Buffet hosts catering for different tastes
You want to serve a familiar pancake without limiting guests who prefer wholemeal or multigrain to the same mix.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Cooks short on preparation time
You’re looking for a batter that needs fewer separate ingredients to be measured out, such as one made with a complete mix or shaker bottle.
Hosts who need to check allergens
You want to check in advance which ingredients a guest needs to avoid and how to minimise cross-contact during preparation and serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to offer a wholemeal or multigrain option alongside classic pancakes. Then check how each mix is prepared, how many pancakes it makes and what allergen information is provided.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing between classic and grain varieties | Choose two recognisable varieties and clearly label the buffet so guests know which mix was used for each pancake. | When guests have different tastes, I want to offer classic pancakes without leaving out the alternative. Variety is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether you need water, milk, eggs or other additions, and how many pancakes the pack makes. | When I have little time to prepare the buffet, I want to measure out fewer ingredients, even if the number of pancakes per pack varies. Convenience is the deciding factor for around 25% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal ingredients | Check whether the mix is labelled as wholemeal and read the types of flour listed in the ingredients; multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal. | When a clearly identifiable wholemeal option is my main priority, I want to be able to distinguish it from a mix containing several types of grain. This matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Read the current label, including any warnings about possible traces, and keep utensils and toppings separate where necessary. | If a guest needs to avoid gluten or another allergen, I don’t want to serve an unsuitable mix or risk cross-contact at the buffet. This check is the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
Using several types of grain doesn’t mean that all the flour is wholemeal. For example, Jumbo lists 78% wheat flour in Koopmans Multigrain.
If you specifically want to offer a wholemeal option, choose a mix labelled as such and read the ingredients list.
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Assuming a complete mix is allergen-free
Needing to add fewer ingredients says nothing about whether a mix is suitable for a guest with an allergy. The ingredients and allergens in the exact variety still matter, even with complete mixes.
Check the pack before choosing a mix, and prepare a separate option if a guest’s needs require it.
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Planning the buffet based only on pack weight
The number of pancakes listed varies by product. Koopmans says its Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes per pack and its Complete mix makes 8 to 10; Albert Heijn lists 4 to 6 for the Koopmans Original Shaker Bottle.
Plan according to how many pancakes the varieties you’ve chosen make and how many different types you want to serve.
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Treating the product page as the definitive label
Albert Heijn says that information about ingredients, nutritional values and allergens can change. This is particularly important when you’re cooking for a specific guest.
Read the packaging of the product you’re actually using, and don’t serve the batter raw: cook the pancakes all the way through.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
The range includes classic, complete, multigrain and gluten-free pancake mixes.
- Koopmans lists different additions and yields per pack for its Original and Complete mixes.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; the product range name doesn’t tell you whether a specific mix is suitable for a guest with dietary requirements.
AH
Albert Heijn offers its own pancake mixes, including plain, multigrain and wholemeal varieties, alongside Koopmans products.
- The different labels make it easier to identify the type of mix you’re looking for.
- Albert Heijn says online information about ingredients, nutritional values and allergens can change, so check the current pack too.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and complete pancake mixes, as well as one specifically labelled wholemeal.
- PLUS says its Wholemeal mix contains 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour; its Complete mix is made with water and baking fat or oil.
- Wholemeal and complete are not labels for allergen-free products. Check the pack you choose for each guest.
Albona
ALDI describes an Albona multigrain pancake mix as an option for anyone wanting to offer a variety of grains at the buffet.
- The multigrain label makes it clear which grain-based alternative you could serve alongside a classic mix.
- Check the pack for the exact ingredients and allergens, especially if a guest needs to avoid something.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes offer a classic pancake, a multigrain variety and an extra option with a milky flavour for the buffet. If you specifically want to serve wholemeal or gluten-free pancakes, check the label and ingredients of your chosen mix separately.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A classic option to serve alongside another grain variety. Koopmans says one pack of Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes; you’ll need milk, eggs and butter or oil to prepare it.
Check the current label for allergens and cook the batter all the way through.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A multigrain option for guests who want a different blend of grains alongside classic pancakes. You’ll need milk, eggs and butter or oil to prepare it.
Don’t assume multigrain means wholemeal: check the ingredients list if a wholemeal option is what you’re looking for. Also check the allergen information and cook the batter all the way through.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu pancake mix with milky flavour 100 g
An extra flavour option if a milky taste suits your buffet. The preparation instructions call for water and one egg.
Check the pack for the ingredients, allergens and yield when planning quantities for your guests. Cook the pancakes thoroughly on both sides.
Frequently asked questions
Which two types of pancake mix should I serve together?
A classic mix and a clearly labelled wholemeal mix give guests an easy choice. If you’d rather serve multigrain pancakes, label them as multigrain and check the ingredients before presenting them as wholemeal.
Is a multigrain mix also wholemeal?
No, not automatically: multigrain means that several types of grain have been used. Jumbo lists 78% wheat flour in Koopmans Multigrain, while PLUS lists 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour in its Wholemeal mix. Check the ingredients of the variety you buy.
Can I prepare gluten-free pancakes using the same equipment?
For a gluten-free option at your buffet, use separate utensils, a clean pan and separate toppings to minimise cross-contact with regular mix. Also check all allergens on the current label; the Koopmans Gluten Free mix described by Albert Heijn may contain egg and milk.
Which allergens should I check on a pack of pancake mix?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re using, especially if wheat or other gluten-containing cereals, egg or milk are relevant to a guest. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that mandatory labelling covers 14 allergens.