If you want guests to choose from different toppings after the barbecue, a plain pancake mix gives you the most flexibility to build the dessert your way. A complete mix means fewer separate basic ingredients to bring along, while a shaker bottle is better suited to a small batch. If you need to meet a specific dietary or allergen requirement, always check the chosen variety and anything you add to the batter yourself.
Want to use one base for different toppings, so guests can choose their own fruit, ice cream or syrup, for example. Albert Heijn suggests combinations like these for its plain mix; you’ll need to provide the toppings separately.
Want to measure and mix as few ingredients as possible after the barbecue. The complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS that we looked at only need water for the batter; a shaker bottle is designed for a smaller batch.
Need to consider the variety, its current label and any ingredients they add themselves. For example, product information says that the Koopmans mix labelled gluten-free may contain egg and milk.
First decide what matters most after the barbecue: a choice of toppings, minimal preparation, suitable ingredients or enough portions.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom to choose toppings | Check whether the mix gives you a plain base and which other ingredients you’ll need. | If guests are putting together their own dessert, I don’t want to be tied to just one flavour. This freedom of choice is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ease of preparation | Check what you need to add and whether you mix the batter in a bowl or a bottle. | After a barbecue, I want to minimise measuring and washing up. Convenience is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements. Remember to include anything you add and the toppings. | If I need to meet a dietary requirement, the ingredients matter more than taste or convenience. This is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Portions and shopping | Compare the stated yield per pack with the number of guests, and make a note of anything you need to add yourself. | When I’m catering for a group, I want to make enough pancakes without forgetting any ingredients. This planning matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
A flavoured mix sets a particular direction, while a plain base leaves room for different toppings. The dessert’s character will then depend on what you serve with it.
First decide whether you want one set combination or a dessert bar. If you’re planning a dessert bar, choose the toppings separately from the mix.
If you’re serving toppings such as ice cream or whipped cream, you’ll also need to plan how to transport and store them during the barbecue.
The stated yield matters too when you’re catering for a group. Koopmans says its Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes, but you’ll also need milk, eggs and cooking fat for the batter.
Compare the yield and the ingredients you’ll need with the number of guests before deciding how many packs to buy.
Product information says that the Koopmans variety labelled gluten-free may contain egg and milk. Any ingredients and toppings you add yourself also count.
Read the full allergen information on the current packaging, and check separately what you’ll be adding to make the batter.
Koopmans says its shaker bottle makes around five pancakes. The batter in the PLUS shaker bottle must be used straight after mixing with milk.
Use the stated yield to plan for your group, and follow the instructions on the chosen bottle if you want to prepare ahead.
These brands offer different types of pancake mix. The features mentioned apply to the varieties specified, not every product from each brand.
Offers, among other things, a standard mix, a complete mix, a shaker bottle and a variety labelled gluten-free.
The AH Mix for plain pancakes that we looked at provides a base you can top your own way.
Offers, among other things, an organic pancake mix that we looked at, with a range that includes different types of mix.
The varieties we looked at offer a choice between a complete mix and a shaker bottle.
ALDI describes the Albona variety we looked at as a multigrain pancake baking mix.
Lidl lists a Belbake Original pancake mix.
These products offer different starting points for a dessert after the barbecue: a complete mix, a shaker bottle, two varieties that let you choose your own toppings and a milk-flavoured mix. Check each pack to see which preparation method and yield suit your group.
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Suited to making a small dessert when you want to bring fewer separate basic ingredients.
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A shaker bottle is a handy option if you want to make a small batch after the barbecue.
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Worth considering if you want to choose your own toppings and prefer a packet mix to a shaker bottle.
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Suited to a dessert bar where you serve the pancakes with a range of toppings.
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The milk flavour gives the dessert a different character from a plain base. Choose it only if it works with the toppings you have planned.
A plain pancake mix lets you offer a range of toppings. Make sure you plan what toppings and extra ingredients to bring, though; the mix alone doesn’t make a complete dessert.
Not necessarily. Product information for the Koopmans mix labelled gluten-free says it may contain egg and milk. Read the current allergen information and check anything you add to the batter or serve as a topping.
Not with the PLUS shaker bottle we looked at: PLUS says to use the batter straight after mixing it with milk and not to store it. For other shaker bottles, follow the instructions on the pack.
Don’t taste the batter made with the Koopmans Complete mix we looked at before cooking it: product information says it must be heated through. For other mixes, follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
