If you want small, fluffy pancakes as a Christmas snack, choose a mix specifically made for American pancakes; Dr. Oetker describes its version as fluffy. For large pancakes with savoury toppings, a standard mix is a better fit. A complete mix means fewer separate ingredients, but if you’re serving guests with food allergies, always check the current label for the exact version you’ve chosen.
Would you rather serve small, fluffy portions than one large pancake per guest? An American pancake mix suits this style of presentation. Dr. Oetker describes its American pancake mix as fluffy. That’s different from the method used for PLUS’s standard pancake batter, which is spread thinly over the base of the pan.
If you already have other dishes on the hob for Christmas dinner, a complete mix can save you measuring out milk and eggs. According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Pannenkoeken Compleet. Also compare the stated yield with the number of guests.
If your guests need to avoid certain ingredients, it’s the information for the exact product version that matters, not just the brand name or product type. Read the current label on the mix and check the ingredients you use in the preparation and as toppings, too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) stresses the importance of checking label information when dealing with food allergies.
First decide whether you want to serve small American pancakes or large, thin pancakes. Then consider how much preparation you want to do, which ingredients you need and how many portions you’ll need for your Christmas dinner.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Small, fluffy pancakes | Check whether the packaging specifically says American pancakes and what preparation method it recommends. | I want a small pancake as a Christmas snack or dessert, not a large pancake to fill. For around 40% of consumers, this style of presentation matters most. |
| Minimal preparation | Check whether you only need water and how many pancakes the manufacturer says one pack makes. | When I’m making several dishes at once, I want to measure out as few separate ingredients as possible. Around 30% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label for the exact mix; check toppings and preparation ingredients separately. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what I’m serving. For around 20% of consumers, checking this comes first. |
| Yield per pack | Compare the stated yield with the number of portions you’re planning, and bear in mind the size of the pancakes. | I want to make enough for everyone without mistaking a small pack for a bulk pack. For around 10% of consumers, the number of portions is their first concern. |
A standard pancake mix isn’t automatically made for small, thick pancakes. For example, the instructions for PLUS Complete say to spread the batter thinly over the base of the pan.
For a fluffy Christmas snack, look for a mix specifically made for American pancakes. Choose a standard mix if you want to top or fill large pancakes instead.
A small pack may be enough for an extra course, but not for all your guests. Joybuy states that the Koopmans Shaker Bottle Pannenkoeken Compleet makes 4–6 pancakes.
Before deciding how much mix you need, compare the stated yield per pack with the portions you’re planning to serve.
Standard, complete and gluten-free mixes can contain different ingredients. Toppings and other ingredients used in preparation also affect what a guest is served.
Check the current ingredients and allergen label for every version you choose. If a guest has a food allergy, also check the other parts of the dish and how it’s prepared.
The preparation instructions for the mixes reviewed say to heat the batter thoroughly.
Cook the pancakes through on both sides and don’t serve raw batter.
Compare the exact version from each brand: a mix for American pancakes, a standard mix and a complete mix aren’t all designed for the same occasion.
Offers standard, complete, wholemeal and gluten-free pancake mixes, as well as a shaker bottle version.
Its American pancake mix is designed for small, fluffy pancakes, ideal for occasions such as Christmas brunch or dessert.
Albert Heijn offers plain, multigrain and wholemeal mixes, as well as a separate mix for American pancakes.
Offers a 400 g plain pancake mix for anyone wanting to make standard pancakes.
The 400 g complete mix reviewed is made for standard pancakes, with water as the only addition.
Albona is the 400 g multigrain pancake mix listed by ALDI.
This milk-flavoured mix could be an option if you want to make pancakes as a Christmas snack. If you’re specifically after small, thick American pancakes, first check that the preparation instructions on the pack are suitable.
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Worth considering for a small snack round at Christmas dinner. The pack contains 100 g of milk-flavoured mix; check the preparation instructions to see how many portions it makes. Don’t assume it’s suitable for thick American-style pancakes without checking the instructions on the pack.
Choose a mix specifically made for American pancakes if you want to serve small, fluffy portions. Dr. Oetker describes the version reviewed as fluffy; with a standard pancake mix, don’t assume you’ll get the same result based on the product type alone.
A complete mix can mean fewer separate ingredients to measure out: according to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Pannenkoeken Compleet. Also check the stated yield to make sure the pack will be enough for your guests.
Only use the mix once you’ve checked the current ingredients and allergen label for the exact version. The standard and complete versions reviewed contain, or may contain, ingredients such as wheat, milk or egg; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) stresses the importance of checking labels when dealing with food allergies.
Compare the number of portions you’re planning with the yield stated on each pack. Koopmans says the shaker bottle version of Pannenkoeken Compleet makes 4–6 pancakes, while Pannenkoeken Compleet makes 8–10. Also consider whether you’re serving small pancakes or large ones.
Don’t serve raw batter. The preparation instructions for the mixes reviewed say to heat the pancakes thoroughly; cook them through on both sides.
