Barbecue organisers catering for a crowd
If you want one base for both savoury and sweet toppings, check the yield per packet. Koopmans says Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes when prepared according to the instructions.
Which mix is best for you?
Making a small batch on the spur of the moment
A shaker bottle could be a good option if you want to take less mixing equipment with you. Check which variety you’re buying: the original Koopmans shaker bottle needs milk, while the complete shaker bottle is made with water, according to Joybuy’s product information.
Guests with specific dietary restrictions
Before you start cooking, check the label for the exact variety you’ve chosen, including any warnings about possible traces. A ‘gluten-free’ label on its own tells you nothing about whether the product contains milk, egg or other allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many pancakes you want to make. Then compare the preparation instructions and, if guests need to avoid certain ingredients, check the current label.
| What to consider | What to check before you buy | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Yield and toppings | The number of pancakes per packet and the ingredients you’ll need for the batter and toppings. | If I’m cooking for a crowd, I want to make enough portions from one base and offer a choice of toppings. Around 40% of consumers put this kind of group-friendly yield first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces on the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know whether the mix is suitable for their dietary restriction. For around 30% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
| Ease of preparation | Whether you need to add water or milk, and what mixing equipment you’ll need. | On a busy barbecue day, I want to make the batter with as few extra ingredients as possible. Around 30% of consumers put this convenience first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means gluten-free
Multigrain mixes can contain wheat, barley or oats. The Honig multigrain mix listed by Jumbo contains wheat and barley, among other ingredients.
If you need a gluten-free option, look for a mix explicitly labelled as gluten-free and check for other allergens and possible traces too.
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Choosing a shaker bottle as the only option for a large group
A shaker bottle may not make many pancakes: Koopmans says its original shaker bottle makes around five.
Work out how many portions you need and compare this with the yield stated on the packaging.
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Making the batter long before you start cooking
PLUS says that the batter for its plain shaker bottle should be used straight after mixing with milk. At a summer barbecue, you’ll also need to think about storing any cooked leftovers.
Only make this batter when you’re ready to cook. Voedingscentrum advises not leaving cooked leftovers out of the fridge for more than two hours.
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Treating ‘premium’ as a product feature
The word doesn’t tell you how many pancakes you can make, what else you need to add or which allergens the mix contains.
Compare the specific features that matter for your barbecue on the packaging of the varieties you’re considering.
Brands to compare
Koopmans
Offers a standard packet mix, a complete mix and shaker bottles with different preparation instructions.
- Koopmans says Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes; with Pannenkoeken Compleet, you only need to add water to the mix.
- The original shaker bottle needs milk. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety.
Consenza
The pancake mix described by Albert Heijn is a complete, gluten-free and wheat-free mix for pancakes made with egg.
- The product information states that it makes five to six pancakes.
- The same information lists milk, egg and lupin, and warns that it may contain traces of soya, nuts and sesame. Check the current label.
PLUS huismerk
Offers a plain shaker bottle and a complete packet mix for anyone looking for a particular preparation method.
- PLUS says its complete packet mix needs water, plus butter or oil for frying.
- The batter from the plain shaker bottle should be used straight after mixing with milk.
Albona
ALDI lists pancake mixes in plain and multigrain varieties.
- You can compare the grain content of the variety you’re considering with your preferences on the packaging.
- Check the current ingredients and allergens for the variety you buy.
Belbake
Lidl lists original and multigrain pancake mixes.
- Lidl says a 400 g pack of Belbake Origineel makes around twelve pancakes.
- Check the packaging of your chosen variety for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes suit different barbecue plans: make a bigger stack with a standard or multigrain base, or add a smaller batch from a shaker bottle.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A multigrain base for anyone making pancakes for a barbecue with a group. Check the preparation instructions and allergens on the packaging before cooking for guests.
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Koopmans Complete Pancake Shaker Bottle 210 g
A shaker bottle for making a small extra batch at your barbecue. According to Joybuy’s product information, you add water and the bottle makes four to six pancakes; check the allergens on the packaging.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A standard mix for making a bigger stack with savoury or sweet toppings. Koopmans says a packet of its original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes; remember to allow for the extra ingredients specified in the preparation instructions.
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Koopmans Shaker pancake mix 175 g
A shaker bottle for making a small batch when you want to use less mixing equipment. Before you set off, check how much liquid this variety needs and how many pancakes it makes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I only need water for a complete pancake mix?
It depends on the variety: Koopmans says you only need to add water to Pannenkoeken Compleet, although you’ll still need a pan for cooking. PLUS says its complete mix needs water as well as butter or oil for frying.
Is standard pancake mix suitable if a guest eats gluten-free?
Don’t assume a standard mix is suitable: Koopmans Pannenkoeken Origineel contains wheat and rye. The Consenza mix described by Albert Heijn is labelled gluten-free and wheat-free, but contains milk, egg and lupin. Always check the current label and any warnings about possible traces.
How long can cooked pancakes be left out of the fridge?
Voedingscentrum advises not leaving cooked leftovers out of the fridge for more than two hours. Keep this in mind when planning and clearing up after your barbecue.
Can I keep an opened packet of pancake mix?
Yes. Voedingscentrum advises storing opened pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container. Also follow the storage advice on the packaging of the mix you’ve chosen.