A basic mix works well for serving pancakes to larger groups when milk, eggs and cooking capacity are already planned for. Be sure to include those extra ingredients and the cooking fat when choosing a mix. A complete mix may be more convenient if you want to measure out fewer ingredients on site, but check the preparation instructions and allergens before cooking for your attendees.
Have you already arranged the milk, eggs, cooking fat and staff? Then you could consider a basic mix, as long as you include the additional ingredients needed for each pack in your plans. The preparation instructions from ALDI Nederland and PLUS show why the dry mix alone isn’t the full recipe.
If you want to measure out fewer individual ingredients on site, a complete mix could be a good option. Albert Heijn and PLUS list water as an addition for their complete mixes; check each pack to see what cooking fat is also needed.
When serving unpackaged pancakes, allergen information must be available to attendees. A separate gluten-free option also needs careful checking: according to Albert Heijn’s product information, the gluten-free Koopmans mix may contain egg and milk.
First, decide how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients and staff will be available on site. Then choose your preparation method and decide how you’ll share allergen information for each mix you use.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients for each serving round | For each pack, note the required quantities of milk, eggs and cooking fat. Only use the stated yield if you’re making pancakes of a similar size. | If I’m making lots of pancakes, I want to know in advance which extra ingredients I’ll need for every batch. Around 36% of consumers prioritise planning for all the ingredients. |
| Preparation on site | Check the quantity of water or other additions needed for each pack, and make sure you have enough space, pans and staff. | When there’s only a short break for serving, I want to be able to make the batter without measuring out lots of separate ingredients. Around 29% of consumers consider this the main priority. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the current label for each mix and decide how you’ll make allergen information available when serving unpackaged food. Prepare any gluten-free option separately. | When attendees tell me about their dietary requirements, I want to be able to explain what’s in their pancake and how it was prepared. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Number of options | Choose which mix will be your standard option, and only add varieties if there’s a specific need and you can agree on a practical way to prepare them. | I want to offer a suitable alternative to standard pancakes without making preparation unnecessarily complicated. Around 14% of consumers consider menu variety their main concern. |
A basic mix may need additional ingredients. For example, PLUS specifies 800 ml of semi-skimmed milk, three eggs and butter or oil for each 400 g pack of its Original mix.
Make a list of ingredients for each batch, then multiply it by the number of batches you’re planning.
Also allow for storing the extra ingredients and for the time needed to mix the batter and cook the pancakes.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the gluten-free Koopmans mix may contain egg and milk. Choosing a gluten-free option doesn’t automatically rule out other allergens.
Check the current label and, if preparing a separate option, agree on the ingredients, equipment and information you’ll give attendees.
A small pack means making more individual batches for a large serving round. The Koopmans shaker pack in this product selection contains 175 g, compared with 400 g in the two larger packs.
Choose a pack size that suits your planned batch size. You could reserve a small pack for a separate preparation.
ALDI Nederland’s own-label range includes an Original basic mix.
PLUS offers an Original basic mix and a 400 g Complete mix.
AH Complete mix is a water-based mix for preparing on site.
Jumbo offers a 400 g Complete mix.
Koopmans offers several pancake mixes, including Original, Complete and gluten-free varieties.
Lidl’s baking brand offers a 400 g Original pancake mix.
These Koopmans packs include 400 g mixes, a smaller shaker pack and a Complete variety. Choose a pack size and preparation method to suit the batches you can make at the conference venue.
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This 400 g pack could work well if you’re planning larger batches. Before preparing it, check which additions this variety needs, and read the current allergen information before serving.
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This 400 g pack suits a plan where you list the ingredients needed for each batch. Check the preparation instructions on the pack you buy, and make allergen information available if you’re serving the pancakes unpackaged.
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The 175 g shaker pack could work for a small, separate batch. For a larger serving round, plan how many packs and preparation rounds you’ll need, and check the additions and allergens on the label.
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This 210 g Complete variety could suit a smaller batch if you want to measure out fewer separate ingredients. Follow the preparation instructions on the pack and check the allergens, even if you’re adding water.
Choose a basic mix if you’ve already arranged the milk, eggs and preparation on site. Choose a complete mix if measuring out fewer separate ingredients is more important. Whichever you choose, check the instructions for cooking fat and work out how many batches you’ll need.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about the 14 specified allergens must be available before purchase when you offer unpackaged food. For cereals containing gluten, you must name the specific cereal. You can provide the information in writing or electronically, or verbally under the applicable conditions.
No. The gluten-free label doesn’t mean that it’s free from other allergens. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the gluten-free Koopmans mix may contain egg and milk. Check the current label and plan preparation and information for attendees according to the product you choose.
