Start with the number of pancakes you want to serve, then work out how many packs you need based on the yield per pack. A complete mix means you’ll need fewer extra ingredients; with a plain or multigrain mix, you can choose what to add to the batter yourself. If anyone has dietary requirements, always check the label on the exact pack you’re buying, even if the mix is described as gluten-free or complete.
Who should consider this choice?
If you’re cooking for a large group
If you’re expecting several guests, you’ll want to know how many packs you need before you go shopping. Yields vary by mix: Koopmans says its Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes per pack, while Albert Heijn lists around 12 pancakes per pack for AH Naturel.
If you want to keep preparation simple
Along with setting the table and preparing toppings, you don’t want to discover that you’re short of milk or eggs. That’s when the difference between a mix that only needs water and one that requires extra ingredients really matters.
If you need to cater for dietary requirements
If any of your guests need to avoid certain ingredients, the mix’s name and preparation method aren’t enough. Check the ingredients, allergens and any may-contain warnings on the pack you’re actually using.
What should you look for when shopping?
First decide how many pancakes you want to make. Then choose a preparation method and check that the mix and any ingredients you add are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider |
What to check |
Who it matters to |
| Enough portions |
Check the yield per pack and round up the number of packs you need. If you’re buying a multipack, check how many individual packs it contains. |
If pancakes are the main course, I don’t want to run out of batter halfway through cooking. Around 33% of consumers put having enough portions first. |
| Minimal preparation |
Check which liquid, eggs and cooking fat you’ll need for your chosen mix. |
If there are other dishes on the table too, I want to keep the extra ingredients I need to prepare to a minimum. Around 27% of consumers prioritise keeping preparation simple. |
| Dietary requirements |
Check the ingredients and may-contain warnings on the exact pack, as well as the ingredients you plan to add yourself. |
If a guest needs to avoid gluten, milk or eggs, I want to know in advance which batter I can serve and whether I’ll need to prepare it separately. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Leftovers |
Match the number of packs to the portions you’re planning and check how to store any unused mix. |
I want to have enough in the cupboard without opening more packs than I need. Keeping leftovers to a minimum matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
Common planning mistakes
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Relying on a small shaker as your main supply
A shaker isn’t the same as a standard pack. Joybuy lists a yield of 4 to 6 pancakes for the 210 g Koopmans Schudfles Compleet, while Koopmans says a pack of Origineel makes 11 to 13.
Plan for the whole group using the yield stated on the pack you’re buying. A shaker can also be handy for making a small extra batch.
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Assuming ‘complete’ means suitable for everyone
Only needing to add water doesn’t mean a mix is suitable for someone with an allergy. The complete mixes mentioned contain ingredients such as wheat, milk and eggs; a gluten-free mix may also contain eggs or milk.
Check the current label, and make sure any added ingredients and cooking equipment are suitable for your guests’ needs too.
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Treating a multipack as one large pack
Albert Heijn says its 3-pack of Koopmans Origineel is supplied as individual items. The yield and preparation instructions therefore apply to each pack separately.
Count the individual packs and multiply the required ingredients accordingly before you go shopping.
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Leaving an opened pack of mix unsealed
You may have some dry mix left after your dinner party. The Voedingscentrum advises storing pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.
Seal the pack after use and follow the use-by or best-before information on the label.
Brands to consider as a guide
Koopmans
Offers original, complete and gluten-free pancake mixes, among others. Compare the varieties by yield and preparation method.
- Koopmans lists a yield of 11 to 13 pancakes per pack for Origineel. Albert Heijn says you only need to add water to the complete mix.
- PLUS says Koopmans’ gluten-free mix may contain eggs and milk. Check the label for each variety.
Albert Heijn eigen merk
AH Naturel is a mix for anyone who wants to choose their own batter ingredients.
- Albert Heijn lists a yield of around 12 pancakes per pack for AH Naturel.
- Before making the mix, check which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed on the pack.
Jumbo eigen merk
Offers several types of pancake mix, including plain and complete varieties.
- You can browse the range to find a preparation method that suits your plans.
- Check current availability and ingredients for each variety, as these differ between mixes.
PLUS eigen merk
PLUS Complete is an option if you want to make batter using water.
- PLUS lists its complete mix in a 400 g pack, with 700 ml of water and cooking butter or oil needed for preparation.
- A complete preparation method doesn’t mean you can skip checking the ingredients and allergens.
Albona bij ALDI
Albona offers plain and multigrain mixes, among others, for anyone who wants to make the batter themselves.
- ALDI lists 400 g packs for these varieties.
- Check the preparation instructions and allergens on the pack for your chosen variety.
Belbake bij Lidl
Belbake Origineel is a standard mix that you can use to plan how many packs you’ll need for a dinner party.
- Lidl lists a yield of around 12 pancakes for the 400 g pack.
- Lidl says this variety is only available in store. Check the label before preparing it.
Pancake mixes for planned portions
This selection of Joybuy products includes 400 g packs for planning portions for a group, as well as smaller shaker packs for a small batch or top-up. Work out how much you need based on the pack you choose, and check which ingredients you still need to add.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A multigrain mix for anyone who wants to add their own ingredients to the batter. Before planning to use several packs for your dinner party, check the yield and preparation instructions on the pack.
If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the ingredients and may-contain information too.
View on Joybuy
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A standard mix that you can plan for a large group by buying several packs. Koopmans lists a yield of 11 to 13 pancakes per pack for Origineel.
Remember to factor in the ingredients you need to add to the batter according to the pack, and multiply the quantities by the number of packs.
View on Joybuy
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete shaker 210 g
This shaker is handy for making a small amount of batter or an extra batch. Joybuy lists a yield of 4 to 6 pancakes per bottle, so you’ll need several for a large group.
Check the preparation instructions and label if any guests need to avoid certain ingredients.
View on Joybuy
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A smaller shaker for anyone who wants to make a small amount of batter at a time. Before your dinner party, check how many portions the pack makes and how much milk you’ll need according to the preparation instructions.
If you’re catering for dietary requirements, read the allergen and may-contain information on the exact pack.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
How many packs of pancake mix do I need for a dinner party?
Divide the number of pancakes you want to serve by the yield per pack, then round up to the next whole pack. Koopmans says a pack of Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes, while Albert Heijn lists around 12 per pack for AH Naturel. Use the yield for the pack you’ve chosen when working out what to buy.
When should I choose a complete pancake mix?
A complete mix is handy if you want to prepare fewer ingredients for the batter. The Koopmans and PLUS mixes mentioned only need water, but check whether you’ll also need cooking fat, and read the allergen information on the label if you’re catering for dietary requirements.
Is gluten-free pancake mix also free from milk and eggs?
No, you can’t assume that from the gluten-free label. PLUS says Koopmans’ gluten-free mix may contain eggs and milk, so check the label as well as the ingredients you add during preparation.
How should I store pancake mix left over after the dinner party?
Store opened dry mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Also follow the storage and shelf-life information on the pack.