Anyone short on preparation time
If you want to make small pancakes without measuring out lots of ingredients, look for complete mixes and shaker bottles. Check whether you need to add water or milk, and how much batter the pack makes.
Who are these mixes for?
Guests with different tastes
A classic or wholegrain mix lets you pair one batter with sweet and savoury toppings. Serve the toppings separately so guests can choose for themselves. Bear in mind that a wholegrain option may taste different from a classic mix.
Label-conscious eaters
If you need to cater for gluten, milk or egg allergies, or want a plant-based preparation, check the specific mix and whatever you add to it. To compare nutritional values, use the same basis, such as per 100 g of prepared product.
What should you look for when choosing?
If anyone has dietary restrictions, check the packaging first. Then decide how much preparation you’re happy to do and whether one batter needs to work with different toppings.
| What to consider | Check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Less preparation | Do you need to add water, milk or eggs? Check the stated yield too. | When guests have already arrived, I want to make batter without lots of measuring or washing up. Around 33% of consumers prioritise keeping preparation to a minimum. |
| Sweet and savoury | Choose a classic base or a wholegrain option whose flavour works with both types of topping. | For a spread with cheese and syrup, I don’t want to make two types of batter. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
| Grain type and nutritional information | Check the ingredients and compare fibre and salt on the same nutritional basis. | I want to be able to weigh up a wholegrain option against a classic mix, even though the toppings will affect the final nutritional value. For around 27% of consumers, this comparison is the main consideration. |
| Allergens and dietary preferences | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and check what the preparation instructions call for. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know whether both the dry mix and the prepared batter are suitable. For around 13% of consumers, this is their first concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholegrain is the obvious choice for every guest
A wholegrain mix may taste different from a classic mix, and the ingredients you add and the toppings you serve also affect the finished dish. The Koopmans and Jumbo varieties reviewed also contain gluten-containing cereals.
Ask which flavours and ingredients suit your guests, serve toppings separately and compare nutritional information on the same basis.
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Assuming a complete mix is free from milk and eggs
Here, ‘complete’ means it takes fewer separate ingredients to prepare. According to product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS, the complete mixes reviewed contain milk and egg ingredients.
If anyone has an allergy, read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging before choosing a variety.
Brands compared
Koopmans
Koopmans offers classic, wholegrain, complete and shaker-bottle varieties, among others. Compare the preparation instructions for each product rather than going by the mix name alone.
- The brand describes Koopmans Origineel as a base for sweet and savoury toppings.
- The ingredients you need to add and the allergens vary by variety, so check the packaging of the mix you’re buying.
Albert Heijn
The AH range includes wholegrain, multigrain and complete pancake mixes, among others.
- AH describes its dry wholegrain mix as vegan and lactose-free, and also provides a plant-based preparation option.
- The standard preparation for this mix uses milk and eggs. Follow the appropriate instructions if you want a plant-based result.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists plain, complete and wholegrain pancake mixes in its range.
- The ingredients in Jumbo Mix voor Pannenkoeken Volkoren include wholemeal wheat, oat and buckwheat flour.
- This wholegrain variety contains gluten-containing cereals. If you have dietary restrictions, check the current allergen information.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and complete pancake mixes, among others, with ingredients to add varying by variety.
- According to the product information, you only need to add water to PLUS Complete.
- The ingredients in PLUS Complete include wheat flour, whey powder and egg powder.
Albona
ALDI lists both a plain and a multigrain pancake mix under the Albona brand.
- These two varieties offer a choice between plain and multigrain.
- If ingredients or allergens are a deciding factor, read the label on your chosen variety before buying.
Belbake
Lidl lists a multigrain pancake mix among its Belbake products.
- The multigrain variety mentioned comes in a 120 g pack, which is worth bearing in mind when planning how much batter to make.
- Check the label on this variety if ingredients, allergens or nutritional values will influence your choice.
Pancake mixes for a drinks party
These Koopmans mixes give you a choice between a shaker bottle that you add water to and two mixes that need additional ingredients. Choose the preparation method that suits the quantity you want to make and the toppings you’re serving.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
The shaker bottle is a good choice if you want to make a smaller amount of batter for a drinks party without using a mixing bowl. According to Joybuy, you add 350 ml of water. If you have dietary restrictions, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix, 400 g
Consider this grain-based option if you want to serve one batter with both sweet and savoury toppings. You’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it; this isn’t a mix that only requires water. If you have dietary restrictions, check the current packaging.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix, 400 g
This classic option is ideal for a drinks party where guests can choose between sweet and savoury toppings. You’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it; check the current allergen information before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix takes the least preparation for a drinks party?
A complete mix that only needs water means fewer separate ingredients. A shaker bottle can also save you using a mixing bowl, but check whether you need to add water or milk for each variety, and how many pancakes the pack makes.
Can I make both sweet and savoury pancakes with one mix?
Yes. A classic mix can be used as a base for both types of topping; Koopmans suggests syrup and cheese, among other options, for Origineel. A wholegrain variety is another option if its flavour works with your guests’ tastes and the toppings you’re serving.
Is a complete mix suitable for someone with a milk or egg allergy?
Don’t assume so: the complete mixes described by Albert Heijn and PLUS contain milk and egg ingredients. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the specific variety.
Does gluten-free also mean free from milk and eggs?
No. Albert Heijn states that Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij may contain egg and milk. Check the packaging for each individual dietary restriction.
How do I compare the nutritional information for wholegrain and classic mixes?
Compare the same nutritional basis, and take a look at the ingredients and anything you add yourself. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products per 100 g. For pancake mix, also check whether the values apply to the dry mix or the prepared product.