Who is this choice relevant to?

Stallholders planning to sell Dutch doughnuts

Traditional deep-fried Dutch doughnuts need to be proved and deep-fried. Koopmans’ instructions for its doughnut mix differ from those for its pancake mix.

Stallholders making pancakes

If pancakes are on the menu, the main thing to check is which ingredients you’ll need in addition to the mix. Preparation instructions vary by product.

Stallholders selling unpackaged food

If you’re selling food from a stall, you’ll need to put food safety procedures in place and be able to tell customers about allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the requirements for food sellers.

What should you look for when choosing?

Pancake mix

Choose it when: You’re cooking pancakes in a frying pan.

Bear in mind: The plain mixes reviewed need milk and eggs; check the instructions for the product you choose.

Dutch doughnut mix

Choose it when: You’re selling traditional deep-fried Dutch doughnuts.

Bear in mind: The Koopmans mix reviewed contains yeast and needs time to prove before deep-frying.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Mix that suits your menu Check whether the preparation instructions are for cooking pancakes or for proving and deep-frying Dutch doughnuts. I want to sell Dutch doughnuts, not discover while preparing them that I’ve chosen a pancake mix. Around 42% of consumers put choosing a mix that suits the menu first.
Ingredients to add Check which ingredients you need in addition to the mix for each product; PLUS plain mix needs milk and eggs, while PLUS complete mix needs water. When I’m making pancakes, I want to know what I need to add to the mix before I buy it. Around 33% of consumers say this is their top priority.
Preparing food at your stall Check that the preparation method, cleaning and allergen information fit with the way you work. I need to be able to prepare the recipe carefully while selling and tell customers about allergens. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing pancake mix for traditional Dutch doughnuts

    The Koopmans instructions reviewed describe different methods: cooking pancakes in a frying pan, as opposed to leaving Dutch doughnut batter to prove and then deep-frying it.

    Decide on your menu before choosing a mix, and follow the preparation instructions for the food you’re selling.

  • Forgetting to add ingredients to the mix

    The PLUS plain mix reviewed needs milk and eggs, while the complete mix is made with water according to the instructions. So each product needs different preparation.

    For each mix you choose, make a full list of ingredients based on the packaging and your recipe.

  • Checking allergens in the dry mix only

    Any ingredients you add yourself also determine which allergens are in the food you sell. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires you to inform customers about the 14 specified allergens.

    Check the packaging and every ingredient you add for each recipe, and keep the information available when you’re selling.

  • Planning how you’ll work at the stall only after buying ingredients

    You need to be able to prepare your recipe safely while selling. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires food sellers at markets and events to follow a HACCP food safety plan.

    Before buying ingredients, plan how you’ll wash your hands, keep equipment clean and check temperatures.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Koopmans makes separate mixes for pancakes and Dutch doughnuts. This distinction matters if you haven’t settled on your stall’s menu yet.

  • The pancake mix reviewed needs milk, eggs and baking fat or oil; according to Koopmans, its Dutch doughnut mix contains yeast and needs time to prove before deep-frying.
  • Koopmans describes its Dutch doughnut mix as a seasonal product. Check availability before planning your purchases.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn stocks several types of pancake mix, including plain and complete varieties.

  • Albert Heijn lists plain and complete varieties in 400 g packs.
  • Check the exact product when you buy it; not every variety previously available will remain in the range.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists plain and complete own-brand pancake mixes.

  • The range includes both a plain variety and a complete variety in 400 g packs.
  • Read the preparation instructions on the pack you choose to find out what you need to add.

PLUS

The PLUS products reviewed show why plain and complete mixes need different preparation.

  • According to PLUS, its 400 g plain mix needs 800 ml semi-skimmed milk and 3 eggs; its 400 g complete mix is made with 700 ml water.
  • Also check which butter or oil you’ll need for frying the recipe you choose.

Albona

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

  • ALDI lists a 400 g Albona plain mix.
  • The multigrain product listed is a pancake mix; don’t choose it for traditional Dutch doughnuts just because of its name.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pancake mix to make traditional Dutch doughnuts?

For traditional deep-fried Dutch doughnuts, choose a doughnut mix rather than assuming pancake mix will work as a substitute. The pancake mix reviewed is cooked in a frying pan; Koopmans’ recipe for its doughnut mix requires the dough to prove before deep-frying.

Do I need to register if I sell food from a stall regularly?

Yes. If you sell food several times a year, you must register with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The NVWA says you don’t need to register if you sell food only once a year; check which other requirements apply to your activity.

What allergen information should I give customers buying unpackaged pancakes or Dutch doughnuts?

Tell customers about the 14 specified allergens, as required by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. For each product you sell, base the information on the exact mix packaging and every ingredient you add yourself.