Brunch-goers looking for multigrain pancakes
You want several types of grain in your pancakes, but you know there’s a difference between multigrain, wholegrain and a mix with seeds.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Home cooks who want to keep preparation simple
You’re comparing a complete mix with a standard mix that still needs milk and eggs.
Shoppers checking for allergens
Before buying, you check the packaging to see which grains and other allergens are present or may be present.
What should you look for when choosing?
For your Easter brunch, first decide what ingredients and preparation method you want. Then choose a pack size and any additional ingredients to suit your guests.
Multigrain mix
Choose this when: You want a mix with different types of grain and don’t mind adding ingredients to make the batter.
Keep in mind: ‘Multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether seeds are included.
Complete mix
Choose this when: You don’t want to add milk and eggs separately; according to PLUS, its Complete mix is made with water.
Keep in mind: PLUS says this mix contains milk ingredients and egg powder.
Add seeds separately
Choose this when: Seeds are important for the texture you want, but they’re not on the ingredients list of your chosen mix.
Keep in mind: Check the ingredients and allergens in anything you add, too.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Grains and texture | Check the label for the types of grain, wholegrain ingredients and any seeds. Compare fibre figures only on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | I want to know what gives the pancakes their texture, rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’. This composition is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the exact variant. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I don’t want to rely on the front of the pack. Allergen checks are the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check which liquids, eggs and cooking fats you’ll need according to the instructions. | For brunch, I want to prepare as few separate ingredients as possible. This convenience matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
| Yield | Check the pack size, stated yield and anything else you’ll need for the number of guests. | For a larger group, I want to know how many pancakes I can make with the pack I choose. This planning is the deciding factor for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means the mix contains seeds
The ingredient lists shown for Koopmans Multigrain and AH Multigrain include different grain ingredients, but no seeds. The texture may therefore be different from what you expect.
If seeds are a must, read the ingredients list. Also check the ingredients of anything you add yourself.
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Only checking the front of the pack if you have allergies
Multigrain mixes can contain different grains that contain gluten. PLUS also states that egg and milk may be present in the Koopmans Multigrain mix it lists.
Before use, check the label on the exact pack, including any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
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Confusing pack size with how many pancakes you’ll make
The pack size alone doesn’t tell you how many pancakes you’ll make or which other ingredients you’ll need to prepare. Check the preparation instructions, too.
Compare the stated yield and method of preparation with the number of guests and the rest of your brunch plans.
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Tasting raw batter
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw flour and raw egg can contain harmful bacteria.
Don’t taste the batter raw, and cook the pancakes thoroughly before serving.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers, among other products, a 400 g multigrain mix and a multigrain shaker bottle.
- Albert Heijn gives a yield of 11 to 13 pancakes for the 400 g multigrain mix. According to Koopmans, the shaker bottle needs milk and around one minute of shaking.
- The ingredient list shown for the multigrain mix doesn’t confirm that it contains seeds; check the allergen information, too.
AH
Albert Heijn lists several pancake mixes under its own brand, including a multigrain option.
- Albert Heijn also describes a plant-based preparation option for AH Multigrain.
- The listed ingredients include grains that contain gluten; check the label separately for the possible presence of other allergens.
Albona
ALDI lists a 400 g Albona multigrain baking mix for pancakes.
- The stated pack size helps you compare how much you’ll need for your brunch.
- Check the packaging to see which ingredients and allergens apply to this variant.
PLUS
PLUS lists both a plain pancake mix and a Complete mix.
- According to PLUS, you need 700 ml of water to make the batter using its 400 g Complete mix.
- PLUS lists wheat, milk ingredients and egg powder in the Complete mix; check the current label.
Belbake
Lidl lists a 120 g Belbake multigrain pancake mix.
- The stated pack size gives you a useful starting point when planning how much you’ll need.
- Check the label for the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for the pack you choose.
Pancake mixes for different brunch plans
These Joybuy products give you a choice between a mix whose grain composition you’ll want to check, a basic mix that you can add seeds to if you like, and a Complete option for anyone who wants to prepare fewer separate ingredients. Check the current label for each variant if seeds or allergens are important to you.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
For a brunch where you want to consider the grain composition; check the current label to see whether it contains the seeds you’re looking for. Pack size: 400 g.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A basic mix if you want to add seeds yourself; check the ingredients and allergens in both the mix and anything you add. Pack size: 400 g.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
For a smaller brunch when you want to prepare fewer separate ingredients; follow the preparation instructions and check the allergens on the packaging. Pack size: 210 g.
Frequently asked questions
Does multigrain pancake mix always contain seeds?
No, the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that seeds are included. They aren’t listed in the ingredient lists shown for Koopmans Multigrain and AH Multigrain. Check the label if you definitely want them in your mix.
What else do I need to add to pancake mix?
It depends on the variant. According to the product information, Koopmans Multigrain needs 900 ml of milk and 2 eggs, while PLUS specifies 700 ml of water for its Complete mix. You’ll also need cooking fat for frying. Follow the instructions on the pack you’re using.
What should I check on the pack if I have an allergy?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact packaging, including warnings about possible traces. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods. Don’t rely on the name of the mix alone.
Can I taste pancake batter raw?
Don’t taste pancake batter raw. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that raw egg and flour can contain harmful bacteria. Cook the pancakes thoroughly before serving.
How should I store an opened pack of pancake mix?
Store the dry mix in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Before use, check for any unusual smells or signs of insects.