Organisers cooking for a group
A standard packet mix is worth considering if you can add milk, eggs and cooking fat. Don’t just look at the packet size: make sure you have enough packets for the number of pancakes you want to serve.
Which mix is right for you?
Organisers who want to pack less
A complete mix can mean fewer separate ingredients to bring along. The preparation instructions are still key: PLUS says its Complete mix requires water and cooking fat, while Koopmans describes its Compleet mix as one you simply add water to.
Shoppers with specific ingredient requirements
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the latest packaging, even if the product name mentions a particular grain or variety. If you’re looking for a product with specific ingredients, don’t rely on the brand name alone.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the ingredients you already have and the number of pancakes you want to make. Then choose between a packet mix that needs extra ingredients and a complete mix that means fewer separate items to shop for. Check separately that the ingredients suit your requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough for everyone | Check the packet size, the stated yield and which ingredients you’ll still need to add. | When I’m cooking for several people, I want to be able to make enough batter with the ingredients I already have. Around 50% of shoppers prioritise catering for a group. |
| Fewer separate ingredients | Read the preparation instructions: what needs to be added, and is cooking fat required? | When getting ready for a barbecue, I don’t want to bring along more ingredients than necessary. Around 30% of shoppers say this convenience is their priority. |
| Ingredients that suit your needs | Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the latest packaging. | I want to know before cooking whether this particular mix meets my ingredient requirements. For around 20% of shoppers, this is the most important factor in their choice. |
Common mistakes
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Only looking at the packet mix
A standard mix isn’t all you’ll need. For PLUS Pannenkoekenmix naturel, PLUS also lists milk, eggs and butter or oil in the preparation instructions.
Before the barbecue, make a shopping list based on the number of pancakes you want to cook, and check which additional ingredients you already have.
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Preparing every complete mix in the same way
The ingredients you need to add vary by product. PLUS says its Complete mix needs both water and cooking fat, while Koopmans describes its Compleet mix as one you add water to.
Read the instructions on your chosen packet before packing your shopping and cooking equipment.
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Assuming allergen information from the product name
Words such as ‘plain’ and ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you which allergens a particular mix contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen labelling on food products.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the latest packaging before buying and preparing the mix.
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Leaving cooked pancakes out on the table for too long
If you want to keep any leftovers, seal them properly and refrigerate them after the barbecue. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping cooked pancakes in the fridge for up to two days.
Put any leftover pancakes away after eating, and follow the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice on storage.
Brands to compare
PLUS
PLUS offers a 400 g plain packet mix and a 400 g complete mix.
- For its plain mix, PLUS lists milk, eggs and cooking fat as ingredients to add.
- The instructions for PLUS Complete call for water and cooking fat; check which ingredients you’ll need to bring.
AH
Albert Heijn’s range includes plain, wholemeal and multigrain mixes.
- You can compare a range of different grain varieties.
- Check the size and ingredients of the variety you choose rather than assuming they’re all the same based on the range name.
Albona
Albona is ALDI’s own brand, with a 400 g pancake baking mix.
- ALDI describes this mix as multigrain.
- The product information states that it is available to buy in store.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers original, complete, wholemeal and multigrain mixes, as well as shaker bottles.
- The different pack formats let you choose between a packet mix and a smaller shaker bottle.
- Check the extra ingredients required and the stated yield for each variety; these differ across the Koopmans range.
Belbake
Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix in a 400 g packet.
- Lidl states that it makes around twelve pancakes.
- Lidl lists this product as an in-store item.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These Koopmans products include packet mixes and shaker bottles for making different quantities of pancakes. For your barbecue, choose based on the number of portions you need and the ingredients you can add.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A packet mix to consider if you’re cooking for several people and can add milk, eggs and cooking fat.
Packet size: 400 g. Check the packet for preparation quantities, stated yield and allergen information.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A standard packet mix for anyone who has milk, eggs and cooking fat available at the barbecue.
Packet size: 400 g. Use the preparation instructions to work out how many packets and additional ingredients you’ll need for your group.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes Complete 210 g
This shaker bottle is handy for a small portion or as an extra option at the barbecue if you want to bring fewer separate ingredients.
Size: 210 g. Joybuy states that it makes four to six pancakes; for a larger group, check how many bottles you’ll need. Also read the allergen information on the packaging.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
The smaller shaker size is suitable for a small portion if you can add milk; don’t confuse this variety with a complete mix that only needs water.
Size: 175 g. Check the preparation instructions for the amount of milk needed and the yield, and check the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a complete pancake mix for a barbecue?
A complete mix is a good option if you want to bring fewer separate ingredients. Be sure to read the instructions for the specific mix: PLUS says its Complete mix needs water and cooking fat, while Koopmans says you add water to its Pannenkoeken Compleet mix.
Can I tell from the product name whether a mix meets my ingredient requirements?
No. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the latest packaging. Even mixes with a straightforward name may contain gluten-containing cereals or other allergens.
How should I store leftover pancakes after a barbecue?
Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to three months.
How should I store an opened packet of pancake mix?
Store an opened packet in a cool, dry, dark place and seal it well, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the instructions on the packaging.
Can I taste the batter before the pancake is cooked through?
Don’t eat Koopmans Original batter raw: Joybuy’s product information says it must be heated thoroughly. Cook the pancakes through before serving.