For a large wedding buffet, choose an organic mix with a stated yield and preparation method so you can plan your shopping and cooking time. Koopmans says its Bio Meergranen mix makes 13–15 pancakes per pack; according to Albert Heijn, AH Biologisch Meergranen also has a plant-based preparation method. Check the ingredients and allergens for every variety you serve, including anything you add to the batter or use as a topping.
You want to plan how many packs and extra ingredients you’ll need, as well as how long it will take to cook the pancakes. Koopmans states that its Bio Meergranen mix makes 13–15 pancakes per pack and takes around 30 minutes to prepare.
You’re looking for an organic mix with a plant-based preparation method, and you’ll also need to check the grains and potential allergens. Albert Heijn describes AH Biologisch Meergranen as vegan; the ingredients you add also help determine what you ultimately serve.
You want to be able to tell guests which allergens are present in the prepared pancakes and toppings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that businesses selling non-prepacked products must provide consumers with allergen information.
First, work out how many pancakes you want to make. Then compare the organic labelling and ingredients of your chosen mix with your guests’ dietary preferences.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Yield and cooking time | Check the yield and preparation time for your chosen variety, and remember to include the milk, eggs and cooking fat you’ll need. | If I want to serve a large number of guests at a set time, I need to be able to plan the amount of batter and the cooking time. For around 40% of consumers, keeping service moving is the top priority. |
| Organic origin and recipe | Look for the EU organic logo and certification information on the pack. Then compare the ingredients for the exact variety you’re considering. | I want to choose a certified organic mix with grains and a preparation method that suit my buffet; for around 30% of consumers, the recipe is the most important factor. |
| Allergens and information for guests | Check the current label and make a note of allergens in any added ingredients and toppings too. | When guests have different dietary requirements, I want to be able to give them clear ingredient information for each pancake served. For around 30% of consumers, this clarity is their main concern. |
Organic certification doesn’t tell you which allergens a mix contains. Grains, possible traces and any ingredients you add yourself all need to be checked separately.
Consider organic, gluten-free and plant-based as separate properties. Check the current pack and everything you add to the batter.
You may also need milk, eggs and cooking fat to make the pancakes. The number of pans you have and the time available for cooking will also affect how many you can serve at your planned buffet time.
Make a test batch using the portion size you have in mind, then plan the ingredients and cooking capacity you’ll need for the buffet.
Remember to factor in extra ingredients, as well as the use of pans and kitchen staff.
A shop selling organic products doesn’t mean that every pancake mix it stocks is certified organic.
Check the packaging of the Belbake or Albona variety you’ve chosen for the EU organic logo and the relevant certification information.
Milk, eggs, cooking fat and toppings can change the allergen profile of the pancakes you serve.
Record which mix and additions you use for each buffet option. Keep toppings and serving utensils separate to avoid mix-ups.
Koopmans Bio Meergranen is an option if you want to base your buffet shopping on a stated yield per pack.
AH Biologisch Mix voor pannenkoeken meergranen is a 400 g organic mix containing spelt, rye and wheat.
According to Jumbo, its 400 g Jumbo Biologisch Pannenkoekenmix is made with organic wheat flour.
PLUS lists Koopmans Bio Meergranen and Smaakt Bio Boekweitpannenkoekenmix in its online range.
Lidl stocks Belbake pancake mix, including a multigrain variety.
ALDI stocks Albona pancake baking mix.
Look for the EU organic logo and the relevant certification information on the pack. The European Commission says the logo is intended for products certified as organic; a word such as ‘natural’ on its own doesn’t mean a product is organic.
No. Organic and buckwheat aren’t, in themselves, indications that a product is gluten-free. If your guests need to avoid gluten, check the current packaging of the specific mix and don’t choose based on the grain name alone.
Include the allergens in the mix, as well as those in any added ingredients and toppings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that businesses selling non-prepacked products must provide consumers with allergen information in a way other than on packaging.
Don’t taste Koopmans Bio Meergranen batter raw: the product information at Albert Heijn says it must be heated through thoroughly. For any other mix, follow the preparation instructions on the current packaging.
