Which mix is right for you?

Christmas bakers who like to experiment

Baking a big batch and adding your own milk, eggs and toppings? A classic mix suits this approach. The recipe for Molen de Hoop’s mix lists milk and eggs as ingredients to add.

Hosts who want to bake a lot, quickly

A complete mix can be handy for a Christmas brunch when you want to spend less time measuring ingredients. According to the product information from Van de Meester and Sligro, the 1 kg mixes mentioned only need water for the batter.

Bakers catering for dietary requirements

If a guest needs to avoid gluten, milk or eggs, the labelling and allergen information for the specific mix are key. The Dutch Coeliac Society also points out that gluten can get into gluten-free food through cross-contamination.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide what matters most for your Christmas baking: adding your own ingredients, minimal preparation, specific dietary requirements or the flour blend. Then check the pack size and preparation instructions for the mix you want to use.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Quantity and flexibility Check that the pack contains 1 kg and see which ingredients the recipe says you need to add yourself. If I’m baking several times and want to make up the batter myself, I need to know what else I’ll need besides the mix. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this combination of quantity and flexibility.
Easy preparation Check how much water the mix needs and what steps are listed in the instructions. For a busy Christmas brunch, I want to make the basic batter with as few extra ingredients as possible; around 29% of consumers value this convenience most.
Dietary requirements and allergens Read the ingredients, allergen information and any may-contain warnings. When baking gluten-free, make sure your utensils are clean too. When I’m baking for a guest with a dietary requirement, both the mix and the preparation need to suit their needs. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Wholemeal flour Check which types of flour are used and how much wholemeal flour is listed on the packaging. If I bake regularly, I want to take the types of grain used into account. Choosing wholemeal flour is the top priority for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a 400 g pack for a 1 kg bag

    The product pages mentioned for Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS, Lidl and ALDI each show a 400 g pancake mix. So one pack won’t be enough for a recipe or baking plan that calls for 1 kg of mix.

    Before deciding how many packs you need, check the weight in grams on the product page or packaging.

  • Assuming ‘just add water’ means allergen-free

    According to the product information, Van de Meester’s complete mix contains gluten, milk and eggs. Sligro also lists wheat, milk and eggs in Maison Niels de Veye’s water-based mix.

    Check the preparation instructions and allergen information separately, and always read the current packaging when baking for guests.

  • Preparing a gluten-free mix with shared utensils

    The Dutch Coeliac Society says gluten can get into gluten-free food through cross-contamination, for example from crumbs or shared equipment.

    If you’re baking for someone with coeliac disease, use clean hands, a clean pan, and separate or thoroughly cleaned spatulas, whisks and topping jars.

Brands to consider

Molen de Hoop

This 1 kg pancake mix is a classic base to which you add your own milk and eggs.

  • According to Baktotaal, this mix contains wheat flour, buckwheat flour and wholemeal wheat flour. The recipe uses 550–600 g of milk and 2 eggs per 250 g of mix.
  • The mix contains wheat. Baktotaal also states that it is made in an environment where gluten-containing cereals, nuts, sesame and milk are handled.

Van de Meester

The 1 kg Oud Hollandse pancake mix is designed to be made with water.

  • Van de Meester recommends 1.7 litres of water per 1 kg bag and lists wholemeal flour and buckwheat among the ingredients.
  • According to the product information, the mix contains gluten, milk and eggs and may contain traces of nuts.

Koopmans Professional

The 1 kg Vegan Pannenkoekenmix Glutenvrij is sold as a mix that can be made with water alone.

  • Baktotaal labels this specific mix as gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan.
  • The product information warns that it may contain traces of soya. If you’re baking for someone with coeliac disease, it’s still important to avoid contact with gluten.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

When is a 1 kg bag of pancake mix useful for Christmas baking?

A 1 kg bag may be a good choice if you’re planning to bake several batches or are cooking for a larger group. Check the recipe on the bag too: the amount of mix alone won’t tell you what other ingredients you’ll need.

Do I only need water for a complete pancake mix?

For the basic batter made with Van de Meester’s Oud Hollandse mix, the brand recommends 1.7 litres of water per 1 kg bag. Follow the instructions on the packaging for your specific mix when mixing and cooking.

Is a gluten-free mix enough on its own if a guest has coeliac disease?

No, you’ll also need to take care during preparation. Check the current ingredients and allergen information, and avoid contact with gluten from crumbs, utensils or shared topping jars. The Dutch Coeliac Society describes this contact as cross-contamination.

Can I taste uncooked Koopmans Pannenkoekenmix Glutenvrij batter?

No. The product information for the Koopmans Pannenkoekenmix Glutenvrij sold by PLUS states that the batter is not intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked thoroughly.