If you’re cooking for a larger group
You’ll want to know how many pancakes a pack makes and what else you’ll need. So compare the amount of mix and the preparation instructions, rather than just looking at the front of the pack.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to keep separate ingredients to a minimum
You want to spend less time measuring things out before your guests arrive. With Koopmans and PLUS complete mixes, you add water; also check which cooking fat you’ll need. A shaker is mainly worth considering if you’re making a smaller batch.
If you need to consider allergies or dietary requirements
You want to choose an option that suits your guests’ needs. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, even if the mix only needs water added.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want to make the pancakes yourself or simply heat them up. If you’re making them yourself, choose a pack size and preparation method that suit the number of guests.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for your group | Check the pack size, stated yield and which ingredients you need to add yourself. | If I’m cooking for several guests, I want to plan enough batter without overlooking any extra ingredients. Around 39% of consumers put planning for a group first. |
| Preparation | Check whether you need to add milk and eggs or water, and which cooking fat is needed. | With guests on the way, I want to measure out as few separate ingredients as possible. For around 23% of consumers, ease of preparation matters most. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces on the current packaging. | If a guest has a food allergy, I want to know what a specific variety contains before choosing it. Around 23% of consumers put this check first. |
| Make them yourself or heat them up | For ready-made pancakes, check the number of pancakes in the pack and the heating instructions. | If there’s little time to make batter and cook pancakes, I’d rather just heat them up. Around 15% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Planning for the amount of dry mix alone
A base mix may also require milk, eggs and cooking fat. For example, PLUS says its Naturel mix needs 800 ml of milk, 3 eggs and butter or oil for 400 g of mix.
Before you shop, read the preparation instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and work out how many packs you’ll need for your group.
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Assuming a mix that needs water contains no milk or eggs
Adding water says nothing about the ingredients in the powder. PLUS lists wheat, milk and eggs among the ingredients in its Complete mix.
Ask guests with relevant allergies what they need, then check the current label for the specific variety.
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Planning to use a shaker for a large group
A small shaker may not make enough pancakes for everyone. Koopmans says its shaker makes around five pancakes.
Compare the stated yield with the number of portions you’re planning and check whether you’ll need more than one pack.
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Not checking how many ready-made pancakes are in the pack
For a pack of pancakes that just need heating, the number of pancakes determines how many guests you can serve. Don’t rely on an online product title alone when planning.
Check the pack for the number of pancakes, total weight, allergens and heating instructions.
Brands to compare
Koopmans
Koopmans offers Original and Complete mixes, as well as smaller shaker varieties.
- Koopmans says its Original pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes, while Complete makes 8 to 10.
- Original needs milk, eggs and cooking fat; with Complete, you add water. Check the allergens on the packaging for both varieties.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes several types of pancake mix, including plain, complete, multigrain, wholemeal and spelt.
- You can compare varieties with different preparation methods and types of grain.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and yield for each individual pack; they may differ.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes Naturel, Complete and Wholemeal, as well as other pancake mixes.
- Naturel and Complete offer different ways to prepare the batter.
- Check each variety to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed.
PLUS
The own-brand range includes a dry Naturel mix and a 400 g Complete mix.
- According to PLUS, Naturel needs milk, eggs and butter or oil; with Complete, you add water and cooking fat.
- The Complete mix contains wheat, milk and eggs, among other ingredients. Check the label if these allergens are relevant to a guest.
Albona
Albona is ALDI’s brand, offering plain and multigrain pancake mix.
- The two types give you a choice of mix.
- Check the preparation instructions, ingredients and allergens on the pack of your chosen variety.
Belbake
Belbake is a Lidl baking brand, with products including 400 g Pannenkoekenmix origineel.
- Lidl says this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergens and anything you need to add.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes are for making pancakes yourself: two 400 g packs and two smaller options for anyone making a smaller batch. Choose a pack to suit the number of guests and check what you need to add during preparation.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
A pack for anyone who wants to make pancakes themselves and is looking for a mix with several types of grain. Check the preparation instructions and allergen label before cooking for guests.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
A base mix for anyone who wants to cook for a group. Koopmans says its Original pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes. Remember to allow for milk, eggs and cooking fat, and check the current allergen label.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A smaller complete mix for anyone making a smaller batch. Check how much water the pack calls for, how many pancakes it makes and which allergens are listed.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
A shaker for a smaller group or as an addition to a larger batch of batter. Check how much milk you need to add, the stated yield and the allergen label.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a base mix and a complete pancake mix?
It mainly comes down to what you need to add to the batter. According to PLUS, its Naturel mix needs milk and eggs, while PLUS Complete needs water; you’ll also need cooking fat for frying. Always read the instructions for the variety you choose.
How many pancakes does one pack make?
It varies by product. Koopmans says its Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes and its Complete mix makes 8 to 10; Lidl says its 400 g Belbake Original mix makes around 12. Check the packaging and use the stated yield to plan how much you’ll need for your guests.
Is a mix that only needs water suitable for someone with a milk or egg allergy?
Not necessarily: the dry mix itself may contain milk or eggs. PLUS lists both in its Complete mix. Ask your guest what they need and check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging.
Can I rely on the allergen information on the online product page?
Check the label on the pack you buy too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods, so you can check the information for the specific variety.
Are ready-made pancakes the same as pancake mix?
No. With pancake mix, you make the batter and cook the pancakes yourself; the traditional Dutch pancakes described by ALDI are ready to heat up. Before planning portions, check the number of pancakes in the pack and the heating instructions.