Budget-conscious home cooks
Are you making several pancakes after school, and do you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home? Look beyond the pack weight and check the stated yield and what else you need to add.
Which option is right for you?
Parents short on preparation time
If you want to make batter without adding separate eggs or milk, check which complete mixes can be made with water. A shaker bottle is another option, but according to the brand, Koopmans Original Shaker Pancakes requires milk.
Parents packing something for school
If allergies or school rules are a consideration, check the current pack, any warnings about the possible presence of allergens, and the ingredients in your toppings. Don’t assume a standard wheat or wholegrain mix is suitable for avoiding gluten.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what matters most for snack time: the pack’s yield, minimal preparation, allergen checks or the grain content. Then read the preparation instructions and the label for the exact version.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Yield and extra ingredients | Check how many pancakes the pack is said to make according to the instructions, and whether you need to add milk, eggs or cooking fat. | If I’m cooking for several children, I want to know how many pancakes I can make from one pack and what I need to have at home. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the yield and the ingredients required. |
| Easy preparation | Check which liquid and cooking fat you’ll need; don’t assume every shaker bottle mix only requires water. | When the children get home, I want to make the batter with as little effort as possible. For around 29% of consumers, easy preparation is the main priority. |
| Allergens and school rules | Check the current label, possible allergen warnings, toppings and the school’s rules. | If the pancakes are going to school, I need to know what they contain and what’s allowed there. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
| Grain content | Compare the ingredients in the exact version; the terms wholegrain, wholemeal and gluten-free don’t mean the same thing. | I want to choose a version with a particular grain content, without relying on the name alone. For around 14% of consumers, grain content is the main factor in their choice. |
Common mistakes
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Forgetting the extra ingredients for a basic mix
PLUS Naturel requires milk, eggs and cooking fat. PLUS Complete is made with water and cooking fat. This difference determines what you need to have at home before you start cooking.
Check the ingredients required and the stated yield on each pack before choosing a mix for several snack times.
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Assuming wholegrain means gluten-free
A wholegrain mix may contain grains that contain gluten. The ingredient information for the Koopmans version reviewed here lists wheat, rye and oats, among other ingredients.
If you need to avoid gluten, don’t choose a mix just because it says wholegrain. Check that the exact pack is clearly labelled gluten-free.
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Relying only on online allergen information
If you’re taking a snack to school, the pack you actually use is what matters. Toppings may also contain ingredients you need to consider.
Check the physical pack and the toppings just before use, and ask the school what rules it follows.
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Tasting raw batter
The product information for Koopmans Original says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be thoroughly cooked.
Follow the preparation instructions on the pack and cook the pancakes through before serving or packing them.
Brands to consider
Albona
ALDI sells a 400 g Albona plain pancake mix, as well as a wholegrain version.
- The plain version is a good starting point if you want to add the required ingredients yourself at home.
- Check the preparation instructions, ingredients and allergens on each pack; the versions aren’t interchangeable.
PLUS
The PLUS own-label range includes a plain mix and a complete mix, both in 400 g packs.
- Your choice depends in part on what you want to add: the plain mix requires milk and eggs, while the Complete version calls for water.
- Both versions also require cooking fat. Check the label of your chosen version for allergen information.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers Original, Complete and Shaker versions, as well as mixes with different grain contents.
- Koopmans says a pack of Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes. For Pannenkoeken Compleet, the brand says to add water to the batter.
- The ingredients required and allergens vary by version. Check the exact pack, especially if you’re taking the pancakes to school.
Belbake
Lidl Netherlands lists Belbake original pancake mix in its baking range.
- This is a brand to consider if you’re looking for pancake mix at Lidl.
- Read the full preparation and allergen information on the pack you choose.
Pancake mixes for different occasions
This selection of Joybuy products includes mixes for a small batch, a larger yield and a different grain content. Choose based on the ingredients you want to add, and check the label if you’re packing pancakes for school.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
An option for making a small batch if you want to prepare the batter with water. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack before packing the pancakes for school.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker bottle mix for making a small batch. Check how much milk this version requires, and read the current label if allergens are a concern.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
This basic mix is a good fit if you have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home. Koopmans says that a pack of Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes; follow the label for the exact preparation instructions.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
A 100 g pack for anyone looking for a smaller amount of mix. Check the preparation instructions, yield and label before deciding whether it’s right for your cooking occasion.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
An option for anyone comparing grain content. The ingredient information for this Koopmans version lists wheat, rye and oats, among other ingredients; a wholegrain mix isn’t the same as a gluten-free mix. Also check which ingredients you need to add for preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix can I make without adding milk or eggs?
According to PLUS, you add water to PLUS Complete to make the batter; you’ll also need cooking fat for frying. Check the ingredients list separately: making the mix without adding milk or eggs doesn’t mean it’s free from these allergens.
Can I take a standard pancake mix to school if gluten needs to be avoided?
Don’t assume it’s suitable: check that the exact mix is clearly labelled gluten-free and read the current label, including any information about the possible presence of allergens. Also check the school’s rules.
Can I taste pancake batter raw?
The product information for Koopmans Original says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be thoroughly cooked. Follow the preparation instructions for the mix you’re using.