Choose a plain mix if you want a neutral base that fussy eaters can top in different ways; choose a wholemeal mix if the grain content is your priority. A complete mix is handy if you only want to add water to the batter. If you need to eat gluten-free, choose a mix clearly labelled gluten-free and check for other allergens and possible cross-contamination too.
For parents who pay attention to the grain content when planning a pancake lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says wholegrain products contain more fibre than white products made with refined flour. When comparing mixes, check the ingredients and the nutritional value of the prepared product too.
For a lunch where everyone chooses their own sweet or savoury toppings. A plain or original mix can provide a shared base, so no one has to choose the same topping.
For households that want to make the batter with water alone, or need a mix clearly labelled gluten-free. Convenience and dietary suitability are separate considerations: check the preparation instructions, allergens and warnings on the pack you choose.
First decide what matters most for this lunch: a base for different toppings, the grain content, quick preparation or a specific dietary requirement. Then compare the packaging and preparation instructions for the mix that suits your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check which grain flours are listed in the ingredients and compare fibre on a like-for-like basis, for example per 100 g of prepared product. Check for cereals containing gluten too. | If I want to serve wholemeal pancakes, I want to know how much of the mix is actually wholemeal flour. For around 36% of consumers, this choice of grain is the top priority for this lunch. |
| Neutral base | Check whether the plain or original mix will work with the toppings you want to serve separately. See how many pancakes the pack says it makes. | When everyone wants different toppings, I’d rather make one base that we can customise at the table. Around 29% of consumers give this flexibility top priority. |
| Minimal preparation | Check what you need to add to the batter and what you’ll need for cooking. ‘Complete’ on its own tells you nothing about the ingredients or allergens. | On a busy holiday, I want to get as few ingredients ready as possible for the batter. Around 21% of consumers put this simple preparation first. |
| Gluten and allergens | If you need a gluten-free option, choose a mix clearly labelled gluten-free. Check the current pack for ingredients and ‘may contain’ statements, and avoid cross-contamination while cooking. | If someone at the table needs to avoid gluten or another allergen, the mix must meet that need before taste or convenience comes into consideration. For around 14% of consumers, this dietary check is the main concern. |
The wholemeal mixes described include ingredients such as wheat or oats. So a label saying wholemeal does not mean a pancake mix is suitable for anyone who needs to avoid gluten.
If you need a gluten-free option, choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free and check the pack for other allergens and ‘may contain’ statements.
With the complete mixes described, you only need to add water to the batter, but the Koopmans and PLUS versions contain wheat, milk and egg. This preparation method also doesn’t mean the nutritional value is the same as that of a wholemeal mix.
Choose a complete mix for easy preparation, and check the ingredients and nutritional information separately if they matter to your choice.
If you have an allergy, the information on the pack you’re actually using is important when making your choice. Also check whether utensils and toppings could come into contact with the ingredient you need to avoid.
Before cooking, read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, even if you’ve bought the same mix before.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw batter can make you ill. This is also worth bearing in mind if children are helping to prepare lunch.
Don’t let anyone taste the batter raw, and cook the pancakes thoroughly before serving.
Compare specific versions rather than judging a whole brand: mixes in the same range can differ in their grain flours, added ingredients and allergens.
Koopmans offers, among other options, a wholemeal mix, a complete mix and a version labelled gluten-free.
AH offers a 300 g wholemeal pancake mix for anyone looking to compare the grain base.
Jumbo offers a 400 g wholemeal mix for anyone looking for a mix based on wholemeal wheat and oats.
PLUS offers both a wholemeal mix and a complete mix. Compare their grain content and preparation.
ALDI offers a multigrain baking mix and a plain pancake baking mix under the Albona name.
Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix as an option in its original mixes range.
These three Koopmans mixes suit different holiday lunch preferences: an original base, a complete mix for easy preparation and a mix called Wholegrains. If you’re looking specifically for a predominantly wholemeal mix, check the grain content of the last one on the pack.
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An original mix to serve as a shared base for a lunch with a choice of toppings. The pack contains 400 g; check the preparation instructions and allergens on the pack before cooking.
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An option if you’re looking for a complete mix that’s quick and easy to prepare. The pack contains 210 g; check the instructions, how many pancakes it makes and the allergens on the pack, especially if you’re cooking for several people.
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A mix to consider if grain content is part of your decision. The pack contains 400 g. Don’t assume from the name Wholegrains how much wholemeal flour it contains; check the ingredients list, preparation instructions and allergens.
No, it depends on what matters most for this lunch. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white products made with refined flour. A plain mix may be more practical if offering a range of toppings at the table matters more. With a wholemeal mix, check the grain flours and allergens too.
For the batter of the Koopmans and PLUS complete mixes described, you add water, but you’ll still need butter or oil for cooking. Check the pack you choose for the exact quantities and preparation instructions.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the mix you’re using. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of clear allergen information on labels. If you have a relevant allergy, also look for ‘may contain’ statements and consider the risk of cross-contamination while cooking.
It’s best not to let children taste raw batter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw batter can make you ill. Serve the pancakes once they’re thoroughly cooked.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s food storage guide, cooked pancakes keep for two days in the fridge and three months in the freezer. Cool leftovers promptly and store them covered. Their quality may deteriorate if they’re kept in the freezer for longer.
