Who is this choice relevant to?

Caterers creating a distinctive buffet

Want their pancakes to complement a brunch, lunch or dessert buffet – perhaps with a multigrain or buckwheat mix and toppings to match.

Organisers with limited preparation time

Need a recipe that requires fewer additional ingredients when workspace, refrigeration or staff are limited at the venue. The complete mixes reviewed here are made with water, but you’ll still need cooking fat for frying.

Caterers managing dietary requirements

Want to plan a separate gluten-free preparation and inform guests about allergens in the varieties being served before service begins.

What should you look for?

First, decide which guests you need to cater for and how the pancakes will be served. Then compare the ingredients you’ll need, the number of portions each pack makes and how the mix works with your toppings.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important for?
Allergens and separate preparation Read the latest allergen information, including possible traces and the specific gluten-containing cereal. Decide whether you’ll need separate equipment. If I’m making pancakes for guests with different dietary requirements, I want to know what’s in each variety being served and avoid cross-contact. Allergen management is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Preparation and service Compare the ingredients you’ll need to add and plan your available cooking capacity; even a complete mix still needs to be cooked. For a short conference break, I want to be able to make the batter without adding extra milk and eggs. Fast service matters most to around 27% of consumers.
Buffet presentation and flavour Choose between a classic base, multigrain or buckwheat, and try the pancakes with the toppings you plan to serve. For a buffet with its own distinctive character, I want to know whether the batter and toppings work well together. Around 20% of consumers prioritise presentation above all else.
Portions and stock Compare the stated yield per pack and test it using the pan size and portion size you plan to serve. If I’m serving lots of portions, I want to avoid running out of mix or additional ingredients during service. Portion planning comes first for around 20% of consumers.

Common considerations

  • Assuming an organic label means better results when serving

    An organic label or a different grain profile may suit your buffet concept, but it doesn’t automatically tell you how the pancakes will taste with your toppings or how quickly you’ll be able to serve them.

    Try the complete combination and compare the ingredients, additions, yield and allergens for each pack.

  • Assuming a complete mix is ready to serve

    Making the mix with water means fewer ingredients to add, but you’ll still need cooking fat and a plan for sharing allergen information. The complete varieties reviewed contain relevant allergens.

    Plan for pans, cooking fat and staff, and read the label before choosing a mix for your station.

  • Serving gluten-free pancakes without a separate preparation method

    A gluten-free mix may contain other allergens. Shared bowls, spatulas or pans can also lead to cross-contact.

    Use separate equipment and keep the latest ingredients and allergen information for each variety being served readily available.

  • Estimating the number of portions from pack weight alone

    Koopmans says its Origineel mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes, while PLUS gives a yield of 12 to 14 for Koopmans bio meergranen. According to PLUS, a 175 g Koopmans shaker bottle makes 4 to 6 pancakes.

    Make a test batch using the pan size you plan to use, then work out how many packs and additional ingredients you’ll need.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Offers original, complete, organic multigrain and gluten-free pancake mixes, among other varieties.

  • According to Koopmans, Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes per pack, while Compleet is made with water.
  • Ingredients needed for preparation and allergens vary by variety. According to Albert Heijn, the gluten-free mix may contain egg and milk; check the label on the pack you choose.

Smaakt

An organic buckwheat mix for a buffet where the choice of ingredients can take centre stage.

  • The mix listed by PLUS contains 90% organic buckwheat flour, as well as tapioca flour.
  • You’ll need ingredients including milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it. PLUS lists possible traces of peanuts, soya, nuts and sesame.

PLUS

A supermarket own brand offering, among other products, a complete and a plain pancake mix.

  • According to PLUS, the complete mix is made with water and cooking butter or oil.
  • According to the product information, the complete variety contains wheat, milk and egg; a simple preparation method doesn’t remove the need to check for allergens.

Albona

ALDI’s own brand, with plain and multigrain pancake baking mixes.

  • ALDI lists 400 g packs for these pancake mixes.
  • Test the results using your own pan size and toppings, and check the pack for preparation instructions and allergen information.

Belbake

Lidl’s own brand, with an original pancake mix as a classic buffet option.

  • Lidl states that the 400 g pack makes around 12 pancakes.
  • Before use, check the pack for ingredients, allergens and any additional ingredients required.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to provide allergen information at a pancake station?

Yes. If you’re serving unpackaged pancakes, you must tell guests about any allergens they contain. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists the 14 allergens you need to provide information about. For cereals containing gluten, you must also specify which cereal it is. Make sure the information is available where you’re serving the pancakes.

Is a complete mix useful for a short conference break?

A complete mix can make preparing the batter easier: according to their product information, Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete are both made with water. You’ll still need cooking fat, pans and time to cook the pancakes, so match the number you can cook at once to the length of the break.

Is a gluten-free mix suitable for all guests with allergies?

No. Gluten-free doesn’t mean free from other allergens. Albert Heijn says the Koopmans gluten-free mix reviewed may contain egg and milk. Check the latest label and avoid cross-contact if you’re offering a separate gluten-free preparation.

How should I store cooked pancakes during service?

Store and serve them in line with the applicable HACCP procedures. For unpackaged perishable food, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority recommends, among other things, keeping hot food at 60 °C or above and chilled food at 7 °C or below. Check the temperature during service using a suitable thermometer.