For someone buying for the whole family
They want enough mix for several people to enjoy at one meal, so they check the stated yield per pack and what other ingredients are needed.
Who is the gift for?
For someone who wants to keep preparation simple
They want the recipient to need as few extra ingredients as possible for the batter. A complete mix could be a good fit, as long as the necessary cooking equipment is available.
For someone mindful of allergens
They check that the ingredients and allergen information are suitable for the recipient before giving the gift. A gluten-free label alone does not tell you whether a product contains egg or milk.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the number of people eating and the yield per pack. Then check which ingredients are needed, whether the mix is suitable for the recipient and how you want to present the gift.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | Compare the stated number of pancakes or portions with the number of people eating, not just the pack weight. | If the mix needs to feed several people, I don’t want to find I need a second pack straight away. Around 31% of consumers prioritise getting enough to go round. |
| Preparation | Check whether water is enough for the batter or whether you’ll also need milk and eggs. Remember that you’ll need cooking fat and a pan too. | If I don’t know what the recipient has at home, I want to keep extra shopping to a minimum. Around 25% of consumers prioritise ease of preparation. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack, including for complete or gluten-free mixes. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check the gift is suitable first. Around 25% of consumers put this check first. |
| Gift presentation | Decide whether to give a single pack or a gift box, and check the contents of every item in a gift set. | If I want the gift to look special too, I pay attention to the packaging and what’s inside. For around 19% of consumers, presentation is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Giving a shaker bottle as the only mix for the whole family
The Koopmans shaker bottle described by Albert Heijn makes 4 to 6 pancakes. Koopmans says a pack of Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes, so that difference matters if the mix is meant to feed everyone at dinner.
Choose the bottle as a small gift or an extra, or compare the yield of larger packs for a family meal.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Offers Original and Compleet, as well as a gluten-free option and shaker bottles.
- Koopmans says Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes; with Compleet, you only need to add water to make the batter.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety. Gluten-free does not automatically mean free from egg or milk.
Albert Heijn
Offers own-brand mixes in a range of sizes and recipes, including plain and multigrain.
- The range includes smaller and larger packs, so you can compare the stated yield with the number of people eating.
- Albert Heijn says its small plain pack makes 4 to 6 pancakes. Check whether that’s enough for your meal.
Jumbo
Offers a plain and a complete pancake mix, both in 400 g packs.
- Jumbo says its 400 g plain mix makes around 12 portions.
- Jumbo Compleet lists wheat, milk and egg among its ingredients. If allergens are a consideration, check the label on both varieties.
PLUS
Offers complete, plain shaker-bottle and wholemeal mixes, among others.
- PLUS says its complete mix is made with water. Its wholemeal mix contains 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour.
- PLUS lists milk as an ingredient needed for its plain shaker-bottle mix. Check the preparation instructions for each variety.
Belbake
Lidl describes its original pancake mix as a 400 g pack.
- Lidl says it makes around 12 pancakes, which is useful when comparing pack size with the number of people eating.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before choosing the mix for someone with dietary requirements.
Albona
ALDI offers pancake mixes under its own brand, including a 400 g multigrain variety.
- The stated pack weight gives you a useful starting point when choosing a gift.
- Also compare the stated yield and check the label for ingredients and allergens. Pack weight alone doesn’t tell you how many pancakes you can make.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These 400 g mixes are worth considering if you’re looking for a larger pack to serve as the basis for a family meal. If you’re buying one as a gift, also check which ingredients the recipient will need to have at home.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A larger pack for anyone giving the mix as part of a family meal.
According to the product information, you’ll need milk, eggs and butter or oil to prepare it. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
A classic mix for a family meal, if the recipient can add the ingredients for the batter themselves.
According to the product information, you’ll need milk, eggs and butter or oil to prepare it. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How much pancake mix should I give for a family meal?
Choose based on the number of people eating and the yield stated on the pack, not just its weight. Koopmans says Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes and Compleet makes 8 to 10. A Koopmans shaker bottle described by Albert Heijn makes 4 to 6 pancakes.
Can the recipient start cooking straight away with a complete mix?
According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to the batter for Koopmans Compleet, but you’ll still need a pan and cooking fat to make the pancakes. Read the instructions for your chosen variety before giving it as a gift.
Is a gluten-free mix also suitable for someone who can’t have egg or milk?
Not necessarily. The Koopmans gluten-free mix described by Albert Heijn requires milk and eggs to be added. For the recipient in question, check both the ingredients needed and the allergen information on the pack.