Brunch cooks feeding a crowd
If you’re cooking for several guests, factor in the pack size, the stated yield and any milk, eggs or cooking fat you’ll need to add when planning your shopping.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Busy Easter breakfast planners
If you’d rather not gather lots of separate ingredients, consider a complete mix or shaker bottle. Check how many pancakes the pack makes; ready-made pancakes don’t need to be mixed into a batter.
Shoppers with dietary or allergen requirements
Read the current ingredients and allergen information, even for a specialist variety. For example, a mix labelled gluten-free may still contain egg or milk.
What should you look for at Easter brunch?
First decide whether you want to cook batter or simply heat up pancakes. If you choose a mix, compare the added ingredients and stated number of pancakes per pack; if you have dietary or allergen requirements, always check the label on the variety you choose.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping for a larger group | Check the pack size and whether the instructions call for milk, eggs or cooking fat. | When I’m cooking for several guests, I don’t want to discover halfway through that I still need more ingredients. This shopping-planning factor comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Minimal preparation | Check what you need to add and whether you make the batter in a bowl or in the packaging. | When I’m short on time to make batter, I want to get started with fewer separate ingredients. Around 27% of consumers prioritise simple preparation. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label, including the ingredients, allergens and any statements about possible traces. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to be sure what’s listed on the pack I’ve chosen. This check is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Portions and product type | Compare the stated yield and check whether you’re buying a dry mix or ready-made pancakes. | For a small breakfast, I don’t want to make more batter than I need; for a brunch, the yield should suit the number of guests. Around 20% of consumers prioritise planning portions. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Looking only at the pack of mix
With a basic dry mix, you may need to add milk, eggs and cooking fat. A complete mix may call for different additions.
Read the preparation instructions before you finish shopping for brunch.
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Choosing a shaker bottle for any group size
According to Joybuy product information, the 210 g Koopmans Complete Pancake Mix Shaker Bottle makes 4 to 6 pancakes. That may not be enough for the group you’re hosting.
Work out how many pancakes the specific pack makes and how many guests you’ll have; don’t choose based on convenience alone.
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Assuming gluten-free means free from all allergens
Albert Heijn’s product information states that Koopmans Gluten-Free Pancake Mix may contain egg and milk.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ve chosen, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
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Treating dry mix and ready-made pancakes as the same thing
With a dry mix, you make and cook the batter yourself; ready-made pancakes just need heating. So the amount of work involved before serving is different.
First decide whether you want to cook the pancakes yourself or simply heat them up quickly, then choose the right product type.
Brands to compare
These brands offer different types of pancake mix and pancake products. Always compare the specific variety, as preparation methods and ingredients can vary within the same brand.
Albona
Albona is ALDI’s own brand. The plain dry pancake mix reviewed comes in a 400 g pack.
- A plain variety in a 400 g pack for making your own batter.
- Check the ingredients and preparation method on the pack of the variety you buy.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells its own pancake mixes in plain, multigrain and wholemeal varieties.
- The range offers a choice of ingredients within its own-brand selection.
- Check the current ingredients and any additions needed for each variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells its own plain, complete and organic pancake mixes, as well as branded products.
- You can choose between a basic mix and a complete mix, with different preparation methods.
- Check what you need to add for each pack; these product types are not interchangeable.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and complete pancake mixes; the plain variety reviewed comes in a 400 g pack.
- According to PLUS, its complete mix needs water, plus butter or oil for cooking.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the current pack.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers regular and complete mixes, a shaker bottle and ready-made pancakes, among other products.
- According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet needs only water for the batter, while Origineel also needs milk and eggs.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean it’s free from egg or milk.
Pancake mixes for making your own on Joybuy
These are dry Koopmans mixes for making your own pancakes: two 400 g packs and a 210 g complete mix in a shaker bottle. Choose based on the extra ingredients required and how many pancakes you want to make.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A pack of mix for making your own batter when cooking for several people.
Pack size: 400 g. Check the preparation instructions and allergens on the pack before cooking.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A regular mix for a brunch where you can use milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare the batter.
Pack size: 400 g. Koopmans states that one pack of Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes. Check the current pack for preparation instructions and allergen information.
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Koopmans Complete Pancake Mix Shaker Bottle 210 g
A shaker bottle for making a smaller amount of batter without adding milk or eggs separately.
Pack size: 210 g. According to Joybuy product information, add 350 ml of water and the bottle makes 4 to 6 pancakes. Check the pack for allergen information and cooking instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when making pancakes for a large group?
Check the stated yield per pack and what else you need to add. Koopmans says one pack of Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes, while the 210 g shaker bottle is intended to make 4 to 6 according to Joybuy product information. Choose an amount to suit your guests.
What do I need to add to a complete mix or shaker bottle?
It depends on the product. According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet needs water for the batter; the Koopmans Complete Pancake Mix Shaker Bottle needs 350 ml of water, according to Joybuy product information. PLUS also says to use butter or oil for cooking with its complete mix. So, check the instructions on the pack you choose.
Is gluten-free pancake mix also free from egg and milk?
Not necessarily. Albert Heijn’s product information states that Koopmans Gluten-Free Pancake Mix may contain egg and milk. Before use, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
When should I choose ready-made pancakes instead of a mix?
Choose ready-made pancakes if you just want to heat them up and don’t want to make batter. Koopmans says its ready-made variety should be kept in the freezer and takes one minute to heat in the microwave. If you want to make your own batter and decide how much to prepare, choose a dry mix.