Which approach is right for you?

Party host who wants to cook pancakes quickly

You want to plan several batches without spending days making a starter. The yield per pack and whether you need to add water, milk or eggs can help you decide.

Party host who wants to use sourdough

You’re looking for a method that uses a starter, not just a mix with different grains. Making your own starter takes time: Jumbo’s sourdough bread recipe says it takes 3 to 6 days for the starter to be ready.

Party planner considering allergens

You want to check what your guests can eat, both in the mix you choose and in any ingredients you add. Check the current label, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sourdough is essential to your Christmas menu. Then compare the yield, preparation instructions and ingredients for each mix with your guests in mind.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sourdough Check that the mix you choose specifically mentions sourdough or a sourdough starter; if you’re making your own starter, allow plenty of time. If sourdough is on my Christmas menu, I don’t want a multigrain mix to be mistaken for it. Around 45% of consumers would put a clearly stated sourdough method first.
Yield and preparation Compare the number of pancakes per pack and check which ingredients you need to add. When I’m cooking for several guests, I need to make enough batter without interrupting a batch; around 33% of consumers are expected to put the practicalities of catering for a party first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current label and include any ingredients you add to the batter yourself. If guests have dietary requirements or allergies, I want to know what I can serve them. Ingredients and allergens would be the main concern for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking multigrain or wholemeal for sourdough

    The type of grain or an artisan-looking pack does not, by itself, mean a sourdough starter has been used. You could end up serving your guests something prepared differently from what you intended.

    Check the product description and preparation instructions on the current pack. If you want to make your own starter, allow for the preparation time in your Christmas plans.

  • Looking only at the pack weight

    The stated yield varies by product. According to Koopmans’ product information, the complete shaker bottle makes 4 to 6 pancakes, while Original makes 11 to 13.

    Plan portions for your guests and add together the stated yields of the packs you intend to use.

  • Relying on an ingredients list you read earlier

    A product name doesn’t tell you which allergens are present in a particular mix or may be involved in cross-contamination. Any ingredients you add to the batter matter too.

    Read the current label when you buy the mix and check both the mix and any milk, eggs or other ingredients you use.

  • Mixing the batter too early or tasting it raw

    PLUS says its bottle mix batter should be used straight after mixing with milk. Koopmans states that batter made with its complete mix must not be eaten raw and needs to be cooked thoroughly.

    Follow the instructions on the pack you choose and only mix the batter when you’re ready to cook, as directed.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Offers, among other options, a regular mix and a complete shaker bottle; preparation requirements vary by product.

  • Koopmans says Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the complete shaker bottle needs 350 ml of water and makes 4 to 6 pancakes.
  • Check which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed on the label for the product you choose. A multigrain version is not automatically a sourdough mix.

AH

Offers pancake mixes in plain, multigrain and wholemeal varieties, so you can compare the grains in each one.

  • Albert Heijn says its Plain mix makes around 12 pancakes. The ingredients for its Multigrain mix include wheat, barley and oats.
  • Multigrain and wholemeal do not, by themselves, confirm that a mix is sourdough. If you have dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack.

Jumbo

Offers a plain mix with the grain varieties listed in its ingredients.

  • Jumbo’s 400 g plain mix includes wheat flour, buckwheat flour and wholemeal oat flour.
  • Jumbo’s sourdough recipe describes a starter for bread; it does not make its plain mix a sourdough pancake mix.

PLUS

Offers, among other options, a bottle mix and a wholemeal mix, each with different points to consider when it comes to use and ingredients.

  • PLUS says batter made with its bottle mix should be used straight after mixing with milk.
  • The ingredients for the wholemeal mix include wheat and oats; check the current label for the product you choose.

Albona

ALDI’s baking brand offers a multigrain pancake mix.

  • ALDI Netherlands describes the Albona version as a 400 g multigrain baking mix.
  • If you specifically want sourdough or need to consider allergens, check the information on the pack.

Belbake

Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix as a regular product in its range.

  • Lidl Netherlands lists a 400 g pack that makes around 12 pancakes.
  • Before choosing this version for your menu, check the pack in store for ingredients, allergens and any mention of sourdough.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a multigrain or wholemeal mix the same as sourdough?

No. Those terms don’t automatically mean the mix is made using sourdough. If it matters to your Christmas menu, check whether the pancake mix specifically mentions sourdough or a sourdough starter.

How far in advance should I start if I want to make my own starter?

Start well before your Christmas party: Jumbo’s sourdough bread recipe says it takes 3 to 6 days for a starter to be ready. The recipe doesn’t give preparation times or instructions for sourdough pancakes, so allow separate time to make suitable batter too.

Can I mix pancake batter in advance and store it?

Follow the instructions for the mix you’ve chosen. PLUS says batter made with its bottle mix should be used straight after mixing with milk and not stored; don’t assume the same instructions apply to other products.

How can I check for allergens when guests are coming to eat?

Read the current label on the mix and check everything you add to the batter as well. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label; also look out for any cross-contamination warnings.