Cooking for a crowd
You want to make several pancakes for a coffee break and already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home. A packet of plain mix suits this kind of cooking; check the packaging to see how many pancakes it makes.
Who are these mixes suitable for?
Cooking with only a few ingredients to hand
You want to make batter without adding milk and eggs, or you’re looking for a shaker bottle for a smaller portion. Check the difference: a complete mix needs water, but not every shaker bottle mix does.
Checking the label for dietary needs
You need to check whether the ingredients and allergens are suitable for your dietary requirements. Words such as plain, multigrain or complete don’t tell you enough; read the ingredients list and any cross-contamination warning on the latest packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients you already have. Then check the instructions and, if necessary, the allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Making a larger batch | Check the packet size, stated yield and which ingredients you need to add. | If I’m cooking for several people, I want to be able to make enough batter using the ingredients I already have ready. This is the top priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Minimal preparation | Check whether the mix needs water or milk and whether you can mix the batter in the packaging. | For an impromptu coffee break, I don’t want to have to find milk and eggs or get a mixing bowl out first. This is the most important consideration for around 37% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the packaging before using the mix. This matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the packet size
Plain and complete mixes can both come in packets, but their preparation instructions may differ. For example, PLUS plain mix needs milk, eggs and cooking fat, while PLUS Complete needs water and cooking fat.
Before choosing, check what else you’ll need to add at home and how much batter you want to make.
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Assuming every shaker bottle only needs water
According to Joybuy, the Koopmans Pancakes Complete shaker bottle needs 350 ml of water, while the PLUS shaker bottle calls for milk. So the bottle format alone won’t tell you which liquid you need.
Read the instructions for the specific bottle, especially if you don’t have milk at home.
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Taking ‘plain’ or ‘multigrain’ to mean allergen-free
These words describe the type of mix, not whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy. Regular mixes in this selection list ingredients including wheat, egg or milk.
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information on each packet. If you need to avoid gluten, look for an explicit gluten-free label.
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Tasting raw batter while cooking
According to the Voedingscentrum, raw egg and flour can contain harmful bacteria.
Don’t taste the batter raw, and cook the pancakes thoroughly.
Brands to compare
Koopmans
Koopmans offers an Original mix, a Complete mix and a shaker bottle, among other options. What you need to add varies by product.
- According to Koopmans, a packet of Pannenkoeken Compleet makes 8–10 pancakes when prepared with added water.
- The ingredients list for the standard Complete mix at Albert Heijn includes wheat, milk ingredients, egg and rye.
Albert Heijn
The AH range includes own-brand plain, multigrain and wholemeal mixes.
- The three varieties mentioned are listed as 400 g packs in the AH category.
- Compare the ingredients and preparation instructions for each individual variety on the packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers its own plain, complete, wholemeal and organic pancake mixes.
- You can choose from different varieties and pack sizes within the range.
- Check which ingredients you need to add yourself for each mix.
ALDI / Albona
Albona is ALDI’s baking range, which includes plain and multigrain pancake mixes.
- The product information for Albona plain mix describes preparation with milk and eggs.
- This plain mix isn’t a water-only option.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and complete mixes, as well as a shaker bottle for pancake batter.
- For its 400 g complete mix, PLUS specifies 700 ml of water; the plain mix needs milk and eggs.
- The shaker bottle is prepared differently from the complete mix, so check which liquid the bottle instructions specify.
Lidl / Belbake
Belbake is Lidl’s range, which includes original and multigrain pancake mixes.
- The two varieties give you a choice of original or multigrain.
- Use the information on your chosen packet to check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
This selection includes shaker bottles for smaller batches and packet mixes that need extra ingredients. Check the liquid required, stated yield and latest label for each product; the different varieties aren’t interchangeable.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete shaker bottle 210 g
For a smaller batch when you want to mix the batter in the bottle. According to the Joybuy product information, add 350 ml of water; the bottle makes 4–6 pancakes.
Also check the full cooking instructions and allergen information on the packaging.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes shaker bottle 175 g
For a smaller batch if you have milk at home. The instructions call for 400 ml of milk and shaking for one minute; the stated yield is 4–6 pancakes.
This variety doesn’t only need water. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, check the latest label.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A packet mix for making several pancakes when you have milk and eggs to hand. According to Joybuy, one packet makes 11–13 pancakes. Add 850 ml of milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil.
Check the allergens on the latest packaging and don’t taste the batter raw.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A multigrain option for making a larger batch. The product information states that one packet makes 11–13 pancakes and calls for 900 ml of milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil.
The grains listed include oats, barley and rye. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, check the full ingredients list on the latest packaging.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu Pancake Mix with Milk Flavor 100 g
A 100 g pack for making a smaller amount of batter. The stated instructions call for 60 ml of water and 1 egg, so don’t assume this is a water-only mix.
Check the packaging for the number of pancakes it makes and the latest ingredients and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a packet of plain mix instead of a complete mix?
A packet of plain mix is a good choice if you want to add milk and eggs and are making several pancakes. If you don’t want to add those ingredients, look at a complete mix and check whether you’ll also need cooking fat.
Does a shaker bottle always only need water?
No, the liquid needed varies from one shaker bottle to another. According to Joybuy, Koopmans Pancakes Complete needs 350 ml of water, while the PLUS shaker bottle calls for milk. So check the instructions for the variety you choose.
How do I check a mix if I have a gluten, egg or milk allergy?
Read the latest ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging, including any ‘may contain’ warning. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be listed among the ingredients. Don’t rely on the variety name alone, such as plain or multigrain.
Can I taste raw pancake batter?
Don’t taste pancake batter raw. The Voedingscentrum warns that raw egg and flour can contain harmful bacteria; cook the pancakes thoroughly.
How should I store an opened packet of pancake mix?
Store an opened packet in a cool, dry, dark place and keep it tightly sealed, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Also follow the storage instructions on your mix’s packaging.