New to pancake-making, with basics in the cupboard
If you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat, you could try a plain mix. Compare the instructions on the pack you choose with what you have in your kitchen.
Which mix is right for you?
First-time buyer with few ingredients in stock
If you’d rather not buy lots of separate ingredients for one meal, look for a complete mix. Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete both say to add water to the batter; you’ll still need butter or oil for frying.
Shopping to meet dietary or allergy requirements
If you’re looking for a gluten-free mix, for example, or need to avoid milk or eggs, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack of the exact variant. The product name alone won’t tell you which other ingredients or allergens to look out for.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with what you already have at home and how much preparation you’re happy to do. Then check the variant you’ve chosen and, if relevant, the allergens listed on the pack.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients required | Check whether you’ll need milk, eggs or cooking fat as well as the mix. | I already have milk and eggs at home and want to choose a mix that suits what I have. For around 33% of consumers, the extra ingredients needed are the main consideration. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether you need to add water or milk, and whether you’ll need a bowl or can mix everything in the bottle. | I have few ingredients in stock, so I want to measure as little as possible and avoid buying lots of separate items. Easy preparation is the deciding factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statement on the pack. | I need to check whether this particular variant meets my requirements, for example around gluten, milk or eggs. For around 22% of consumers, this is the first priority. |
| Type of grain | Check whether the pack says wholemeal or multigrain, and what you need to add to make it. | I’m specifically looking for a wholemeal or multigrain variant and want to know what I’ll need at home. For around 12% of consumers, the type of grain is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Only checking the mix in the pack
A plain mix may need milk and eggs, while some complete mixes only need water added to the batter. This difference matters most when you’re doing the shopping for a meal for the first time.
Read the instructions for the exact variant and add any extra ingredients you need to your shopping list.
-
Assuming gluten-free means free from all allergens
A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether the product contains other ingredients or allergens, such as milk and eggs.
Check the full ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement on the pack separately.
-
Keeping prepared batter in a shaker bottle
PLUS says that batter made in its plain shaker bottle should be used straight away after mixing with milk.
Only mix the batter when you’re ready to start cooking, and make an amount that suits the number of people eating.
-
Assuming an online listing means it’s in stock in store
Lidl lists its original Belbake pancake mix as an item available in store only.
Check availability at the branch where you plan to shop.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers several pancake mix variants, including Compleet and a variant labelled gluten-free.
- For its Compleet variant, Albert Heijn says to add water to the batter.
- Check what you’ll need and the allergens for each variant; a gluten-free label doesn’t tell you about other allergens.
AH
AH offers a plain pancake mix that you make with separate ingredients.
- The instructions say to use 3 eggs and 800 ml semi-skimmed milk.
- You’ll also need margarine or oil. Check the pack if you want to use different ingredients.
PLUS
PLUS offers a complete mix, a wholemeal mix and a plain mix in a shaker bottle, among other options.
- The instructions for PLUS Complete say to use 700 ml water and butter or oil for frying.
- PLUS’s wholemeal mix, by contrast, calls for 1000 ml milk and 4 eggs; the shaker bottle has different instructions again.
Albona
Albona is an ALDI brand with a plain mix and a separate multigrain variant.
- ALDI describes its plain mix as one that you make with milk and eggs.
- Check which variant is available at the store you’ve chosen, and follow the instructions on that pack.
Belbake
Belbake is a baking brand in Lidl’s range, which includes an original pancake mix.
- Lidl says the original mix makes around 12 pancakes.
- Lidl states that this mix is available in store only, so check availability at your branch.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes offer a few different options for your first shop: fewer separate ingredients, a standard mix if you already have the basics at home, or a specific type of grain. Check the instructions and allergen information on each pack.
No image available
Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
If you want to do as little measuring as possible, this shaker bottle could be a good fit for your shop. Check the instructions and make sure it yields enough for your meal; if you have an allergy, read the label too.
No image available
Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
If you already have milk and eggs at home, you can compare this standard mix with what’s on your shopping list. Check the pack to see how much to add and which allergens may be relevant to you.
No image available
Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
This variant could be a good choice if you’re specifically looking for a mix with different grains. Check how much milk, how many eggs and what cooking fat you’ll need before you shop; the name of the grain doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and allergens.
No image available
Xiaoyeqingzhu High-Calcium pancake mix with milk flavour, 100 g
If you’d like to buy a small pack, first check that it’s enough for the number of people eating. Read the instructions and ingredients on the pack too; don’t assume anything about its nutritional value based on the variant name.
No image available
g'woon Pancake Mix Complete, 200 g
If you’re looking for a mix labelled Complete, don’t rely on the name alone: check the pack to see what you need to add. If you have an allergy, compare the ingredients list and allergen information, especially for milk, eggs and wheat.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix can I choose if I haven’t got any milk or eggs at home?
A complete mix that you make with water could be an option. Koopmans Compleet and PLUS Complete both say to use 700 ml water for the batter; you’ll still need butter or oil for frying. Always check the instructions on the pack you choose.
How should I store an opened pack of pancake mix?
Store pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by the Voedingscentrum. Seal the pack properly again after opening.
What should I look for on the label if I need to check for allergens?
Read the allergen information on the current pack of the exact variant you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists 14 allergens that must be declared on the label. Also check for a ‘may contain’ statement if this is relevant to you.