Who is this choice relevant to?

Stallholder planning the day’s stock

If you make pancakes regularly, the amount of dry mix you buy needs to match your plans. Check whether you’re really buying a 1 kg bag, or work out how many smaller packs you’ll need.

Seller looking to keep preparation simple

A complete mix could be a good fit if you want to carry and measure out fewer extra ingredients. According to the product information, the 400 g Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete mixes need water; you’ll also need cooking fat for frying.

Seller who needs to provide allergen information

If you sell unpackaged pancakes, you must be able to tell customers about any allergens before they buy. Check the ingredients in the mix you use and anything you add to the batter. Even a gluten-free option needs to be checked for other allergens.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by working out how much dry mix you’ll need for each day of trading. Then compare the preparation method and the information you need to provide to customers when selling unpackaged pancakes.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Stock and pack size Check the net weight of each pack and work out how many you’ll need for the quantity you’ve planned. I want to plan my day’s stock accurately and avoid mistaking a 400 g pack for 1 kg. Around 50% of consumers prioritise the amount of dry mix.
Preparation Check whether you need to add water or whether milk and eggs are also required, and read the instructions for the mix you’ve chosen. With little space for extra ingredients, I want to be able to mix the batter easily. Limited preparation is the main priority for around 30% of consumers.
Allergens and selling Read the label on the mix you’ve chosen and work out what allergen information you’ll need for the finished batter. When selling unpackaged pancakes, I want to give customers accurate information before they buy, even if I use a gluten-free mix. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Treating a 400 g pack as a 1 kg bag

    If you go by pack size alone, you could end up taking less dry mix than you planned for your trading day. Three 400 g packs add up to 1.2 kg.

    Note down the amount you need in grams and compare it with the net weight on each pack. Decide in advance whether the extra 200 g from three packs fits your plan.

  • Preparing complete and basic mixes in the same way

    Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete list water as the liquid to add. According to their product information, Koopmans Origineel and PLUS Naturel also require milk and eggs.

    Choose a mix based on the ingredients and facilities you can use at your stall. Then follow the instructions on that exact pack.

    If you add milk and eggs, you’ll also need to take them with you and store them appropriately.

  • Overlooking other allergens in a gluten-free mix

    The gluten-free Koopmans mix listed by Albert Heijn states that it may contain egg and milk. You still need to provide information about any allergens present when selling unpackaged pancakes.

    Use the allergen information on the pack you actually buy, and include any added ingredients in the information you give customers.

  • Thinking that cooking is the only food safety measure

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says that food at markets and events must be prepared, sold and stored safely and hygienically. This also includes how your stall is set up and how you handle perishable ingredients.

    Before the market, check what facilities you have for washing your hands, cleaning and storing ingredients. Follow the product instructions when preparing the mix.

Brands and supermarket own-labels compared

Koopmans

Koopmans offers several options, including Origineel, Compleet and a gluten-free pancake mix. Compare them by recipe and pack size, rather than by brand name alone.

  • According to Albert Heijn, the 400 g Compleet mix needs water, while Koopmans Origineel 400 g requires milk and eggs.
  • The gluten-free option listed by Albert Heijn comes in a 300 g pack and states that it may contain egg and milk.

Albert Heijn

The range includes its own pancake mixes as well as options from Koopmans.

  • You can compare different types of mix, including complete and plain options.
  • Check the net weight, ingredients and preparation method for each product you’re considering. The name of a mix doesn’t tell you how much dry mix you’re buying.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists its own Naturel pancake mix and Koopmans Origineel, both in 400 g packs.

  • Jumbo says that one 400 g pack of Naturel makes around 12 portions.
  • Check the allergen information on the Jumbo Naturel pack, and don’t assume the stated number of portions matches the size of the portions you’ll serve.

PLUS

PLUS lists 400 g packs of its Naturel, Volkoren and Complete pancake mixes.

  • According to PLUS, you add water to Complete; the preparation instructions for Naturel call for milk and eggs.
  • Check the label of the mix you choose before buying, as ingredients and allergen information can change.

Albona / ALDI

ALDI lists a 400 g pack of Albona multigrain baking mix for pancakes.

  • The 400 g pack size makes it easy to work out how many packs you’ll need for your stock.
  • If you need exactly 1 kg per bag, this 400 g product won’t meet that size requirement.

Belbake / Lidl

Lidl lists Belbake Pannenkoekenmix Origineel in a 400 g pack.

  • Lidl says each pack makes around 12 pancakes. Compare this with the number of portions you want to serve.
  • Lidl says this product is available in store only. Check the pack when you buy it.

Joybuy products

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I assume there’ll be one 1 kg bag of pancake mix for the Christmas market?

Only if the pack or product page you choose actually states a net weight of 1 kg. The supermarket products discussed here come in smaller packs. If you’re buying several, work out the total amount of dry mix before you place your order.

How many pancakes can I make with a 400 g pack?

It depends on the mix and portion size. According to Albert Heijn, 400 g of Koopmans Compleet makes around 10 pancakes, while Koopmans Origineel makes 11–13. Jumbo says that 400 g of Naturel makes around 12 portions. Check the information on your pack and decide what size portions you’ll serve at your stall.

Do I need to provide allergen information for unpackaged pancakes?

Yes. The NVWA says you must be able to tell customers about any allergens present before they buy. For cereals containing gluten, you must also name the specific cereal. If you choose to provide the information verbally, check the NVWA’s additional requirements, including displaying a notice at the point of sale.

What food safety facilities do I need at a Christmas market stall?

Food must be prepared, sold and stored safely and hygienically. For markets and events, the NVWA lists facilities such as a work area that can be kept clean, somewhere to wash your hands and suitable temperature control for perishable ingredients. If you prepare and sell food several times a year, the NVWA also says you must have an HACCP food safety plan.