranen mix reviewed here, Jumbo lists 900 ml of milk, 4 eggs and butter or oil.
Before choosing, check which extra ingredients you’ll need. Also take any allergens in those ingredients into account when serving the pancakes.
Albert Heijn states that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change.
Use the label on the pack you receive for your final check, especially before packing a pancake to take along.
The AH Biologisch Mix voor pannenkoeken meergranen reviewed here comes in a 400 g pack.
The Jumbo Biologisch Pannenkoekenmix reviewed here comes in a 400 g pack and is based on organic wheat flour.
The Koopmans Pannenkoeken Bio Meergranen reviewed here comes in a 400 g pack and combines wheat, oats, maize and buckwheat.
Check the EU organic logo, the control body’s code and the indication of origin on the pre-packed mix. According to the European Commission, the organic logo may only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control body.
No. Organic certification doesn’t tell you how the mix fits into breakfast. Also check the grains, nutritional information, allergens and ingredients you add when cooking. Consider the pancakes as part of the rest of the day’s meals.
Check the label and the relevant school or nursery’s policy first. The organic mixes from AH Biologisch, Jumbo and Koopmans discussed here contain gluten-containing grains; some labels also warn that other allergens may be present.
No. According to the product information on Jumbo, Koopmans Pannenkoeken Bio Meergranen batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw. Follow the preparation instructions and cook the batter thoroughly.
