Who are these options for?

Cooking for a group

You want to make enough pancakes for several people. Compare how many each pack makes and check which ingredients you’ll need to add yourself.

Keeping preparation to a minimum

You’d rather measure out fewer individual ingredients or avoid using a separate bowl. A complete mix and a shaker bottle each cut out different steps, so check what you’ll need to add to each pack.

Checking the label

You choose based on the ingredients or allergens. The words ‘plain’ or ‘complete’ don’t tell you which grains, milk or egg a particular mix contains.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how many pancakes you want to make and how much preparation you’re happy to do. Then compare the ingredients and anything you’ll need to add to the specific mix.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Yield and ingredients needed Check how many pancakes each pack makes and whether you need to add milk, eggs or cooking fat. When I’m cooking for a group, I want to know how many packs and extra ingredients I’ll need. Around 46% of consumers put the total ingredients needed first.
Preparation Check whether the mix calls for water or milk, and whether you make the batter in a bowl or a shaker bottle. After a busy day, I want to keep the steps to a minimum before the pancakes go in the pan. Easy preparation is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients list, allergen warnings and anything you’ll be adding at home. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in the mix. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers.
Sweet or savoury meal Consider whether you want to choose the batter ingredients and toppings yourself, or would rather heat ready-made pancakes. I want to choose what goes in or on my pancakes, and I’m happy to cook them myself. Around 9% of consumers give this freedom top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Only checking the dry mix

    According to PLUS, PLUS plain mix needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. PLUS Complete calls for water and cooking fat. So the ingredients you’ll need and the preparation steps are different.

    Before you buy, check what you’ll need on the specific pack and make sure the stated yield is enough for your group.

  • Assuming a vegan label means it’s allergen-free

    Albert Heijn labels its plain mix as vegan, but also says that it may contain egg and milk. This warning still matters, whatever method you use to prepare the batter.

    If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the current pack.

  • Choosing a shaker bottle for a large group without checking the yield

    According to the product information at PLUS, the 175 g Koopmans shaker bottle makes enough for 4 to 6 pancakes. That may not be enough for the number you want to serve.

    Compare the stated yield with the number of people you’re feeding before choosing a pack size or format.

  • Tasting raw batter while cooking

    The Voedingscentrum warns that raw flour can contain harmful bacteria; raw egg also needs to be handled and cooked carefully.

    Don’t taste the batter raw, and make sure the pancakes are cooked through.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Koopmans

Koopmans offers ranges including Origineel and Compleet, with different preparation methods.

  • According to Koopmans, one pack of Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes.
  • Origineel needs milk, eggs and cooking fat; for Compleet, Koopmans says to add water to the batter. Check the ingredients of the version you choose too.

AH huismerk

Albert Heijn’s plain mix comes in a 400 g pack and makes around 12 pancakes.

  • Albert Heijn also gives a plant-based preparation method for this mix.
  • The usual preparation method calls for milk, eggs and cooking fat. The mix contains wheat and oats, and may contain milk and egg, among other allergens.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo has a separate 400 g pancake mix labelled gluten-free and bearing the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • The product information lists a plant-based drink or egg substitute as possible additions.
  • Jumbo says this version is no longer available in its online range. Check what’s currently available and read the label of any alternative.

PLUS huismerk

PLUS offers both a plain mix and a 400 g Complete mix.

  • According to PLUS, Complete needs water and cooking fat instead of separate milk and eggs for the batter.
  • The plain version needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. Complete itself contains milk and egg, among other ingredients, so the two versions aren’t interchangeable if you have allergies.

Albona

ALDI lists a 400 g Albona multigrain pancake mix.

  • It’s a dry mix for anyone who wants to make pancakes from scratch.
  • Check the pack to see which ingredients and additions apply to this version.

Belbake

Lidl lists a 400 g pack of original Belbake pancake mix, which makes around 12 pancakes.

  • The stated yield helps you work out how many packs you’ll need for your group.
  • Lidl says this version is only available in store. Check the label and current availability there.

Pancake mixes on Joybuy

These products are for making pancakes at home: a 400 g pack of mix for a stack, and a 175 g shaker bottle for anyone who’d rather make a smaller batch.

Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g

Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g

For anyone who wants to make a stack of pancakes at home. The pack contains 400 g of mix; check the preparation instructions and allergens on the label.

View at Joybuy
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g

Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g

A shaker bottle for anyone who wants to make a smaller batch without using a separate mixing bowl. The pack contains 175 g of mix; check how much liquid you’ll need and whether the yield is enough.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you always need to add milk and eggs to pancake mix?

No, it depends on the version. According to PLUS, its plain mix needs milk, eggs and cooking fat, while PLUS Complete calls for water and cooking fat. A shaker bottle may need milk instead, so check the instructions for the specific product.

Is a mix labelled vegan suitable if you have a milk or egg allergy?

Don’t rely on that label alone. Albert Heijn says its plain mix may contain milk and egg. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the current pack.

Can you taste raw pancake batter?

It’s not recommended. The Voedingscentrum warns that raw flour can contain harmful bacteria. Don’t taste the batter raw, and make sure the pancakes are cooked through.

How should you store an opened pack of pancake mix?

Store it in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum for pancake flour. Also follow the storage instructions on the specific pack.