If you want to serve both a classic and a wholemeal pancake at lunchtime, choose two clearly different mixes rather than one mix expected to suit both preferences. A complete mix can reduce the need to measure out individual ingredients, but you should still check the allergens in the dry mix and the finished recipe.
Offering an original mix alongside a wholemeal mix makes it easy to distinguish the two options when serving. This matters if not every guest wants the same kind of pancake and the canteen still wants to offer a wholemeal option.
Compare the grains listed in the ingredients and the fibre content on the same preparation basis. The Dutch Nutrition Centre distinguishes between wholegrain and white grain products; the name of a mix alone does not tell you how much wholemeal flour it contains.
A complete mix can reduce the number of separate ingredients you need. For the complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS examined here, you add water, while milk and egg are already in the mix. Bear these ingredients in mind when planning your menu.
First decide whether the canteen wants to serve two different types of pancake. Then compare the preparation steps, the nutritional information for the prepared product and the allergens in the complete recipe for each mix.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Classic option | Check that an original mix is clearly offered as a separate option alongside the wholemeal mix. | Anyone who wants a familiar, original pancake may not be well served by offering only wholemeal batter; for around 27% of consumers, the classic option comes first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check which flours form the base and compare the fibre per 100 g of prepared product using a similar preparation method. | If the grain base and fibre information are key, I want to be able to assess the mix from its label; around 27% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Preparation | Compare what needs to be added to each pack and how many pancakes it makes according to the instructions. | When serving a busy lunch, I want to prepare fewer separate ingredients without losing sight of the planned batch size; this matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
| Allergens at the serving point | Check the current packaging, as well as the allergens in added ingredients and toppings. | If you want to clearly tell guests what is in the prepared pancake, you need to look beyond the dry mix; around 26% of consumers prioritise this. |
The wholemeal mixes examined here include ingredients such as wheat or oats. Choosing wholemeal does not automatically mean choosing gluten-free.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on each pack before recommending a mix for a particular dietary requirement.
The original and wholemeal mixes examined here generally also require milk and eggs. These are not added separately to the complete mixes examined here, as the milk and egg are already in the mix.
Compare the full recipe and preparation steps for each pack, not just the ingredients you pour out of it.
Needing to add only water does not mean the mix is free from milk or egg: the complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS examined here contain both ingredients.
Include the dry mix, cooking fat and any toppings in the allergen information available to guests at the serving point.
These brands have pancake mixes in several varieties that have been examined. Always check the specific pack: features of a wholemeal mix do not automatically apply to an original or complete mix from the same brand.
Offers, among other products, original, wholemeal, complete and gluten-free-labelled pancake mixes.
Albert Heijn’s own brand has a wholemeal pancake mix that has been examined.
The Jumbo product examined here is a wholemeal pancake mix.
PLUS has wholemeal and complete pancake mixes that have been examined.
Albona is an ALDI own brand with plain and multigrain pancake mixes that have been examined.
Lidl’s own brand has original and multigrain pancake mixes that have been examined.
These mixes include an original option, one that requires fewer separate ingredients during preparation, and a variety containing several types of grain. If you specifically want to offer a wholemeal option alongside an original one, check the proportion of wholemeal flour on the packaging of the multigrain variety.
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An option for a classic pancake to offer alongside a separate wholemeal mix. When planning the recipe, remember that you need to add milk and eggs, and check the allergens in the prepared pancake.
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A shaker pack to consider for smaller batches. Check how many packs you will need for the planned lunch service, and include the milk you add in the allergen information.
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A complete mix for anyone who wants to measure out fewer separate ingredients. Preparing it with water does not remove the need to account for the milk and egg in the dry mix when assessing allergens.
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Consider this mix if you want to compare different types of grain, but do not treat the name Wholegrains as proof that wholemeal flour is the main ingredient. Check the proportion of wheat flour to wholemeal flour on the pack before offering it as a wholemeal option.
No. Wholemeal and gluten-free do not mean the same thing. The wholemeal mixes from Koopmans, AH, Jumbo and PLUS examined here contain ingredients such as wheat or oats. For a gluten-free option, check that the pack is labelled accordingly and also assess the other ingredients and the risk of cross-contact during preparation.
A complete mix can reduce the need to measure out separate milk and eggs: according to the product information, you add water to the complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS examined here. Both still contain milk and egg, so choosing one does not automatically make allergen management easier.
Yes. Albert Heijn describes a preparation option using a plant-based drink. Check the other ingredients in your chosen recipe separately, and check the current packaging of the dry mix for ingredients and potential allergens.
Cook the pancakes according to the instructions and do not eat the batter raw; the Koopmans product information examined here says the batter must be thoroughly cooked. Follow the instructions on the current packaging for storage, as well as the canteen’s food safety procedures.
