Households with fussy eaters
Want a base that can be served with toppings and fillings on the side, so the eater can choose what goes on their pancake.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Budget-conscious households
Compare not just the pack weight, but also the stated yield and what else is needed to prepare the mix.
Busy home cooks
Want to measure out fewer ingredients. A complete mix can be useful, as long as the instructions and ingredients suit your household.
What should you consider when choosing?
Start with the flavour and texture the eater will accept. Then compare the preparation method and yield; if there’s an allergy, the ingredients list on the pack is what matters most.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Predictable flavour | Check which grains are in the mix and, if you prefer, keep toppings separate. | If a child prefers to eat ingredients separately, I want to decide what goes on the pancake. For around 36% of consumers, that predictable base would be the top priority. |
| Value for a meal | Compare pack weight and stated yield, along with any ingredients you need to add. | When I’m making pancakes for several people, I want to know how many a pack will make and what else I’ll need. That overall value for a meal would come first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Easy preparation | Check whether the instructions call for water, milk, eggs or cooking fat. | On a busy day, I want to measure out as few extra ingredients as possible. Less preparation would be the main need for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current label, including statements such as ‘may contain’. | If someone needs to avoid an ingredient, I want to know what’s in this mix before using it. For around 14% of consumers, checking this would be the top priority. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming pack weight tells you how much the mix will make
Mixes with a similar pack weight may require different additions. So the weight alone doesn’t tell you everything you need to know to prepare the whole batch.
Compare the stated yield and preparation instructions before choosing.
-
Assuming ‘original’ means egg- or milk-free
Koopmans Origineel 400 g, listed by Jumbo, may contain egg and milk; according to Jumbo, Koopmans Compleet 400 g contains whey powder and hen’s egg powder. So the variant name alone doesn’t tell you enough about allergens.
Check the current label every time you buy, even if you’ve used the same mix before.
-
Choosing wholegrain when you want a simple base
The Koopmans Meergranen 400 g described by Jumbo combines different types of grain. It’s a different choice from a mix for anyone looking for a familiar, straightforward flavour.
Choose wholegrain if the eater is happy with this combination; otherwise, serve toppings separately with a plain mix.
-
Relying on online product information alone
Albert Heijn says product information can change. Lidl Netherlands states that it doesn’t provide a general online list of ingredients, allergens or nutritional information for its food products.
Before use, check the pack for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Brands compared
Koopmans
Jumbo lists several varieties, including Origineel, Compleet and Meergranen.
- According to Jumbo, the listed 400 g Compleet variety needs only water; for Meergranen 400 g, Jumbo lists milk, eggs and cooking fat.
- Ingredients vary by variety. Check the label if you need to avoid egg, milk or certain grains.
AH
Albert Heijn lists own-brand varieties including plain, complete and organic wholegrain.
- The varieties offer a choice between a straightforward base and mixes with different grains or preparation methods.
- Check the ingredients and instructions on each individual pack; the variety name alone doesn’t tell you what you need to know.
Belbake
Lidl lists Belbake Pannenkoekenmix origineel, 400 g, with a stated yield of around 12 pancakes.
- The stated pack weight and yield are useful when comparing portions.
- Lidl Netherlands doesn’t provide a general online list of ingredients, allergens or nutritional information for food products; check the pack for these details.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes suit three choices for a fussy eater: a plain base with toppings of your choice, a complete mix or a mix with several grains. Compare the preparation instructions on each pack and check the label if you need to avoid any ingredients.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker mix for anyone making a smaller batch and serving toppings separately.
Pack weight: 175 g. Check the preparation instructions and label for required ingredients and allergens.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
An original mix for anyone who likes to serve toppings on the side.
Pack weight: 400 g. The Origineel variety listed by Jumbo contains wheat, rye and buckwheat, and may contain egg and milk. Check the current label and any ingredients you need to add.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A complete mix to consider if you want to use fewer extra ingredients.
Pack weight: 210 g. Check this pack to see which liquid you need and to read the ingredients and allergen information.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A wholegrain mix for an eater who is happy with a base made from different types of grain.
Pack weight: 400 g. For the Meergranen variety described by Jumbo, you’ll need 900 ml milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil. Check the instructions and allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Which pancake mix should I choose for a fussy eater?
A plain mix is a sensible place to start if the eater prefers to keep toppings separate. Choose a wholegrain mix only if they’re happy with the combination of grains in terms of flavour and texture; also check what needs to be added for each variety.
Does a complete pancake mix always need fewer extra ingredients?
Check each pack. Jumbo says that Koopmans Compleet 400 g needs only water, while the Koopmans Meergranen 400 g described by Jumbo needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. Don’t assume the instructions on these packs apply to other sizes or varieties without checking first.
How do I check for allergens in pancake mix?
Before using the mix, read the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statement on the pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the 14 designated allergens must be clearly distinguishable in the ingredients list of prepacked foods.
Can I rely on online allergen information for Belbake?
Check the pack before choosing Belbake if ingredients or allergens are important to you. Lidl Netherlands says that it doesn’t provide a general online list of ingredients, allergens or nutritional information for its food products.