Parents short on time after school
A complete mix or shaker can cut down on measuring. Check which liquid you still need to add, and allow time for cooking: less preparation doesn’t mean the pancakes will be ready straight away.
Which option is right for you?
Families looking to factor in fibre
Compare the fibre and other nutritional values of the prepared product, and take milk, butter or oil, and toppings into account. The name of a grain variety doesn’t tell you how the finished snack is put together.
Families avoiding gluten or other allergens
Check the ingredients and allergen information on every pack. If gluten-free is essential, choose a product labelled gluten-free and avoid contact with gluten-containing ingredients during preparation. If you have a wheat allergy, check separately that the product is suitable.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with any allergens the person eating the pancakes needs to avoid. Then compare the ingredients and preparation required, the nutritional information and the flavour you’re after.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | Check whether you need to add water or milk, and how many pancakes you want to make. | If there’s not much time after school, I don’t want to have to measure out several ingredients first; an estimated 33% of consumers put convenience first. |
| Fibre and nutritional information | Compare fibre, sugars, saturated fat and salt on the same basis, such as per 100 g of prepared product, and include any added ingredients. | I want to be able to weigh up the pancakes against what else is eaten that day; for around 27% of consumers, nutritional profile is the first consideration. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the current label and check any ingredients you add, too. If you’re taking the pancakes to school, ask about the arrangements there. | If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, both the mix and the preparation must be suitable; an estimated 20% of consumers put suitability first. |
| Familiar flavours and toppings | Check what you need to add yourself and how much choice you want when it comes to sweet or savoury toppings. | For a fussy eater, I want to be able to make a familiar pancake and choose the topping myself; around 20% of consumers give this preference priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming wholemeal, multigrain or buckwheat means gluten-free
A wholemeal mix may contain wheat. A buckwheat mix may also list other allergens on the label; the grain name alone doesn’t determine whether it’s suitable.
If gluten-free is essential, choose a product labelled gluten-free and avoid contact with gluten-containing batter and utensils.
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Comparing only the front of the pack
Nutritional values aren’t directly comparable if one pack gives figures for the uncooked mix and another for the prepared pancake. Added ingredients and toppings also change the result.
Compare the nutritional information on the same basis and check which ingredients you still need to add.
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Overlooking allergens in a complete mix
Only needing to add water doesn’t tell you anything about the allergens in the mix. The Koopmans Compleet described by Albert Heijn contains, among other things, wheat, whey, egg and rye.
Check the allergens on the specific pack before buying, even if the preparation seems simple.
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Tasting raw batter
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Koopmans Compleet described there must not be eaten raw and needs to be heated through completely.
Follow the preparation instructions on the pack and serve the pancakes only once they’re cooked through.
Brands to compare
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a range of pancake mixes, including original, complete, wholemeal and gluten-free options.
- The product ranges offer different preparation methods and grain varieties.
- Check the ingredients for each variety: a brand name doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s range includes own-brand mixes and pancake mixes from other brands, including complete and multigrain options.
- You can compare different types of mix side by side within the range.
- Always check the packaging of the product you choose for its ingredients and allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers both its own pancake mixes and products from specialist brands.
- Alongside regular mixes, the range includes products for specific dishes and mixes with different ingredients.
- Compare what each product is intended for and what you need to add; they aren’t interchangeable.
Smaakt
The organic pancake mix by Smaakt described by Jumbo contains buckwheat flour.
- The ingredients list for this specific mix states that it contains 90% buckwheat flour.
- According to Jumbo, you’ll need five eggs and 900 ml semi-skimmed milk to prepare it. Check the information about possible allergens, too.
Dr. Oetker
The Kaiserschmarrn mix described by Jumbo is intended for a sweet dish made with pieces of pancake, rather than a plain, classic pancake.
- The specific dish makes it easier to decide whether this mix is right for the snack you have in mind.
- The ingredients list includes sugar, raisins, wheat, milk and barley, among other things; check the label if you have dietary requirements or allergies.
Pancake mixes for after-school snacks on Joybuy
These products show a range of options for making pancakes at home: a complete mix, a shaker, a wholemeal option and classic mixes. Check what you need to add to each pack and read the label before making pancakes for a child or to take to school.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
An option if you want to measure out fewer ingredients after school. This is a complete pancake mix in a 210 g pack; check the pack for the amount of water needed, allergens and preparation instructions.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker may be a good choice if you want to mix the batter without using a separate mixing bowl. The pack contains 175 g of mix; check how much milk you need to add before buying, and read the current label for allergen information.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
An option to consider if you want to compare the fibre in prepared pancakes. This pack contains 400 g of mix; compare the nutritional information on a like-for-like basis and check which ingredients you need to add.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A classic mix for anyone who wants to choose their own toppings. The pack contains 400 g of mix; check what you need to add, how many portions it makes and the allergen information before you start cooking.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
A smaller pack to consider if you don’t need a large quantity of mix. It contains 100 g of milk-flavoured pancake mix; check how many portions it makes, the preparation instructions and the allergen information. Assess its nutritional value using the nutritional information, not a claim in the product name.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular pancake mix if I need it to be gluten-free?
Don’t choose a regular mix without checking the label first. The original and wholemeal varieties described by Koopmans contain gluten-containing grains. Look for a product labelled gluten-free and avoid contact with gluten-containing ingredients during preparation. If you have a wheat allergy, check the full ingredients list as well.
Where can I find allergen information on a pack of pancake mix?
Read the ingredients list on the current pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens that must be declared need to be clearly identifiable in the list. Also check for statements about the possible presence of allergens, and look at the ingredients you add yourself.
What’s a good choice if I’m short on time after school?
A complete mix cuts down on the number of ingredients you need to measure if the pack says you only need to add water. A shaker can make mixing easier, but check whether you still need to add milk. Whichever you choose, allow time for cooking.
Can I taste pancake batter raw?
Follow the preparation instructions and don’t eat the batter raw if the pack says it must be heated through completely. This warning appears, for example, on the Koopmans Compleet described by Albert Heijn. Cook the pancakes through before serving.