A standard mix works well for a canteen lunch if milk, eggs and cooking fat are available. A complete mix means fewer ingredients to measure out separately. Plan your order around the yield of the mix you choose and the cooking capacity available, and check the allergen information for the full recipe in advance if serving the pancakes unpackaged.
You want to know how many packs and additional ingredients you’ll need. Use the stated yield of your chosen mix as a starting point, then plan the number of cooking rounds around the pans and staff available.
You want to spend less time measuring out separate ingredients during the lunchtime rush. Compare the instructions for standard and complete mixes, but be sure to allow time for mixing and cooking too.
You want to give staff clear information about the batter and toppings. If you’re offering a gluten-free option, you’ll also need to consider your kitchen practices to keep the batter and equipment separate from ingredients containing gluten.
First, work out how many portions the canteen wants to prepare and which ingredients and cooking capacity are available. Then compare the preparation instructions and allergens for the exact mix you’re considering. A different grain variety is not a substitute for a gluten-free option.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and pack size | Compare the pack weight and stated yield with the portion size you need. Koopmans says Origineel makes 11–13 pancakes per pack; Albert Heijn says AH Naturel makes around 12 per 400 g pack. | When I’m cooking for lots of staff, I want to know how many packs and cooking rounds I’ll need. Predictable batch planning is a top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check which liquid, eggs and cooking fat your chosen mix requires. According to Koopmans, Compleet only needs water for the batter; cooking fat and pan space are still needed for cooking. | During a short lunch break, I want to measure out fewer separate ingredients. For around 31% of consumers, reducing preparation steps matters most. |
| Allergens | Check the label on the exact mix and all the toppings. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present in unpackaged food must be available before purchase. | If I offer a separate option for specific dietary needs, I need to know what it contains and how it’s prepared. For around 23% of consumers, this information and preparation method are their main concern. |
| Variety | Compare the ingredients in plain and multigrain mixes before choosing a second variety. Koopmans Meergranen contains wheat, rye, oats and barley, among other ingredients, so it isn’t a gluten-free option. | I want to offer a different grain variety alongside the basic pancake, provided the team can prepare and label it separately. This is the top consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
A larger lunch will require several standard supermarket packs. The number of pans and staff available will then determine how quickly you can get those batches ready.
Calculate how many packs you need using the yield of your chosen mix, then plan for the additional ingredients and cooking rounds. If you’re looking for a bulk pack, check the pack size separately.
According to its product information, Koopmans Compleet contains wheat, whey powder and whole egg powder, among other ingredients. A gluten-free mix also needs to be checked for other ingredients and potential allergens.
Use the label on the exact variant you’ve ordered to provide information about the food, and include the toppings in your recipe details.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present in unpackaged food must be available before purchase. Verbal information is permitted under certain conditions, including a clearly visible notice and staff who can provide the information straight away.
Record the ingredients for each batter and topping, and make sure staff know how to access that information when serving the food.
Even if you have enough mix, limited pan space and kitchen staff can slow down lunch service.
Make a test batch using your own equipment, then plan the number of cooking rounds and staff needed during lunch.
If the planned cooking rounds can’t be completed during the lunchtime rush, you may need extra staff.
Koopmans offers Origineel, Compleet, Meergranen and a gluten-free pancake mix, among other products. Your choice will mainly depend on how you want to prepare the pancakes and which ingredients you need.
Albert Heijn offers its own-brand varieties alongside other brands, so you can compare preparation instructions and yields for each product.
Jumbo’s range includes Naturel, Compleet and a separate gluten-free pancake mix.
PLUS offers plain, complete and wholemeal mixes, among others. Compare the preparation instructions and ingredients before deciding how many packs your canteen needs.
Start with the yield of the exact mix and test it in a batch to check it works with your pan size and preferred portion. Koopmans says Origineel makes 11–13 pancakes per pack and Compleet makes 8–10; Albert Heijn says AH Naturel makes around 12 per 400 g pack. Then calculate how many packs you’ll need for the expected number of diners, allowing for variations in portion size and any waste.
A complete mix is a good choice if your canteen wants to measure out fewer separate ingredients, but you’ll still need to cook the pancakes and check for allergens. According to Koopmans, Compleet only needs water for the batter, whereas Origineel requires 850 ml of milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil per pack. Also compare the stated yield of the exact variants.
Information about allergens present in unpackaged pancakes must be available before purchase. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that, where cereals containing gluten are present, you must name the specific cereal. You can provide the information in writing or electronically. Verbal information is allowed under certain conditions, including a clear notice at the point of sale and staff who can provide the information straight away.
No. Koopmans Meergranen isn’t a gluten-free variety: according to the product information, the mix contains wheat, rye, oats and barley, among other ingredients. Choose a mix specifically labelled gluten-free if you want to offer that option, and check its current label and your kitchen practices too.
