Who is this choice relevant to?

Buffet organisers short on preparation time

If you’re cooking for several guests, a complete mix can save you from measuring out milk and eggs for the batter. Even with this type of mix, check the allergens on the pack.

Organisers catering for dietary requirements or allergies

If your guests need to avoid certain ingredients, the grains and allergens listed for the exact product are what matter. ‘Wholemeal’ or ‘complete’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether a mix is suitable for them.

Organisers who want to choose the base themselves

A plain, wholemeal or multigrain mix gives you different starting points for your buffet. Check each pack to see which ingredients you need to add and whether it gives instructions for a plant-based preparation method.

What should you look for when planning a buffet?

First, decide whether you want to keep preparation to a minimum or have more control over the ingredients. Then check the allergens and stated yield of the exact mix you plan to use.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Preparation Check what you need to add to the batter. According to product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS, both Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete require 700 ml of water per pack. If I’m cooking for lots of guests, I don’t want to have to measure out milk and eggs for the batter as well. Around 36% of consumers prioritise convenience when preparing food.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. If gluten needs to be avoided, look for a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free and take care to prevent cross-contamination during preparation and serving. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I don’t want to rely on the mix’s name alone. Choosing a suitable option for allergies is a top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients Check which grains the mix contains and which preparation method the pack recommends. Albert Heijn’s product information also lists a plant-based preparation option for AH Volkoren. I want to choose the grain base or recommended preparation method that works for my buffet. This freedom of choice is the main priority for around 21% of consumers.
Quantity and leftovers Compare the pack weight and stated yield for each variety. Plan how you’ll cool any leftover cooked pancakes quickly and store them in a sealed container. I want to make enough for the buffet without having lots of cooked pancakes left over. Around 14% of consumers prioritise getting the quantity right.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming wholemeal, multigrain or vegan means gluten-free

    These labels answer different questions. According to Albert Heijn, AH Volkoren is labelled vegan and lactose-free, but it contains wheat.

    If gluten must be avoided, choose a pack explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the other ingredients and allergens too.

  • Skipping the allergen check with a complete mix

    Needing to add only water to the batter doesn’t mean the mix is free from milk, eggs or wheat. Ingredients vary from product to product.

    Read the label on the pack you’re buying before deciding which guests can eat the pancakes.

  • Leaving cooked pancakes out on the buffet

    Leftovers need to be stored properly, even if you’ve carefully worked out how much mix you need in advance.

    If necessary, cook in smaller batches. Cool any leftover pancakes quickly and store them in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer.

  • Using ‘medium sliced’ as a filter for pancake mix

    ‘Medium sliced’ doesn’t describe a feature that can help you choose pancake mix for a buffet.

    Instead, compare the type of mix, its ingredients, what you need to add and the stated yield per pack.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Koopmans offers a range of pancake mixes, including plain, complete, wholemeal, multigrain and gluten-free varieties.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Koopmans Compleet needs only water for the batter; the pack states that it makes around 10 pancakes.
  • Ingredients and preparation methods vary by product. For dietary requirements, check the exact pack rather than relying on the brand name alone.

AH

Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes plain, complete, multigrain and wholemeal pancake mixes.

  • Albert Heijn lists a plant-based preparation option for AH Volkoren.
  • AH Volkoren contains wheat. The standard preparation method calls for milk and eggs, so check which instructions you’re following.

PLUS

PLUS offers a range of pancake mixes, including complete, plain and wholemeal varieties.

  • According to PLUS, its complete mix requires 700 ml of water per pack. PLUS states that its wholemeal mix contains 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour.
  • PLUS Naturel requires milk and eggs. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety individually.

Belbake

Belbake offers an original pancake mix; Lidl Netherlands states that its 400 g pack makes around 12 pancakes.

  • The stated yield gives you a starting point for working out how much you’ll need.
  • Before choosing this mix for guests with dietary requirements, check the pack for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is ‘medium sliced’ a useful way to choose pancake mix?

No. ‘Medium sliced’ refers to sliced bread and won’t help you choose pancake mix. For a buffet, it’s better to compare the type of mix, its ingredients, what you need to add and the yield per pack.

Should I read the pack label for guests with dietary requirements?

Yes, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack you’re using. PLUS notes that product information can change, so don’t rely solely on information you’ve read about a variety in the past.

How should I store pancakes left over after the buffet?

Cool them quickly and store them in a sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping cooked pancakes in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to three months.

How should I store an opened bag of pancake mix?

Store the mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Check the storage instructions on the pack too.