Organising on a budget
You’re cooking for a group and want to leave room in your budget for toppings or other dishes. Check how many packs you’ll need, and include the cost of milk, eggs and cooking fat if you choose a basic mix.
Which option works best for you?
Short on preparation time
You’re making other dishes as well as pancakes. A complete mix means fewer extra ingredients to measure out, while a shaker bottle lets you mix a small portion in the container.
Cooking for guests with different needs
You want to offer a choice of toppings, but need to know what’s in the mix you’ve chosen. Check the allergen information and any warnings on the packaging for each option.
What should you look for when choosing?
Basic mix
When to choose it: You’re cooking for several guests and already use milk, eggs and cooking fat.
The trade-off: You’ll need to add those ingredients yourself. Also check how many pancakes each pack makes.
Complete mix
When to choose it: You want fewer separate ingredients to prepare for the batter.
The trade-off: Adding water doesn’t mean the mix is free from milk or egg.
Shaker bottle
When to choose it: You’re making just a small batch of pancakes alongside other dishes.
The trade-off: Check how many pancakes the bottle makes and what liquid you need to add.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for your group | Check the pack weight, stated yield and how much milk, how many eggs and how much cooking fat you’ll need. | When I’m cooking for a group, I want to make enough batter without forgetting the other ingredients. Around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Preparation | Read the instructions: some mixes need extra ingredients, while others call for water or milk in a shaker bottle. | When there are several dishes on the menu, I want to spend less time measuring and mixing. Easy preparation is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and check the exact pack for any statements about possible traces. | When a guest has an allergy, I want to know what the mix contains before making the batter. This check comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Room for toppings | Check whether the mix is described as a base for sweet and savoury pancakes, and plan your toppings separately. | When I’m serving a range of toppings, I want to choose one pancake base that works with them. Around 20% of consumers put this kind of menu variety first. |
Common mistakes
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Focusing only on the mix
A basic mix may also need milk, eggs and cooking fat. When you’re cooking for a group, the yield per pack also determines how many packs you’ll need.
Before you shop, make a list of the mix, any required extras and the toppings you’ll need for your guests.
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Assuming ‘complete’ or ‘vegan’ means ‘allergen-free’
According to PLUS, PLUS Complete contains milk and egg. Another version may also state that it could contain an allergen. The product format or name is no substitute for checking the ingredients list.
Check the label on the exact pack you’re using. If someone has a severe allergy, talk to them about what’s suitable.
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Choosing a shaker bottle without checking the yield
A bottle is handy for making a small batch, but you may need several for a group. Some shaker bottles also require you to add milk.
Check the yield and preparation instructions before deciding how many bottles you’ll need for the evening.
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Tasting raw batter
According to Voedingscentrum, raw batter or dough made with raw flour or egg can make you ill. This is especially important if children or other vulnerable guests are eating with you.
Don’t taste raw batter. Cook the pancakes thoroughly, and wash your hands and utensils after handling raw batter.
Brands to consider
ALBONA
ALBONA is an ALDI own-brand range that includes a 400 g plain pancake mix.
- The plain version is a basic mix for anyone who wants to decide how to prepare it themselves.
- Before buying, check the label on this version if you’re cooking for guests with dietary requirements.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and complete pancake mixes, as well as a shaker bottle. The ingredients you need to add vary by version.
- According to PLUS, with PLUS Complete you add water and cooking fat instead of milk and eggs separately.
- PLUS Complete contains milk and egg. Check the current packaging and preparation instructions for each version.
Albert Heijn
Alongside plain mix, Albert Heijn offers pancake mixes made with other grains and using different preparation methods.
- The range gives you a choice of mix to suit your menu.
- Check the ingredients and any extras needed for the exact version you choose, as they aren’t the same for every mix.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers several types of pancake mix, including Original and versions made with different grains or using different methods.
- According to Koopmans, one pack of Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes, which can help when you’re planning for a group.
- Original requires milk, eggs and butter. Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the pack you choose.
Belbake
Belbake is Lidl’s baking brand, with an original pancake mix in a 400 g pack.
- Lidl states that this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the pack in store.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These Koopmans mixes offer three ways to prepare for a global food night: basic mixes for a group, a shaker bottle for a small batch and a complete version when you want to add fewer separate ingredients. Compare the yield and label on each pack.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
Consider this basic mix if you’re cooking for several guests. Check how many pancakes each pack makes, what you need to add and the ingredients if anyone has specific dietary requirements.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
This basic mix is a good choice for a group with a range of toppings. According to Koopmans, one pack of Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes, and you add milk, eggs and butter. If anyone has allergies, check the label on the exact pack.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
The shaker bottle is an option when you want to make a small batch alongside other dishes. Check how many pancakes it makes and what liquid the packaging says to add.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
This complete version is a good fit if you want fewer separate ingredients to prepare. Check the instructions and yield for your group. If anyone has allergies, check the label specifically for milk and egg.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of mix should I choose for a global food night with a group?
A basic mix is practical if you already use milk, eggs and cooking fat. Use the yield per pack to work out how much batter you’ll need. A complete mix or shaker bottle may need different additions and make a different number of portions.
Do I still need to add milk and eggs to a complete mix?
According to PLUS, with PLUS Complete you add water and cooking fat, rather than milk and eggs separately. The mix does contain ingredients from milk and egg, so check the label if this matters to a guest.
How can I check whether a mix is suitable for guests with allergies?
Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the exact pack you’re going to use. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the label. Don’t rely on the name or brand of the mix alone.
Can I taste raw batter or keep mixed batter for later?
Don’t taste raw batter: Voedingscentrum warns of the risks from raw flour and egg. Follow the instructions for your chosen mix when storing it. With the PLUS shaker bottle, batter mixed with milk must be used straight away.