When planning a get-together, start by deciding how many pancakes you want to make and which ingredients you already have. A plain mix, such as PLUS's, needs milk, eggs and cooking fat; a complete mix or shaker bottle could be a good choice if you want fewer separate ingredients to sort out, but be sure to check the preparation instructions. Choose wholegrain if you have a preference for wholegrains, and always check the current packaging and allergen information if you need a gluten-free option.
If you have milk, eggs and cooking fat ready, you could consider a standard plain mix. Check how much dry mix is in the pack and which ingredients the recipe calls for, so you can choose a pack that suits your get-together.
A complete mix or shaker bottle can make preparation easier. Just be sure to read the instructions: the name of a variety doesn’t tell you by itself what else you need to add.
If you prefer wholegrains, the type of grain is an important factor in your choice. If you need a gluten-free option or have to avoid an allergen, check the current ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about cross-contamination.
First, decide how many pancakes you’d like for your get-together, then check which extra ingredients you’ll need. A preference for wholegrains or an essential allergen requirement may affect your choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of mix | Check the pack weight and the stated yield, if this is shown on the packaging. | If I’m making pancakes for a small get-together, I don’t want to open more mix than I need. For around 25% of consumers, getting the right amount is the top priority. |
| Extra ingredients | Check what you’ll need in addition to the mix; PLUS lists milk, eggs and butter or oil for its plain mix. | I want to be able to get started without having to sort out lots of separate ingredients first. Around 25% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Wholegrain | Check which types of flour the mix contains, and read the allergen information too. | If I’m choosing wholegrains, I want to be able to identify the type of grain on the packaging. For around 25% of consumers, this is the first thing they consider. |
| Allergens and gluten-free options | Read the current ingredients, allergen information and warnings about possible cross-contamination. | If I need to avoid a particular allergen, I can’t rely on the name of the variety alone. For around 25% of consumers, this requirement takes priority over the other choices. |
According to the preparation instructions, you’ll also need milk, eggs and butter or oil for the PLUS plain mix. Without these ingredients, you won’t be able to make the recipe as directed on the pack.
Before you leave, check what you need to add and see what you already have at home.
According to the ingredients information, PLUS’s wholegrain mix contains wholemeal wheat flour and wholemeal oat flour. So the wholegrain label doesn’t mean that the mix is gluten-free.
If you need a gluten-free option, choose a product that is explicitly labelled as gluten-free, and check the current label and preparation environment.
PLUS says that product information and ingredients can change. This is particularly important if you need to avoid a specific allergen.
When you buy the product, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack again.
ALDI’s Albona range includes a plain pancake mix.
PLUS offers a plain mix and a separate wholegrain mix, so you can start by choosing the type of grain you prefer.
Koopmans offers a range that includes an original mix, a complete variety and a shaker bottle.
These Koopmans varieties offer options for a smaller portion, a preference for wholegrains or a bigger stack of pancakes. Check which ingredients you need to add for each variety; a standard or wholegrain mix is not the same as a gluten-free mix.
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An option for a smaller get-together if you want fewer separate ingredients to sort out. Check the packaging to see what you need to add to this complete mix, and check the current label if you have any allergies.
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A variety for anyone who specifically wants to choose wholegrains for their get-together. Check the preparation instructions for the ingredients you need to add; wholegrain doesn’t mean gluten-free.
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A shaker bottle for anyone who’d rather not measure out every ingredient separately for a smaller get-together. Check what you need to add before use, and read the label if you have any allergies.
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A standard mix for anyone planning to make a bigger stack of pancakes for a get-together. Remember that you’ll need extra ingredients, and follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
It varies by product. For PLUS’s plain mix, the preparation instructions call for 800 ml semi-skimmed milk, 3 eggs and butter or oil per 400 g of mix. Check the instructions on the pack you’re buying before getting the other ingredients ready.
No, these labels mean different things. According to the product information, PLUS’s wholegrain mix contains wheat and oats. If you need a gluten-free option, look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the current packaging.
Read the allergen information and ingredients on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be clearly listed on food labels; if you’re avoiding gluten, also check for warnings about possible cross-contamination.
No. According to Jumbo’s product information, Koopmans Compleet batter is not intended to be eaten raw and must be heated through completely.
Follow the storage instructions and use-by information on your packaging. PLUS’s product information says to store its mixes in a cool, dry place; also check whether the opened pack needs to be sealed tightly.
