Hosts short on preparation time
If you want to make batter without measuring out milk and eggs, look for a complete mix that only needs water added to the batter. Do check what you’ll need to cook the pancakes, though.
Who are these options relevant for?
Hosts catering for classic and multigrain tastes
Offering a familiar classic alongside a clearly labelled wholemeal or multigrain mix lets guests choose for themselves. Don’t assume that a product called ‘classic’ has a particular grain content.
Hosts who need to consider allergens
If wheat, other gluten-containing cereals, milk or egg are relevant to a guest, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements on each pack. Do this for complete mixes, too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what kind of pancakes you want to serve at your Christmas gathering and how much preparation you’re happy to do. Then check the packaging for the yield, additional ingredients and allergens for your chosen mix.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal preparation | Check what you need to add to the batter and which cooking fat you’ll need. | When I’m cooking for lots of guests, I don’t want to have to measure out milk and eggs for the batter as well. Minimal preparation is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Sweet and savoury toppings | Choose a base that suits your planned toppings; use separate serving utensils if allergens are a concern. | I want guests to choose their own toppings without having to make a different batter for every taste. That flexibility is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Multigrain or wholemeal | Read which grains the mix contains and which ingredients you still need to add yourself. | If guests specifically ask for multigrain or wholemeal, I want to offer a clearly identifiable alternative. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
| Allergens and preparation | Check the label on the product you’ve bought and keep raw batter separate from food that’s ready to serve. | If a guest has a food allergy, I need to know what’s in the mix and toppings before serving. This check is a priority for around 15% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘complete’ means allergen-free
‘Complete’ refers to how the mix is prepared, not whether it’s suitable for every guest. The product information for Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete lists wheat, milk and egg.
Before serving, read the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging of the exact mix you’re using.
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Confusing multigrain, wholemeal and gluten-free
A multigrain or wholemeal mix may contain cereals with gluten. Other allergens may also be relevant even in a mix labelled gluten-free: the product information for Koopmans Pannenkoeken glutenvrij states that it may contain egg and milk.
If a guest needs to eat gluten-free, choose a mix labelled for this purpose and check the current label for any other relevant allergens.
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Planning American pancakes as if they were thin pancakes
Dr. Oetker describes its American Pancakes Origineel as pancakes around 10 cm in diameter. That’s a different serving style from a meal of traditional thin pancakes.
Decide what size pancakes you want to serve before choosing the mix and working out how many portions you’ll need.
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Letting guests taste raw batter
According to the Voedingscentrum, raw egg and flour in batter can contain harmful bacteria.
Don’t let guests taste raw batter, and cook the pancakes thoroughly. Wash your hands and utensils after contact with raw egg.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a range that includes Origineel, Compleet, Bio Meergranen and a gluten-free pancake mix. Check the preparation instructions for each option: the mixes don’t all need the same additional ingredients.
- Koopmans says Compleet only needs water for the batter, while Origineel needs milk and eggs.
- Even with a gluten-free option, other allergens and ‘may contain’ statements still matter.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes complete, multigrain and wholemeal pancake mixes.
- The different product names make it easier to look for a classic or grain-based option.
- Check the ingredients and any additional ingredients needed on the pack you choose.
PLUS
PLUS’s own-brand range includes a complete mix and a wholemeal mix.
- PLUS says its Volkoren-mix contains, among other ingredients, 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour.
- The Volkoren-mix needs milk and eggs; the Complete-mix needs water for the batter. Check the allergens for both.
Albona
ALDI lists a 400 g multigrain pancake mix from its baking brand Albona.
- The multigrain option gives guests a clearly identifiable alternative to a classic mix.
- If guests have dietary requirements, read the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Belbake
Lidl describes its 400 g Belbake original pancake mix as making around 12 pancakes.
- The stated yield helps you plan portions for your gathering.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before choosing the mix for your guests.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
Below you’ll find mixes to suit different choices for your Christmas gathering: a complete mix, a classic base, a multigrain option and other pancake mixes. Compare what you need to add to each product, and check the packaging if yield or allergens are important.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A complete mix to consider if you want to measure out fewer separate ingredients for the batter. The pack contains 210 g; check the yield, cooking fat required and allergens for your gathering.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
An option for guests looking for a mix with several grains alongside a classic pancake. Check the pack to see which grains it contains, what you need to add and which allergens are listed; the name alone doesn’t confirm the full wholemeal content.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A classic base for guests who want to choose their own sweet or savoury toppings. Plan which additional ingredients you’ll need for the batter, and check the pack for yield and allergens.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
The shaker format could suit anyone who wants to prepare a smaller portion with less fuss. This option needs milk; check the yield and allergens on the packaging before buying.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
A milk-flavoured mix to consider if you’re looking for something different from classic and multigrain options. You’ll need an egg to prepare it; before planning portions for your gathering, also check the yield, pancake size and allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
When is a complete pancake mix useful for a Christmas gathering?
A complete mix is useful if you want to measure out fewer separate ingredients for the batter. According to Koopmans and PLUS, their complete mixes only need water added to the batter; you’ll still need butter or oil for cooking. Check the instructions on the pack you buy.
Is a wholemeal or multigrain mix gluten-free too?
No. Those labels don’t mean a mix is gluten-free. According to PLUS, its Volkoren contains wholemeal wheat and oats. If someone needs to eat gluten-free, choose a mix labelled for this purpose and also read the other allergen information on the current label.
Where should I check for allergens when cooking for guests?
Check the packaging of the option you’re actually using, including the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes allergen information as part of the label on prepacked foods; also check the ingredients in your toppings.
Can guests taste raw pancake batter?
Don’t let guests taste raw batter. The Voedingscentrum highlights the potential risks of raw egg and flour in batter and advises cooking dishes containing raw egg thoroughly. Make sure the pancakes are cooked through before serving.