If you’re starting just before your get-together
You want to make the batter without measuring out lots of separate ingredients. A complete packet mix and a shaker bottle can both be convenient, but you’ll need to add different things to each.
Which option is right for you?
If you’re catering for dietary requirements
If a guest needs to avoid gluten, milk or eggs, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, as well as anything you add to the batter and toppings.
If you’re cooking for a larger group
You’ll want to make enough pancakes to share, perhaps with both sweet and savoury toppings. The stated yield and any additional ingredients you’ll need can help you plan ahead.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether preparation, dietary requirements or the number of guests will guide your choice. Then compare the preparation instructions and the label on the pack you’re planning to buy.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Check which liquid and other ingredients you need to add, and whether the prepared batter should be used straight away. | If I’m starting just before the get-together, I want to know whether water is enough or if I need to get milk and eggs ready. Around 40% of consumers prioritise simple preparation. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the exact pack; also consider anything you’ll add yourself. | If a guest needs to avoid gluten, milk or eggs, I want to be able to assess the whole preparation process. Around 30% of consumers prioritise suitable ingredients. |
| Yield and variety | Compare the stated yield per pack with the number of guests and the ingredients needed to prepare the mix. | For a larger group, I want to know how many pancakes I can make and whether I can offer a range of toppings. Yield and variety are the most important factors for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Using ‘medium sliced’ as a way to choose pancake mix
A slicing size won’t help you assess how to prepare a pancake mix or how much it will make. If you’re thinking of bite-sized snacks, it’s about how you serve the cooked pancakes.
Choose your mix based on how it’s prepared, its yield and its ingredients; decide on the size of the bites when serving.
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Assuming a complete mix is allergen-free
The PLUS Complete mix discussed here is made with water, but according to PLUS it contains wheat, milk and eggs. So, even if you don’t need to add something yourself, it may already be in the mix.
As well as checking the preparation instructions, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
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Checking only whether the mix is gluten-free
The standard preparation instructions for the Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten mix discussed here also call for milk and eggs. A gluten-free mix won’t automatically meet other dietary requirements.
Also check the liquid, any substitutes, the cooking fat and the toppings you’ll use.
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Mixing all the batter well in advance
PLUS says that batter made from the natural shaker bottle discussed here should be used straight after mixing with milk. The instructions for a dry mix are therefore not the same as those for prepared batter.
Adjust the amount to suit your guests, and follow the instructions on the relevant pack for any leftover mix or batter.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a range of pancake mixes, including a wholegrain variety and shaker bottles.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Meergranen mix discussed here makes 11–13 pancakes per pack and can be served with sweet or savoury toppings.
- This variety requires 900 ml milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil. If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the ingredients on the pack you choose.
PLUS
PLUS offers a complete packet mix, a natural shaker bottle and a wholemeal packet mix, among other options.
- According to PLUS, the Complete mix is made with water; for the natural bottle, milk is mixed into the contents.
- The Complete mix discussed here contains wheat, milk and eggs. If you have allergies, assess each variety separately.
Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten
A range that includes a pancake mix for anyone specifically looking for a gluten-free option.
- Jumbo displays the Crossed Grain symbol on the mix discussed here.
- The standard preparation instructions call for milk and eggs; check separately whether these and any substitutes meet your dietary requirements.
Albona
Under its Albona own-brand label, ALDI lists plain and wholegrain pancake mixes in 400 g packs.
- The choice between plain and wholegrain makes it easy to identify the type of product.
- If you’re choosing a mix for someone with allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.
Belbake
Lidl lists a 400 g pack of Belbake Original Pancake Mix.
- According to Lidl, the pack makes around 12 pancakes, which can help you plan how much you’ll need.
- If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes suit two practical needs for a get-together: less preparation or a pack that makes several pancakes. To work out how much you need for your guests, check the yield on the pack and always read the label if you’re catering for dietary requirements.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
An option for a smaller get-together when you want to keep the number of separate ingredients to a minimum. Check the preparation instructions and ingredients if your guests need to avoid wheat, eggs or milk.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
Consider this pack if you’re making pancakes for several guests. Check the stated yield and have the required ingredients ready; read the label if anyone needs to avoid gluten, milk or eggs.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A packet mix to consider if you want to make a stack of pancakes with a range of toppings. Plan how much you’ll need using the yield on the pack, and check which ingredients you need to add.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker bottle for anyone who wants to do less mixing for a smaller get-together. Before buying, check how much milk you’ll need and how many pancakes the bottle makes; if you have dietary requirements, check the ingredients too.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix should I choose if I don’t want to add milk or eggs?
Choose a mix whose preparation instructions say to add only water as the liquid. According to PLUS, the Complete mix discussed here requires 700 ml water and baking butter or oil, but the mix itself does contain milk and eggs. So, check the label too if you need to avoid those ingredients.
Is gluten-free pancake mix also free from milk and eggs?
Not necessarily: the standard preparation instructions for the Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten mix discussed here call for milk and eggs. Check the ingredients on the pack and anything you add yourself if there are other dietary requirements to consider.
How can I cater for allergens when cooking for several guests?
Ask which ingredients you need to consider, then check the pack for the exact mix, including any warnings and preparation instructions. According to the Voedingscentrum, the relevant allergens must be clearly listed on the label; don’t forget the cooking fat and toppings.
How should I store leftover dry pancake mix?
Store dry mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Also follow the use-by and storage instructions on the pack.
Can I prepare batter from a shaker bottle in advance?
Follow the instructions for the specific bottle: for the natural shaker bottle discussed here, PLUS says to use the batter straight after mixing it with milk. So, don’t mix it any earlier than necessary if that’s what your pack advises.