Choose a complete mix that only needs water if you want to keep preparing the batter simple. A wholegrain mix is a good choice if the grains are your priority; a cinnamon version gives the batter a distinctive flavour, but both may require milk and eggs. Work out how many packs you need using the stated yield, and check the current label for guests with allergies.
You want to make pancakes from scratch, but keep the number of separate batter ingredients to a minimum. A complete mix that only needs water is ideal; you’ll still need to arrange cooking fat and toppings separately.
You’d prefer a base made with several grains or a cinnamon flavour, and don’t mind using milk and eggs in the batter.
You want to know which ingredients and allergens are listed on the current packaging before you buy, so you can cater for the guests who’ll be eating.
Choose this option: if you don’t want to prepare milk and eggs for the batter.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need cooking fat, even with a water-only mix; toppings are an extra.
Choose this option: if the grains matter more to you than keeping added ingredients to a minimum.
Bear in mind: according to the preparation instructions, Koopmans Wholegrains requires milk and eggs.
Choose this option: if you want to serve cinnamon-flavoured pancakes at your buffet.
Bear in mind: the flavour is less neutral for guests who prefer savoury toppings.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Check which liquid and other ingredients the batter needs; add cooking fat and toppings separately to your list. | If I’m preparing other buffet dishes at the same time, I want to keep the number of separate batter ingredients to a minimum. Around 42% of consumers prioritise simple preparation. |
| Yield per pack | Compare the stated number of pancakes per pack with the number of portions you want to make. | When catering for several people, I want to have enough mix without having to open a new pack each time. For around 33% of consumers, yield per pack is the most important factor. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergens on the current label; also check whether you need to add milk or eggs. | When guests have different preferences or dietary needs, I want to choose the flavour and ingredients carefully. For around 25% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
‘Just add water’ describes what the batter needs. You still have to cook the pancakes and, if you like, prepare toppings.
Check the requirements on your chosen pack and add cooking fat and any toppings you want to your shopping list separately.
Packs of different weights may also state different yields. For example, Koopmans says its Shaker Pancakes Complete makes around five pancakes.
Use the stated yield for your chosen pack to work out how many you’ll need for your guests. Remember that the size of your pancakes will also make a difference.
The Koopmans Wholegrains Mix described here contains wheat, rye, oats and barley, among other ingredients. So the name ‘wholegrain’ doesn’t mean the mix is suitable for someone who needs to avoid gluten.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack for the guest in question, even if you’ve bought the product before.
Koopmans offers several options for this occasion, including a complete mix, a wholegrain mix and a cinnamon version.
Albert Heijn offers its own pancake mixes in several varieties, alongside products from other brands.
PLUS offers a complete mix in a box and a plain mix in a shaker bottle.
Albona is ALDI’s own brand, with plain and wholegrain pancake mixes.
These mixes suit different rounds of cooking for your buffet: a complete shaker bottle that only needs water, a wholegrain mix, an original mix and a shaker bottle that requires milk. Compare the yields and ingredients you’ll need before deciding how many packs to buy.
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For a small batch when you want to add water alone to the mix.
According to the product description, the bottle needs 350 ml of water and makes 4 to 6 pancakes. For a larger buffet, work out how many bottles you’ll need and check the current label for allergen information.
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For anyone who wants a wholegrain base and can prepare milk and eggs for the batter.
The product description states that each pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes and requires 900 ml of milk and 2 eggs. The mix contains wheat, rye, oats and barley, among other ingredients; check the current label if allergies or coeliac disease are a concern.
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For a batch where you can serve a variety of sweet or savoury toppings.
The product description states that each pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes and requires 850 ml of milk and 2 eggs for the batter. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before serving guests with dietary needs.
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For a small addition to the buffet when a shaker bottle suits you better than making a larger batch.
According to the product description, you add 400 ml of milk; the bottle makes 4 to 6 pancakes. Keep that yield in mind and check the current label for allergen information.
A complete mix that only needs water keeps the number of ingredients you need to prepare for the batter to a minimum. Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet and PLUS Complete Mix are examples; you’ll still need butter or oil for cooking.
Use the yield stated on the pack you choose, as this varies by mix and pack size. Koopmans states that Pannenkoeken Compleet makes 8 to 10 pancakes, Wholegrains makes 11 to 13, and Shaker Pancakes Complete makes around five; the size of your pancakes can affect the final number.
No. Check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. A complete mix can still contain allergens, and ‘wholegrain’ doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. Make sure your choice avoids the specific ingredients your guest needs to avoid.
Follow the instructions for the specific shaker bottle. PLUS says its plain shaker bottle’s batter, once mixed with milk, should be used straight away; prepare this variety only when you’re ready to cook.
