If you’re baking for several guests
If you want to make a larger batch, check the pack size and stated yield. Also make sure you have the milk, eggs and frying fat you’ll need.
Which mix is right for you?
If you want to keep extra ingredients to a minimum
A complete mix can be handy if you’d rather use water than milk and eggs for the batter. Check what else you’ll need for frying.
If ingredients and allergens matter to you
If you’re looking for a particular grain content or need to take allergens into account, choose based on the label for the exact variant. A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether the product contains egg or milk.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many pancakes you want to make for your coffee morning and which ingredients you already have. Then compare the preparation instructions and, if your guests need you to, the ingredient and allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for your group | Check the pack size and the stated yield per pack. | If I’m baking for several guests, I want to know in advance how many packs I’ll need. This is the deciding factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Extra ingredients | Check what you need to add to the batter and what you’ll need for frying. | I don’t want to find myself having to buy milk and eggs just before my coffee morning. Around 27% of consumers prioritise needing fewer extra ingredients. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Check the ingredients list and any information about allergens that are present or may be present. | When I’m baking for guests with specific dietary requirements, I want to be able to check the exact variant. For around 20% of consumers, this is their top priority. |
| Small-batch preparation | Compare the yield from a shaker bottle with the number of guests, and check which liquid you need. | For a small coffee morning, I want to make batter without using a bowl and whisk. This is the main consideration for around 13% of consumers. |
| Grain content | Read the ingredients and check the contents and preparation instructions for the wholemeal variant. | I’m specifically looking for a wholemeal mix and want to know what else it contains. This matters most to around 7% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the pack of mix
A pack of mix isn’t everything you need to make pancakes for your guests.
Before you choose, read the preparation instructions and check which ingredients you already have at home.
You may also need milk, eggs and frying fat for a plain mix.
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Assuming a complete mix needs nothing else
For the complete variants mentioned, you only need water for the batter, but you’ll still need butter or oil for frying. The product name also doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for people with allergies.
Read both the preparation instructions and the allergen information on the pack.
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Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens too
The Koopmans variant sold as gluten-free by PLUS states that the product may contain egg and milk.
If you’re catering for a specific dietary requirement, check all the relevant information on the current pack, not just the gluten-free label.
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Choosing a shaker bottle without checking the quantity you need
A small bottle can be practical for making a small batch, but you may need several bottles if you’re feeding more guests.
Check that the stated yield is enough for your group and find out how soon you need to use the prepared batter.
Brands to consider
Albona
Albona is ALDI’s own brand, which offers a plain pancake mix.
- A basic option to consider if you want to add your own ingredients to the batter.
- Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack you buy.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain, complete and wholemeal mixes, as well as a shaker bottle option.
- You can choose the preparation method and pack format to suit the size of your coffee morning.
- The complete mix needs water for the batter, plus butter or oil for frying; PLUS says batter made with milk in its shaker bottle should be used straight away.
Albert Heijn
The AH own-brand range includes a 400 g plain mix and a 300 g wholemeal mix.
- The different pack sizes make it worth checking the stated yield for your guests.
- For each variant, check which ingredients you need to add yourself and follow any alternative preparation instructions on the pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a 400 g plain mix whose pack states that it makes around 12 portions.
- The stated number of portions gives you an idea of how much you’ll need.
- The product information lists wheat, oats and gluten, and says that it may contain barley, egg and milk.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers an original mix, a complete mix and a gluten-free variant, among other options.
- According to Koopmans, the original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes when prepared with milk, eggs and butter.
- The gluten-free variant sold by PLUS carries a warning that it may contain egg and milk.
Belbake
Lidl offers a 400 g original pancake mix under its Belbake brand.
- Lidl states that it makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the pack to see which ingredients you’ll need for the batter and for frying.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These products come in different formats to suit a coffee morning: a complete mix in a bottle, a shaker bottle and a larger pack of original mix. Choose based on the size of your group and the ingredients you want to add.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
An option if you’d rather not add milk and eggs to the batter. Check how many bottles you’ll need for your guests and, if allergies are a concern, read the current label.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
The shaker bottle is a good choice if you want to make a small amount without using a separate mixing bowl. You’ll need milk to prepare it, so check that the yield is enough for your guests and read the label if allergies are a concern.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
Consider this larger pack if you’re feeding several guests and want to add your own ingredients to the batter. Check the preparation instructions, stated yield and, if needed, the allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check the allergens when I’m baking for guests?
Yes. Check the pack of the mix you’re actually using. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; also look out for statements about allergens that may be present.
What else do I need to add to a complete pancake mix?
For the complete variants from PLUS and Koopmans mentioned here, you add water to make the batter, but you’ll also need butter or oil for frying. Read the instructions on the specific pack before you start.
Can I make regular pancake mix plant-based?
You can if the pack gives instructions for doing so. The AH plain and wholemeal mixes mentioned here suggest alternatives to milk and egg; also check the ingredients and allergen information if they’re relevant to your guests.
Does gluten-free also mean free from egg and milk?
No. The gluten-free Koopmans mix sold by PLUS says that it may contain egg and milk. Check each relevant allergen statement separately.
Can I save batter from a shaker bottle for later?
Follow the instructions on the bottle you’re using. PLUS says that batter made with milk in its shaker bottle should be used straight away and must not be stored.