Who is this choice relevant to?

Home cooks who want to choose organic

You want to be able to check the organic label on the packaging rather than relying on words such as ‘premium’ or ‘natural’. The EU organic logo, inspection code and ingredients list can help you do that.

Consumers comparing grains and allergens

You want to know whether a mix contains wheat, spelt, rye, oats or buckwheat, for example. Check the current label of the product you choose for allergens and any warnings about possible traces.

Meal planners

You want to know what else you’ll need alongside the mix before you start cooking, and how many portions the pack’s instructions will make.

What should you look for when choosing?

Organic wheat mix

A good fit for: anyone looking for a simple mix made with wheat flour, such as Jumbo’s organic pancake mix.

Bear in mind: this option contains wheat and requires extra ingredients to prepare.

Organic multigrain mix

A good fit for: anyone who wants a mix containing several grains; the AH Biologisch and Koopmans products reviewed use different combinations.

Bear in mind: both products contain gluten-containing grains, so multigrain is not a gluten-free option.

Organic buckwheat mix

A good fit for: anyone looking for buckwheat as the main ingredient; Smaakt’s Bio Boekweit Pannenkoekenmix lists 90% buckwheat flour.

Bear in mind: seeing buckwheat on the label doesn’t remove the need to check for allergens and the possible presence of other ingredients.

Organic gluten-free mix

A good fit for: anyone specifically looking for a pancake mix labelled gluten-free, such as the Joannusmolen product reviewed.

Bear in mind: check the exact product and its current label; organic alone says nothing about whether it is gluten-free.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Organic labelling Check the EU organic logo, the inspection body’s code and the origin label for the agricultural ingredients. According to Skal Biocontrole, the logo is mandatory on pre-packed organic food produced in the EU; the European Commission explains the additional information required. If I’m choosing organic, I want to be able to check the label on the pack. Around 36% of consumers put this check first.
Grains and allergens Read the ingredients, allergen information and relevant warnings on the current packaging; if you want a gluten-free option, look for that specific product label. If I want to choose or avoid a particular grain, the exact recipe needs to suit my needs. Around 29% of consumers put this first.
Preparation Check the quantities of milk, eggs or other additions listed in the preparation instructions for your chosen pack. I want to be able to make the mix with what I have in the house for the meal. For around 21% of consumers, ease of preparation is the first consideration.
Pack size and portions Compare the pack weight and stated number of portions alongside the preparation instructions. If I’m making pancakes for several people, I want to know whether one pack will be enough according to the instructions. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means gluten-free

    The organic multigrain mixes reviewed contain ingredients such as spelt, rye, wheat or oats. So an organic label doesn’t tell you whether a mix is gluten-free.

    If you need a gluten-free option, look for a product explicitly labelled as such, then read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack.

  • Thinking of multigrain as a quality ranking

    Multigrain describes the ingredients, but on its own it doesn’t tell you which mix best matches your preferences. The multigrain products reviewed also don’t contain the same grains.

    Compare the specific ingredients in the multigrain mix with those in a wheat or buckwheat mix.

  • Relying on an old packet

    Ingredients and allergen information can change, even for a mix you already know.

    Before preparing it, read the information on the pack you’re actually using, especially if you need to avoid an ingredient or allergen.

Brands and product ranges compared

AH Biologisch

The organic multigrain mix reviewed from Albert Heijn comes in a 400 g pack.

  • The product information lists ingredients including wholemeal spelt flour, rye flour and wheat flour, as well as the EU organic logo and an inspection code.
  • The mix contains gluten-containing grains; also check the current packaging for other allergens and warnings.

Jumbo

The organic pancake mix reviewed from Jumbo comes in a 400 g pack and is made with wheat flour.

  • For this product, Jumbo provides ingredients, allergen information and preparation instructions.
  • This wheat mix isn’t suitable if you specifically need a gluten-free option; you’ll also need extra ingredients to prepare it.

Koopmans

The Koopmans Bio Meergranen product reviewed is a 400 g organic pancake mix.

  • The ingredients list on Jumbo’s website includes wheat and oats, as well as maize and buckwheat.
  • This product contains gluten-containing grains; check the pack for full allergen information.

Smaakt

The Smaakt Bio Boekweit Pannenkoekenmix reviewed comes in a 400 g pack and lists 90% buckwheat flour.

  • The ingredients list makes it clear that buckwheat is the main ingredient in this product.
  • Check the current warnings about the possible presence of nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya, among other things.

Joannusmolen

The product range reviewed includes several pancake mixes, including one labelled gluten-free.

  • Ekoplaza lists rice flour, potato starch, maize starch and buckwheat flour in the gluten-free mix reviewed.
  • Recipes vary by product; check the exact product name and packaging before you choose.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I recognise an organic pancake mix?

Check the organic labels on the pack. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is mandatory on pre-packed organic food produced in the EU; the European Commission also specifies the inspection body’s code and the origin label for agricultural ingredients.

Is organic pancake mix automatically gluten-free?

No. The organic multigrain mixes reviewed from AH Biologisch and Koopmans contain gluten-containing grains. If you need a gluten-free option, look specifically for a product labelled gluten-free and check the current packaging.

What do I need to add to pancake mix?

It depends on the product and preparation method. For one pack of its organic pancake mix, Jumbo lists 1.000 ml of milk and 2 eggs; for its buckwheat mix, Smaakt lists 900 ml of semi-skimmed milk and 5 eggs. Check the instructions on the pack you buy.

Can I rely on ingredient information I saw online previously?

Use it to compare products before you buy, but check the current pack before use too. Albert Heijn says that ingredients and allergen information can change.

Can I eat Koopmans Bio Meergranen batter uncooked?

No. The product information for Koopmans Bio Meergranen says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked through.