A complete pancake mix is handy if you don’t want to take milk and eggs camping: just add water to make the batter, although you’ll still need a pan and cooking fat. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a small pack or shaker bottle may be better suited to the amount you need; just check whether the shaker bottle requires milk. For every option, read the preparation instructions and allergen information on the packaging.
If you’re cooking for one or two people, you may not want to take a large pack of dry mix with you. Jumbo lists pancake mix in 200 g packs and a 200 g shaker bottle from PLUS. As well as checking the weight, see what you need to add during preparation.
A complete mix that only needs water means you don’t have to take milk and eggs for the batter. You’ll still need water, a pan and cooking fat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends buying perishable foods in small quantities while camping and using them quickly.
The preparation instructions don’t tell you which allergens are in the mix. For example, a water-only mix may contain milk and egg; the Koopmans Gluten-Free mix examined lists egg and milk as possible ingredients. So check the label on the exact product.
First, decide how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients you can take with you or store at the campsite. Then check the ingredients and allergen information for the product you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight and stated yield. A small pack and a shaker bottle don’t necessarily use the same preparation method. | If I’m cooking for one or two people, I don’t want to take more dry mix than I need. A limited quantity is the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparation and storage | Check whether you need to add water, milk or eggs, and what kitchen equipment you’ll need. Follow the storage advice for perishable ingredients. | Without reliable refrigeration, I don’t want to rely on milk and eggs for the batter. This is the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and warnings on the exact pack; don’t assume what’s in it based on the word ‘complete’. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check whether the mix is suitable before buying. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
‘Just add water’ describes how to prepare the mix, not what it contains. The complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS that we examined contain ingredients including wheat, milk and egg.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even if you don’t need to add milk or eggs to the batter.
A small shaker bottle may still require milk. For its 200 g plain shaker bottle, PLUS specifies around 400 ml of milk and says to use the prepared batter straight away.
Plan when you’ll buy the milk and prepare the batter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping perishable food in a cool box for no more than one day without a fridge.
‘Half loaf’ doesn’t refer to a pack size for pancake mix. If you’re camping with a small group, the weight, packaging and preparation instructions are more useful points to compare.
For example, look at 200 g packs or shaker bottles and check how much batter you want to make.
Koopmans offers a standard mix, a complete mix and a separate gluten-free option. Compare the preparation instructions and label for each product.
Jumbo lists plain and complete pancake mix in 200 g and 400 g packs.
PLUS offers, among other products, a 200 g plain shaker bottle and a 400 g complete mix.
AH offers, among other products, a 400 g plain mix and a complete option.
Albona is the ALDI brand behind products including 400 g plain and multigrain pancake mixes.
Lidl describes Belbake Pannenkoekenmix origineel as a 400 g pack that makes around 12 pancakes.
These products offer different options for camping: compact mixes for smaller quantities and 400 g packs if you want to make more pancakes. Pay particular attention to whether you need to add water or take milk or eggs with you; preparation instructions vary by product.
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A compact complete mix to consider if you’d rather use water for the batter than take milk and eggs with you. You’ll still need a pan and cooking fat; check the exact pack for allergen information.
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The shaker bottle is a good fit if you want to mix a small amount of batter. This variety requires milk, so plan when you’ll buy and use it.
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The 100 g pack takes up little space. You’ll need an egg to prepare it, so check the instructions and portion size you need before choosing this mix for a camping meal.
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A 400 g pack to consider if you’re cooking for more people. Preparation requires milk and eggs, so make sure you can store them safely at the campsite and check the label for allergen information.
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This 400 g mix is a good option if you’re making a larger batch. Koopmans says to add milk, eggs and butter to its original mix; only take these ingredients with you if you can plan how to store and prepare them.
A 200 g pack can be handy if you want to take less dry mix with you, but check the stated yield and what you need to add, too. Jumbo lists both plain and complete mixes in this size, and they have different preparation instructions.
A complete mix that only needs water means you’re less likely to need milk and eggs for the batter. You’ll still need a pan and cooking fat. If you do use perishable ingredients, follow the storage advice; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping them in a cool box for no more than one day without a fridge.
Follow the instructions for the specific shaker bottle. PLUS says that batter mixed with milk for its plain shaker bottle should be used straight away and must not be stored.
Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists ingredients and allergens among the information that must appear on pre-packed foods where applicable.
Not necessarily. The Koopmans Gluten-Free mix we examined states that egg and milk may be present. So, as well as checking that it’s labelled gluten-free, check the allergen information for the specific pack.
