Organising a party for a large group
You want to work out in advance how much mix you’ll need, and what milk, eggs, cooking fat and toppings to buy as well.
Which option is right for you?
Hosting a small pancake-making session
You want to weigh out as little as possible and avoid making more batter than you need. Check the preparation instructions and the stated yield per pack.
Organising a party for guests with dietary requirements
Before buying, you’ll need to check which grains and allergens the mix contains, and what you have to add yourself according to the preparation instructions.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients you already have. Then compare the preparation instructions and check that the mix you choose suits your guests’ needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and additional ingredients | Check the yield per pack and whether the recipe calls for milk, eggs or cooking fat. | If I’m cooking for several guests, I want to make enough batter without having lots left over. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quantity and additional ingredients. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether you need to add water or milk, and whether you’ll need a bowl or can mix everything in a shaker bottle. | If there’s little time to prepare during the party, I want to be able to make the batter quickly. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ease of preparation. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and preparation instructions on the pack you choose. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in both the mix and the finished batter. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Type of flour | Check which grains the mix contains and whether it’s a plain, multigrain or wholemeal version. | If I want to serve a particular type of flour, I don’t want to base that choice on the product name alone. Around 33% of consumers prioritise their choice of ingredients. |
Common mistakes
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Putting only the pancake mix on your shopping list
A standard mix may need milk, eggs and cooking fat. Without these ingredients, you won’t be able to make the batter according to the instructions.
Read the preparation instructions before you finish your Christmas party shopping.
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Planning to use shaker bottles for a large group
The Koopmans shaker bottles described here are intended for a small batch; each pack is stated to make four to six pancakes.
Decide how many pancakes you want to make and buy the right number of packs.
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Assuming the label on a dry mix describes the finished recipe
The label on the mix doesn’t tell you which ingredients you need to add for the usual preparation method. A complete mix may already contain egg or milk.
If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check both the ingredients list and the preparation instructions on the pack you’re buying.
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Checking allergens only when you’re ready to serve
Regular pancake mixes may contain cereals containing gluten, egg or milk. Any ingredients you add yourself matter too.
Ask guests about their dietary requirements in advance and read the information on the pack you choose before preparing the batter.
Brands to consider
Albona
ALDI’s own brand has a plain pancake baking mix in a 400 g packet.
- A pack size you can factor into your plans for several guests.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
PLUS huismerk
PLUS offers plain, complete and wholemeal versions, with different ingredients and preparation methods.
- According to the product information, PLUS plain mix needs milk, eggs and cooking fat; PLUS Complete is made with water.
- Using water to make the batter doesn’t mean the dry mix is free from milk or egg. Check the label for each version.
Albert Heijn huismerk
Albert Heijn offers, among other options, a 400 g plain pancake mix, as well as multigrain and wholemeal versions.
- You can choose a version based on the type of flour you’re looking for.
- Check the preparation instructions and allergens on the pack you choose.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo offers plain and complete own-brand pancake mixes.
- The distinction between plain and complete helps you choose a preparation method.
- Check each pack to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers Original and Complete mixes, as well as pancake mix in a shaker bottle.
- Koopmans says a pack of Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes; the brand gives a yield of 8 to 10 for Pannenkoeken Compleet.
- Origineel needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. Check the ingredients on the pack you choose for Compleet too.
Pancake mix at Joybuy
This Koopmans selection includes packets of mix and shaker bottles. Choose according to the quantity you need, the preparation method and which ingredients you’ll need to add yourself.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete shaker bottle, 210 g
For a small batch: according to the product description, add 350 ml of water to make four to six pancakes. If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the allergens on the label.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
A good choice if you’re looking for a mix made with different types of grain. For the preparation method described, allow for milk, eggs and cooking fat; check the label on this pack to see whether it suits any dietary requirements.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
For a larger batch: according to Koopmans, one pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes. The preparation method described calls for 850 ml of milk, two eggs and butter or oil; if you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the label.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
For a small batch when you want to mix the batter in a shaker bottle. Allow for milk during preparation and check how many portions you’ll need for your guests.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much pancake mix I need for a Christmas party?
Start with the number of pancakes you want to make and compare it with the yield stated on the pack. Koopmans says Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes per pack; check the yield and additional ingredients for each other version.
Which mix should I choose if I don’t want to use separate milk and eggs in the batter?
Check the preparation instructions for a complete mix: PLUS Complete is made with water, and Koopmans says you only need to add water to Koopmans Compleet. This doesn’t mean the mix itself is free from milk or egg, so if you’re catering for dietary requirements, read the ingredients list too.
Where can I check the allergens in pancake mix?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re actually using. Also check the milk, eggs or other ingredients you add yourself. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels.
How should I store an opened packet of pancake mix?
Store the mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage advice on the pack.