Stocking up with basic ingredients already at home
You usually have milk, eggs and cooking fat to hand and want a dry pancake mix to keep in the cupboard. You’ll also want to check how many packs suit your household’s needs.
Which mix is right for you?
Keeping fewer separate ingredients on hand
You want to be able to make pancakes without also having to stock up on milk and eggs. A complete mix that only needs water, according to its preparation instructions, could be a good fit.
Checking the label carefully
You choose based on the grains, ingredients and allergens in the specific product. A brand name or the word ‘complete’ isn’t enough to tell you whether it’s suitable.
What should you look for when stocking up?
First, decide which ingredients you want to keep alongside the mix. Then consider how much you use and read the label for each variety.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the right amount in stock | Check the pack weight, the stated number of servings and the best-before date. | If I’m stocking up on several packs, I want the quantity to suit what we use at home. Having the right amount in stock is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients to use with the mix | Read the preparation instructions and check whether you also have milk, eggs and cooking fat in stock. | I don’t want to discover I need more ingredients only when I’m ready to start cooking. Planning for these extras is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Making pancakes with water | Check exactly what the complete variety requires for preparation. | If I don’t want to keep milk and eggs separately, I look for a mix that only needs water. That convenience matters most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen. | If a particular grain, allergen or dietary preference guides my choice, the specific variety needs to meet that requirement. Checking the label is the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Planning for the dry mix alone
According to the product information, AH and PLUS plain pancake mixes also need milk, eggs and butter or oil. So one pack of mix on its own isn’t enough to make pancakes.
Check what else you need before buying several packs, and see which extras you already have at home.
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Assuming ‘complete’ means suitable for every dietary need
According to Koopmans, its Pannenkoeken Compleet needs only water for preparation, but the mix contains ingredients including wheat, whey powder, egg and rye.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack. Don’t assume a product is suitable based on its preparation method or brand name.
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Stocking up on extra packs without rotating them
The best-before date on an unopened pack helps you plan your supplies. Once it’s open, it’s important to seal it properly too.
Put packs with the shortest best-before dates at the front, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If you transfer the mix to a storage container, keep the product name and date information too.
Brands to consider
ALBONA
ALDI’s own brand offers 400 g packs of plain and multigrain pancake mix.
- The two varieties mentioned let you choose between plain and multigrain within the same brand.
- Check the ingredients needed and the information on each pack before stocking up.
PLUS
PLUS’s own brand includes plain, complete and wholemeal pancake mixes.
- According to PLUS, its complete mix needs water and cooking fat, while the plain mix also needs milk and eggs.
- The preparation instructions for one variety won’t necessarily apply to another, so check the pack you’ve chosen.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own brand includes plain, wholemeal and multigrain mixes, among others.
- AH’s product information lists the extra ingredients needed for its plain mix and says each pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Ingredient information can change. If you have a dietary requirement, check the current label for the variety you’ve chosen.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers classic, multigrain, gluten-free and complete pancake mixes.
- According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to prepare its Pannenkoeken Compleet mix.
- ‘Complete’ doesn’t mean allergen-free: check the ingredients and allergens for each product. A gluten-free label on one variety doesn’t apply to the whole range.
Belbake
Lidl’s baking brand offers a 400 g pack of original pancake mix.
- Lidl says this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the pack and preparation instructions of the product you’re buying in store.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These products offer different ways to keep pancake mix in stock: a basic mix, a complete mix for making pancakes with water, and varieties with different packaging or grain ingredients. Check what else you’ll need to prepare each product.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
A good choice if you want to keep a smaller pack in the cupboard. You’ll need milk to prepare it; check the amount required and the allergens on the pack.
- Pack size: 175 g.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
Ideal if you’d rather not keep milk and eggs separately for making pancakes. This complete mix is designed to be made with water. Check the ingredients and allergens, as the preparation method doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
- Pack size: 210 g.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix, 400 g
A good choice if you’re looking for this particular grain variety. Remember to have milk, eggs and cooking fat ready, and check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
- Pack size: 400 g.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix, 400 g
A basic mix for anyone who has milk, eggs and cooking fat ready for making pancakes. Read the preparation instructions and label before stocking up on several packs.
- Pack size: 400 g.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix, 100 g
A good choice if you want to keep a small pack in stock. You’ll need water and an egg to prepare it; check the preparation instructions and allergens on the label before use.
- Pack size: 100 g.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave milk and eggs out of my ingredients stock when using a complete pancake mix?
According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet. That doesn’t tell you what’s in the mix, so check the label if milk or egg is a concern for you.
How should I store opened pancake mix?
Seal the dry mix tightly after opening and follow the storage instructions on the pack. If you use a storage container, make sure the product name and best-before date are still easy to identify.
Can I use pancake mix after its best-before date?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a best-before date relates to quality; it isn’t an automatic cut-off after which an unopened product can no longer be used. Consider how the product has been stored and check its appearance and smell. After opening, follow the instructions on the pack.
Where can I find the allergens in pancake mix?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens which must be declared need to be clearly stated on the label. Also look for a ‘may contain’ warning if cross-contamination is a concern for you.