Hosting a coffee get-together
If several guests will be eating, the yield on the packaging can help you work out how much mix you need. Koopmans and Lidl state the yield for their Origineel and Belbake mixes respectively.
Which quantity is right for your group?
Baking simply for a small group
A shaker bottle can be a convenient amount for a few people, without needing to mix the batter in a separate bowl. Just check what needs to be added to the bottle you choose.
Hosting guests with dietary requirements
Ask guests in advance about any relevant allergies, and check the ingredients and allergen information on the packet you plan to use. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean a mix is free from other allergens too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many pancakes you want to make, then choose a preparation method that suits you. Before serving, check the ingredients in the mix you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Enough to share | Check the yield per packet; it tells you more than the weight alone. Koopmans says its Origineel mix makes 11–13 pancakes, while Lidl says its Belbake mix makes around 12. | If several guests will be eating, I want to make sure there’s enough without having to open another packet halfway through. Around 33% of consumers prioritise having enough pancakes. |
| Minimal preparation | Check what you need to add to the batter and whether you’ll also need cooking fat. For Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete, you only need to add water to the batter, but you’ll still need fat for cooking. | If I’m also welcoming guests during coffee, I want to keep kitchen prep to a minimum. For around 25% of consumers, ease is the most important factor. |
| Dietary needs and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ingredients you need to add on the specific packet. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the mix and the finished batter. For around 17% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| The right quantity | Compare the stated yield with the number of guests. Koopmans says its Origineel shaker bottle makes five pancakes. | For a small coffee get-together, I don’t want to make much more batter than I need. Minimising leftovers is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Automatically choosing a large packet for every group
A smaller pack may be a better fit for two people, while a single shaker bottle may not make enough for a larger group.
Compare the yield on the packaging: Koopmans says its Origineel shaker bottle makes five pancakes, while a packet of Origineel makes 11–13.
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Assuming ‘complete’ means you don’t need cooking fat
According to the product information, you add water to the batter for Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete, but you’ll still need fat for cooking.
Read the preparation instructions for the variety you’ve chosen, and check you have all the ingredients you need before your afternoon coffee.
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Relying on ‘plain’ or ‘wholemeal’ when checking for allergies
A product name doesn’t tell you which allergens are in the mix or which ingredients you’ll need to add yourself.
Ask guests about their allergies, then check the ingredients, allergen information and possible traces on the packet you’ve bought.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Offers a range including Origineel, Compleet, shaker bottles and varieties for specific dietary needs.
- Koopmans says Origineel makes 11–13 pancakes and Compleet makes 8–10; for Compleet, you add water to the batter.
- Ingredients vary by variety. If you have allergies, check the specific packet, including anything you’ll be adding yourself.
Albert Heijn
Stocks several types of pancake mix, including its own-brand products and other brands.
- Its range lets you compare different pack sizes and types of mix.
- Albert Heijn says product information can change, so check the packaging of the product you’re using.
PLUS
Offers plain, complete and wholemeal mixes in 400 g packets, as well as a 200 g bottle of plain mix.
- According to the product information, you add water to the batter for PLUS Complete.
- PLUS Naturel requires milk and eggs; the complete variety still requires cooking fat.
Albona
ALDI’s own brand, with 400 g packets of pancake mix including plain and multigrain varieties.
- The stated 400 g pack size gives you a useful option to compare with the yield you need.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the packet before cooking for guests.
Belbake
Lidl’s own brand, with a 400 g packet of original pancake mix.
- Lidl states that this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- If you have dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes include a 400 g packet and two smaller packs, so you can choose an amount to suit your coffee get-together. Check the yield, preparation instructions and allergens for each variety.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A 400 g packet for those planning to cook for several guests. Before deciding how much you need for your afternoon coffee, check the yield and any additions required for this variety.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A 210 g pack to consider for a smaller group. Check how many pancakes this variety makes and what you need to add during preparation.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A 175 g shaker bottle to consider if you’re making a smaller amount. Check how many pancakes it makes and which ingredients you need to add.
Frequently asked questions
How much mix do I need for an afternoon coffee with several guests?
Use the yield of your chosen mix as a starting point. Koopmans says its Origineel mix makes 11–13 pancakes per packet, while Lidl says its Belbake mix makes around 12 per 400 g pack. The amount you need also depends on what else you’re serving.
When is a shaker bottle a better choice than a large packet?
A shaker bottle is a good option when you’re cooking for a small group or would rather not use a separate mixing bowl. Koopmans says its Origineel shaker bottle makes five pancakes; check which liquid to add to any bottle you choose.
Do I only need water for a complete pancake mix?
According to the product information, you add water to the batter for Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete, but you’ll still need cooking fat. Read the instructions for the variety you buy.
Is ordinary pancake mix gluten-free?
Don’t assume it is: the Koopmans Origineel and Compleet varieties described here contain ingredients that contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, choose a mix that is clearly labelled as such, and check the other ingredients, additions and allergen information on the packet too.