Pancake mix works in an Advent calendar as a planned baking activity, rather than as a treat you can eat straight away. A complete mix can reduce the number of extra ingredients you need, while a bottle mix saves you from using mixing equipment. For either option, check the instructions, allergens and best-before date. If you’re planning to bake for a group or need a specific grain or gluten-free option, the pack size and label matter more.
Would you like a short baking session with minimal mixing equipment or extra shopping? According to product information from PLUS and Jumbo, a complete mix that you add water to and a bottle mix that you combine with milk are two different ways to cut down on preparation. You’ll still need to cook the pancakes in a pan.
If the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients, read the label on the mix you choose and check what you’ll be adding yourself. A mix labelled gluten-free isn’t automatically free from egg or milk.
For a shared baking session, the pack size, stated yield and required ingredients matter more than the variant name alone. Albert Heijn, ALDI and Lidl offer options including standard and grain-based mixes; check the instructions on each pack.
First, check whether you’ll have a pan and the required ingredients to hand on the day. Then compare the pack size and variant, and always check the label before buying if allergens are a concern.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Especially useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Check which ingredients you need to add and whether the batter should be used straight after mixing. | If I want to bake on one day of the calendar without lots of preparation, I want to know in advance what I’ll need. Around 31% of consumers give simple preparation the highest priority. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and guidance on any ingredients you need to add yourself. | If the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients, I don’t want to rely on the variant name alone. Around 31% of consumers put checking for allergens first. |
| Pack size and baking session | Compare the net weight and stated yield, and plan time and a place to bake. | If I’m planning an activity for a set number of people, I want the amount of mix to suit the occasion. Around 23% of consumers put getting the quantity right first. |
| Variant and stock | Compare the grain or flavour variant you want and the pack size. | Once the practical requirements are met, I like to choose a variant that suits what I want to bake or keep in stock. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this preference. |
A slice size doesn’t help you choose a mix for making batter.
Instead, compare the type of mix, the pack size, the ingredients you’ll need and the instructions on the label.
The Koopmans Gluten-Free mix described by Albert Heijn may contain egg and milk; milk and eggs are also needed to prepare it.
Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warning, as well as the instructions on the current pack.
The bottle mixes described by PLUS and Jumbo need to be combined with milk and then cooked.
Choose a bottle mix if you’ll have milk, a pan and time to bake. Once mixed, the PLUS bottle mix needs to be used straight away.
The date on an unopened pack doesn’t tell you how to store or use batter once it has been made up.
Check the date and storage instructions on the pack before adding it to the calendar. After opening or mixing, follow the separate instructions for use.
Koopmans offers a range that includes complete pancake mixes and options labelled gluten-free.
Albert Heijn offers own-brand mixes in options including plain, wholemeal, multigrain and spelt.
Jumbo offers, among other options, a plain bottle mix and an organic packet mix.
PLUS offers, among other options, a complete packet mix and a plain bottle mix.
Albona is the brand of a 400 g multigrain pancake mix stocked by ALDI.
Lidl stocks a 400 g Belbake Original Pancake Mix.
These mixes are options for a planned baking session, whether you’re looking for a smaller pack or a 400 g packet. Before adding one to an Advent calendar, compare the preparation instructions, allergen information and date on the pack.
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A smaller pack for a baking session with a clear start and finish. Check how much you need to add for this variant, and read the current label if allergens are a concern.
Pack size: 210 g.
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A packet mix for anyone looking for a wholegrain option for a group baking session. Check the pack for required additions and allergen information.
Pack size: 400 g.
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A standard packet mix for planning a baking activity for several people. Check the preparation instructions and the label on this pack before buying.
Pack size: 400 g.
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A smaller pack for anyone planning a baking session with a milk-flavoured option. Check how many pancakes it makes and which ingredients you need to add.
Pack size: 100 g.
No. Pancake mix is intended for making batter and cooking pancakes. Plan a time when the recipient can use the required ingredients and a pan.
A complete mix that you add water to, according to the pack, reduces the number of ingredients you need to get ready for the batter. According to Jumbo, Koopmans Complete Pancake Mix, 400 g, is made this way; PLUS also recommends using butter or oil for frying with its 400 g complete mix. Check the instructions for the variant you buy.
No, you can’t assume that from the ‘gluten-free’ label. The Koopmans Gluten-Free mix described by Albert Heijn may contain egg and milk, and requires milk and eggs for preparation. Check the current allergen information and the ingredients you need to add yourself.
Check the date and storage instructions on the unopened pack before planning your baking session. According to the Voedingscentrum, a best-before date relates to quality. After opening or mixing, also follow the product’s separate instructions.
