Small coffee gatherings
If you’re baking for one or a few older people, a standard pack may make more than you want to serve. Compare smaller packs with the number of pancakes stated on the pack.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you want to make batter easily
An all-in-one mix can reduce the need to measure out individual ingredients, while a shaker bottle can save you from using a mixing bowl. Check whether your chosen mix calls for water or milk, and whether you’ll find the shaking comfortable.
Groups with specific dietary requirements
Are you looking for a wholemeal or multigrain option, or do you need to consider gluten or other allergens? Choose based on the exact product and check the current label, including the ingredients you add to the batter or pancakes yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many pancakes you want to make. Then compare the preparation steps and, if you have a dietary requirement, check the ingredients in the exact mix.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Batch size | Compare the net weight with the yield and preparation ratios on the pack. Lidl lists a 120 g Belbake multigrain mix, while Albert Heijn lists 200 g Koopmans Original. | If I only want to serve a few pancakes, I’d rather not have a large amount of batter left over. For around 36% of consumers, a small batch size is the most important factor. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether the mix calls for water, milk or eggs, and whether you need to stir or shake it. A bottle is only convenient if you can handle it comfortably. | I want to prepare the batter without measuring out lots of ingredients, but vigorous shaking can be uncomfortable. Ease of preparation comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Product type | Check whether the exact mix is wholemeal or multigrain, and check the pack size and preparation instructions at the same time. | For our afternoon coffee, I want a particular type of grain, even if it doesn’t come in the smallest pack. Around 21% of consumers give this product choice their highest priority. |
| Allergens and gluten | Read the current allergen information and check the milk, eggs and toppings too. If you need to prepare a gluten-free meal, only choose a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free. | If a guest has a relevant allergy or needs to avoid gluten, the mix must meet that requirement before I consider pack size or convenience. For around 14% of consumers, this check comes first. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a standard pack makes a small batch
For its Pannenkoeken Origineel mix, Koopmans states a yield of 11 to 13 pancakes when prepared according to the recipe. That may be more than you need for a small coffee gathering.
Compare both the pack size and stated yield before choosing a mix. Consider a smaller pack if you don’t want to make a large batch.
-
Assuming every shaker bottle only needs water
Koopmans says to add water to its Compleet mix. According to PLUS, its 200 g shaker bottle instead calls for around 400 ml semi-skimmed milk and vigorous shaking.
Check the ingredients and steps required for each product. The packaging format doesn’t tell you the whole story.
-
Confusing wholemeal, multigrain and gluten-free
A wholemeal or multigrain label doesn’t mean a mix is gluten-free or suitable for every allergy. Any ingredients and toppings you add yourself matter too.
If you have a relevant dietary requirement, check the current label on the mix and everything you serve with it.
-
Serving or tasting raw batter
Koopmans says that its Compleet mix is not intended to be eaten raw.
Prepare the pancakes according to the instructions on the pack and don’t serve raw batter.
Brands to compare
Koopmans
Koopmans offers Original, Compleet, multigrain and wholemeal mixes, as well as a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free. Preparation methods and pack sizes vary between products.
- According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to its Compleet mix; the brand states a yield of 8 to 10 pancakes.
- Koopmans states a yield of 11 to 13 pancakes for its Pannenkoeken Origineel mix. If you’re catering for a small group, check the size and yield of the pack you’re buying.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes plain and multigrain mixes in 400 g packs, as well as a 300 g wholemeal mix.
- The 300 g wholemeal option comes in a different pack size from the 400 g packs mentioned.
- Check the preparation instructions and the latest ingredient and allergen information on the pack.
PLUS
PLUS lists a plain mix in a 200 g bottle, as well as several 400 g box mixes.
- According to PLUS, you mix the bottle contents with around 400 ml semi-skimmed milk inside the bottle, so you don’t need a separate mixing bowl.
- The bottle needs to be shaken. PLUS says its all-in-one box mix calls for water, but it comes in a 400 g pack.
Belbake
Lidl Netherlands lists a 120 g Belbake multigrain mix, an option to consider if you want to use a small amount of dry mix.
- The listed pack contains 120 g of mix.
- Check the preparation instructions and whether this product is available when you want to bake.
Albona
ALDI Netherlands lists Albona baking mixes in plain and multigrain varieties, weighing 395 g and 400 g respectively.
- You can compare the plain and multigrain options in this own-brand range.
- According to ALDI, the plain mix calls for milk and eggs. If you’re catering for a small group, check whether the pack size suits the yield you want.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes are worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller pack for afternoon coffee. Check whether the preparation method suits you for each product; don’t estimate the number of pancakes based on weight alone.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for a smaller pack and a shaker bottle for afternoon coffee.
Pack size: 175 g. Check the pack to see what you need to add and whether you’ll find the shaking comfortable.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A smaller Complete mix to compare if you’d rather not measure out lots of individual ingredients.
Pack size: 210 g. Read the preparation instructions for this exact product; don’t assume they’re the same as those for a larger box mix.
Image unavailable
Xiaoyeqingzhu High-Calcium pancake mix with milk flavour 100 g
An option to consider if your main priority is using a small amount of dry mix for each batch.
Pack size: 100 g. Check the yield, preparation instructions, nutritional information and allergens on the label; the product name alone doesn’t substantiate a nutritional claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can I halve a standard pack of pancake mix?
Yes, as long as you can halve the ratios in the pack instructions and accurately measure the ingredients you need. Check the recipe for the exact mix; a smaller pack saves you having to do the maths.
Is a shaker bottle easier for a small afternoon coffee gathering?
A shaker bottle can save you from using a mixing bowl, but it’s only practical if you can hold and shake it comfortably. According to PLUS, its 200 g bottle mix calls for around 400 ml semi-skimmed milk and vigorous shaking. If you’re using another bottle, check its own instructions.
Should I read the label again if I’ve bought the same mix before?
Yes. If you have a relevant allergy or dietary requirement, check the label on the pack you’re about to use. Also read the information on any ingredients and toppings you add yourself; Albert Heijn notes that product information can change.
Can I taste raw pancake batter?
Don’t taste it raw: Koopmans says its Compleet mix is not intended to be eaten raw. Follow the baking instructions on the pack for the mix you’ve chosen.