Budget-conscious Christmas bakers
You’re cooking for several people and can add milk, eggs and cooking fat to the batter. As well as the weight of the dry mix, check how many pancakes it is expected to make and what else you’ll need.
Who are these mixes suitable for?
Convenience seekers planning a small batch
For an impromptu Christmas brunch, you may prefer to measure out fewer ingredients or make a smaller amount of batter. A complete mix or shake bottle could suit you, provided you check what else needs to be added.
Buyers who need to check allergens
The words ‘plain’ or ‘complete’ don’t tell you which grains, milk or egg a particular mix contains or may contain. Before buying, read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients you can use. Then compare what needs to be added and check the label of the exact mix.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of batter | Check the pack size, the stated yield and which ingredients you’ll need for the batter. The yield also depends on the size of your pan and how much batter you use. | For a Christmas breakfast with several people, I want to know whether one pack will be enough and what I already have at home; around 50% of consumers make sure the quantity suits the group their top priority. |
| Ease of preparation | Check what you need to add: a plain mix may need milk and eggs, while a complete mix may need water and cooking fat. For a shake bottle, check how many pancakes it makes too. | If I’m putting together a small brunch at short notice, I don’t want to measure out lots of separate ingredients; for around 30% of consumers, ease of preparation is the main concern. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging. Check the preparation instructions before making the batter too. | If I have an allergy, I want to know what the chosen mix contains or may contain; around 20% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Forgetting what to add to a plain mix
A pack of dry mix isn’t always enough to make batter straight away. The AH and PLUS plain mixes also need milk, eggs and cooking fat.
Read the preparation instructions before you shop, and check what you already have at home.
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Choosing a shake bottle for a large group
According to Joybuy, one 210 g Koopmans shake bottle makes four to six pancakes. So one bottle may not be enough for a larger Christmas brunch.
Before choosing a size, check that the stated yield is right for the number of people you’re serving.
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Assuming ‘plain’ or ‘complete’ means allergen-free
These descriptions don’t mean that a mix is allergen-free. Ingredients and potential allergens vary by product and variety.
Every time you buy, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact packaging.
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Tasting raw batter
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw flour may contain harmful bacteria. Raw egg also needs to be handled carefully.
Don’t taste raw batter. Wash your hands after handling it and cook the pancakes thoroughly.
Brands to consider
A single brand may offer plain and complete mixes, as well as shake bottles, with different ingredients and preparation methods. Choose the exact variety you need rather than relying on the brand name alone.
ALBONA
ALDI’s own brand, with plain and multigrain pancake mixes, both around 400 g.
- Two dry varieties to compare by mix type.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging in store.
PLUS
Own brand offering, among other options, a plain mix, a complete mix and a shake bottle.
- The plain mix needs milk and eggs; PLUS says its PLUS Complete mix needs water and cooking fat.
- Don’t assume a shake bottle needs the same additions as a complete boxed mix; read the instructions for each variety.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own brand, with a 400 g plain mix that, according to the product information, makes around twelve pancakes.
- The stated yield helps you plan a batch for several people.
- The mix contains wheat and oats; check the packaging for information about potential allergens too.
Koopmans
A brand offering pancake mixes in several varieties, including original, complete, multigrain and shake-bottle options.
- The varieties offer different ways to make batter, from adding your own milk and eggs to using a complete mix.
- Check the additions and allergens on each pack; the preparation method for one variety won’t necessarily apply to another.
Belbake
Lidl’s brand, with a 400 g original pancake mix that, according to Lidl, makes around twelve pancakes.
- The stated pack size and yield help you work out how many packs you’ll need.
- Check the label on your chosen pack for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
This selection includes a shake bottle for a small batch and two 400 g dry mixes. Choose according to how much you want to make, and check the preparation instructions and current label when you order.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A shake bottle for a small batch. According to Joybuy, one bottle makes four to six pancakes; check the packaging to see what you need to add.
Pack size: 210 g. Read the ingredients and allergen information before use.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A dry mix for making batter for a batch to serve several people. Before you start cooking, check which ingredients the packaging says you need to add.
Pack size: 400 g. Read the ingredients and allergen information for this variety.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
An original dry mix for anyone who wants to make their own batter. Check what needs to be added before you start preparing your Christmas brunch.
Pack size: 400 g. Check the current label for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a complete pancake mix?
A complete mix is a good choice if you don’t want to add separate milk and eggs to the batter. The PLUS and Koopmans Complete boxed mixes we looked at still need water and cooking fat, so check the instructions for your variety.
What do I need for a standard plain mix?
The AH and PLUS plain mixes need milk, eggs and butter or oil. Check the quantities on the pack you buy, as instructions vary between mixes.
Can I tell from the name whether a pancake mix is suitable for someone with an allergy?
No. ‘Plain’ and ‘complete’ don’t tell you enough about the ingredients or potential allergens. Before using the mix, read the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the exact packaging.
Can I taste raw pancake batter?
It’s best not to taste raw batter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that raw flour may contain harmful bacteria, so cook the pancakes thoroughly and wash your hands after handling raw batter.