Who is each option suited to?

Barbecue hosts cooking for a group

If you’re making pancakes for several people, the packet size, stated yield and ingredients you still need to bring are all important when planning.

Campers and outdoor cooks with limited fridge space

A complete mix that only needs water means you don’t have to bring separate milk and eggs for making the batter. That doesn’t tell you what’s in the mix itself, though: check the label if milk or egg matters to you.

Small barbecue gatherings

A shaker bottle can be a good option for a small batch if you’d rather not use a mixing bowl. Check which liquid you need and whether the mixed batter has to be used straight away.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how much batter you want to make and which ingredients you can use at the barbecue. Then choose between a standard mix, a complete mix and a shaker bottle. The preparation instructions and label will vary by product, so always check them.

What to consider What to check Who is it important for?
Cooking for a group Packet weight and stated number of pancakes; ingredients you need to add. If I’m cooking for lots of people, I want to know how much batter I can make before I finish my shopping. Around 33% of consumers put cooking for a group first.
Bringing ingredients Whether the mix calls for water, milk or eggs, and how much you need to add. At a barbecue with limited fridge space, I don’t want to rely on bringing separate milk and eggs. For around 27% of consumers, this is the main consideration.
Small batch Packet weight and instructions for using the mix once prepared. If I’m only making a few pancakes, I don’t want to prepare more batter than I can use straight away. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this batch size.
Ingredients and allergens The current ingredients list and allergen information, including for complete mixes. If I need to avoid an allergen, the label should guide my choice—not the name of the preparation method. For around 20% of consumers, checking the ingredients is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a standard mix is a complete recipe

    According to PLUS, PLUS Naturel also needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. Taking just the packet won’t be enough to make pancakes at the barbecue.

    Read the preparation instructions before you set off and add everything you need to your shopping list.

  • Assuming an add-water mix is free from milk or egg

    The complete mixes from Albert Heijn and PLUS that were reviewed call for water during preparation, but contain milk and egg ingredients.

    If you have dietary requirements or allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.

  • Mixing a shaker bottle well in advance

    The instructions on the PLUS and Jumbo shaker bottles reviewed say to use the prepared batter straight away. This limits how far ahead you can get things ready.

    Only mix the bottle when you’re ready to start cooking, and follow the instructions on the packaging.

  • Relying solely on an online product description

    Ingredients and allergen information can change, so a description you looked at earlier may not match the packaging you buy.

    Check the label again when you pick up the mix for your barbecue.

Brands to consider

ALDI / Albona

Albona Naturel is a dry pancake mix sold in a 400 g packet.

  • A packet size to factor into your plans when cooking for a group.
  • Check the preparation instructions, yield and allergens on the packaging before deciding which other ingredients to bring.

PLUS

PLUS sells a Naturel packet mix, a complete mix and a shaker bottle, each with different preparation instructions.

  • Naturel needs milk, eggs and cooking fat; the complete mix only needs water added.
  • The complete mix contains milk and egg. The shaker bottle needs milk, and the prepared batter must be used straight away.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells a 400 g packet of Naturel mix and a 200 g complete shaker bottle.

  • The packaging gives you a choice between a packet mix and a smaller shaker bottle.
  • Jumbo Naturel contains wheat, buckwheat and oats; according to the product information, it may also contain milk and egg. Use batter from the complete shaker bottle straight away.

Albert Heijn / AH

According to Albert Heijn, the 400 g AH Complete Mix makes around 11 pancakes.

  • Albert Heijn recommends 700 ml of water and cooking fat for preparation.
  • The mix contains wheat, whey powder and egg powder. If you have an allergy, check the current label.

Lidl / Belbake

Belbake Original Pancake Mix comes in a 400 g packet and, according to Lidl, makes around 12 pancakes.

  • The stated yield helps you work out how many packets you’ll need for your group.
  • Check the preparation instructions and ingredients on the packaging in store.

Koopmans

According to Koopmans, Koopmans Origineel is a classic packet mix that makes enough for 11 to 13 pancakes.

  • The stated yield helps you plan how much you’ll need for a group.
  • You’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it. The mix contains wheat and rye and may also contain egg, milk, barley and oats.

Pancake mix at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which pancake mix is best for a larger barbecue?

A standard packet mix is a good choice when you’re cooking for more people and can bring the ingredients for the recipe. Check the stated yield and see how much milk, how many eggs or how much cooking fat your chosen mix needs; this varies from product to product.

When is a complete pancake mix useful?

A complete mix is useful if you’d rather add water to make the batter than bring separate milk and eggs. The Albert Heijn and PLUS complete mixes reviewed also need cooking fat, and both contain milk and egg ingredients.

Can I mix batter in a shaker bottle well in advance?

Not with the Jumbo and PLUS shaker bottles reviewed: their instructions say to use the prepared batter straight away. Mix the bottle when you’re ready to start cooking and follow the directions on the packaging.

Do I still need to check for allergens in an add-water mix?

Yes. Adding water tells you nothing about the allergens in the dry mix. The Albert Heijn and PLUS complete mixes reviewed contain milk and egg; if you have an allergy, always check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.