Planning several snack times
If you want to make pancakes more than once during the autumn half-term, check how many a pack makes and which ingredients you’ll need to add each time.
Which types are right for you?
Quick home bakers
If you want to keep the number of ingredients to a minimum, compare the instructions for a complete mix with those for a shaker bottle. Whichever type you choose, follow the cooking instructions.
Households that check labels
If gluten, milk or egg matters to your household, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack. A gluten-free label alone doesn’t tell you whether a product contains milk or egg.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients you already have. Then check the instructions, the label and what you can do with any leftovers.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and ingredients | Check how many pancakes each pack makes and whether you need to add milk, eggs or cooking fat. | If I want to make pancakes for several snack times, the quantity needs to suit my plans and I want to know what else I’ll need. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check which liquid you need and whether you mix the batter in a bottle or a bowl. | When there’s little time to prepare a snack, I want to make the batter with as little preparation as possible. Around 29% of consumers prioritise simplicity. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, including any warnings that the product may contain certain ingredients. | If gluten, milk or egg is an issue for my household, I can only choose after checking the pack. For around 21% of consumers, this is the deciding factor. |
| Storing leftovers | Compare how many pancakes the pack makes with how many you’ll eat straight away, and make sure you can store any cooked leftovers in a sealed container. | If I’m making pancakes ahead for a later snack time, I want to avoid having leftovers without a storage plan. This is the first thing around 14% of consumers consider. |
Common mistakes
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Forgetting what you need to add
A standard mix and a complete mix don’t necessarily need the same ingredients. You may find you still need milk or eggs while you’re making the pancakes.
Before choosing, read the instructions on the pack and check whether you’ll also need cooking fat.
With a standard mix, you may need to buy milk and eggs separately.
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Assuming ‘complete’ means ‘free from allergens’
The complete mixes reviewed contain ingredients including wheat, milk and egg. The label says that Koopmans’ gluten-free mix may also contain egg and milk.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information for the exact type you plan to use.
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Making more than you can store
A pack may make more pancakes than you’ll eat in one snack time. You’ll need a plan for storing any cooked leftovers.
Leave leftovers to cool and store them in a sealed container. According to the Voedingscentrum’s storage guide, cooked pancakes keep for two days in the fridge and three months in the freezer.
Brands to explore
Koopmans
Koopmans offers several options, including an original mix, a complete shaker bottle and a gluten-free-labelled variety.
- The shaker bottle reviewed requires you to add water, according to the preparation instructions.
- The original mix requires milk, eggs and cooking fat. The gluten-free-labelled variety may contain egg and milk, according to the label.
Albert Heijn (AH-huismerk)
The AH own-brand range includes plain, complete, multigrain and wholemeal pancake mixes.
- The different varieties give you a choice of ingredients and preparation methods.
- Check the ingredients and instructions on the pack you choose, as these can vary between varieties.
Jumbo (huismerk)
Jumbo sells a plain mix and a complete mix, both in 400 g packs.
- For the complete variety reviewed, you add water instead of adding milk and eggs to the batter yourself.
- According to the product information, the complete mix contains milk and egg; you’ll still need cooking fat to make the pancakes.
ALDI / Albona
Albona is ALDI’s own brand. Its range includes a 400 g plain pancake baking mix.
- The plain mix is worth considering if you want to choose which ingredients to add to the batter yourself.
- Check the instructions and allergen information on the pack for this specific mix.
PLUS (huismerk)
PLUS sells both a plain and a complete pancake mix.
- For the complete variety reviewed, you add water and cooking fat; the plain variety also requires milk and eggs.
- Check which preparation method suits the ingredients you have at home.
Lidl / Belbake
Belbake sells a 400 g original pancake mix.
- Lidl says this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Compare that quantity with how many pancakes you want to make for your snack time.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These Koopmans mixes suit two different ways of making pancakes: a shaker bottle for a smaller snack time, or a boxed mix if you want to make more. Check what you need to add to each variety, and read the label if certain ingredients affect your choice.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
This shaker bottle is a good fit for a smaller snack time if you want to make the batter without using a separate mixing bowl. Check the pack to see how much liquid to add and which allergens are listed.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker bottle for anyone who wants to mix the batter in the pack for a smaller snack time. Check which liquid you need to add; don’t assume the instructions are the same as for another shaker bottle.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
This boxed mix is worth considering if you want to make pancakes for more than one snack time. Factor in the ingredients you’ll need for the batter, and check the current allergen information on the pack.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
This original boxed mix is a good option if you want to make several pancakes and can add milk and eggs to the batter. Check which cooking fat the instructions call for, and read the label if you need to avoid certain allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix takes little preparation for a small snack time?
A shaker bottle could be a good choice if you want to make a small amount of batter without using a separate mixing bowl. According to the preparation instructions, the Koopmans complete shaker bottle reviewed requires water. If you choose a different shaker bottle, check which liquid to add separately.
Do I still need to check for allergens with a complete mix?
Yes. ‘Complete’ describes how the mix is prepared; it doesn’t mean it’s free from allergens. The complete varieties reviewed contain ingredients including wheat, milk and egg, so check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack.
How long can I store cooked pancakes?
According to the Voedingscentrum’s storage guide, cooked pancakes keep for two days in the fridge and three months in the freezer. Leave leftovers to cool and store them in a properly sealed container.