For your summer holiday, choose a wholegrain mix if wholegrains and fibre are your priorities. An original mix is a better fit if you want to make a familiar, classic pancake, although that doesn’t guarantee fussy eaters will enjoy it. A multigrain mix contains several types of grain, but isn’t necessarily entirely wholegrain. Whichever type you choose, check the allergens and what you’ll need to add to the batter.
If you regularly make pancakes on holiday and consciously choose wholemeal flour, you can compare the ingredients and fibre content of different mixes. For its wholegrain mix included in this comparison, Koopmans lists both wholegrain oat flour and wholegrain wheat flour.
If a familiar, classic pancake is important, an original mix gives you a different starting point from a wholegrain option. Check the types of flour used, and let diners choose their own topping if they like.
If you’re planning to make pancakes more than once, you’ll need more than a few packs of mix. The stated yield and the milk, eggs and other ingredients required will determine what you need to take with you.
Start with the type of grain you want and what the people eating the pancakes prefer. Then check the preparation instructions: a pack of dry mix isn’t always enough to make the batter.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base and fibre | Check which types of flour are listed first, and compare fibre per 100 g using the same preparation basis. | If I want to make a wholegrain pancake, I want to know how much wholemeal flour the mix contains and how the nutritional information is presented. For around 45% of these consumers, the grain base comes first. |
| Familiar taste and texture | Compare the types of flour in an original and a wholegrain mix; if you’re unsure, make a small batch first. | When fussy eaters are joining in, I want to choose a base that’s similar to what they know, without assuming they’ll enjoy every new option. For around 33% of these consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Yield and extra ingredients | Check how many pancakes the pack is said to make and what other ingredients you’ll need. | When I’m staying away from home, I want to be able to make enough batter with the ingredients and kitchen equipment available. For around 22% of these consumers, this preparation is the most important consideration. |
Having several types of grain doesn’t automatically make a mix entirely wholegrain. For the Koopmans Multigrain mix included in this comparison, Albert Heijn lists 78% wheat flour; wholegrain oat flour and wholegrain barley flour are separate, smaller ingredients.
Read the ingredients list if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal flour. Only compare fibre content when the nutritional information is based on the same preparation method.
Pancake mix may also require milk, eggs and cooking fat. So you might not be able to start making pancakes as soon as you open the pack at your holiday accommodation.
Check the preparation instructions for your chosen mix before you leave, and take the required extras with you.
The mixes included in this comparison contain gluten-containing cereals; some varieties may also contain egg or milk. A general name such as original or multigrain doesn’t tell you which allergens apply to that pack.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging, even if you’ve bought the product before.
Koopmans has original, wholegrain and multigrain mixes included in this comparison, so you can compare the grain base of each variety.
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes wholegrain, multigrain and plain varieties.
Belbake is a Lidl brand with original and multigrain pancake mixes included in this comparison.
Albona is an ALDI own brand with options including a multigrain pancake baking mix.
These products include a Wholegrains variety, an original mix and a Complete variety to compare for your holiday supplies. Check the grain base, yield and any ingredients you need to add to the batter for each pack; the product names alone won’t answer all these questions.
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If you’re looking for a mix with a wholegrain base, check the types and quantities of flour listed on the packaging for this Wholegrains variety. The product name alone doesn’t tell you whether the entire base is wholegrain.
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This original variety is a good fit if you’re looking for a classic pancake mix. Check the ingredients and preparation instructions if you’re choosing it for fussy eaters or to take on holiday.
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With this smaller pack, the main thing to consider is how many pancakes you’ll need for your group. Also read the preparation instructions and allergen information; the name Complete doesn’t tell you which ingredients you need to add yourself.
Not necessarily: multigrain means the mix contains several types of grain. For the Koopmans Multigrain mix included in this comparison, Albert Heijn lists 78% wheat flour, with smaller amounts of wholegrain oat and barley flour listed separately. Read the ingredients list if you specifically want a wholegrain base.
Not with the AH Wholegrain mix included in this comparison if you follow the standard preparation method using milk and two eggs. Albert Heijn also provides a plant-based preparation suggestion. Check both the current packaging for the mix and the ingredients you add yourself.
Read the allergen information and ingredients list on the current packaging, especially if someone has an allergy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that the 14 designated allergens must be listed on the label. The varieties included in this comparison contain gluten-containing cereals; the possible presence of other allergens varies by product.
It depends on the pack you choose, so read the preparation instructions before you leave. For the AH Wholegrain mix included in this comparison, Albert Heijn lists 700 ml of milk and two eggs; for the Koopmans Multigrain mix included in this comparison, it lists 900 ml of milk, two eggs and butter or oil. Plan your shopping around the variety you actually buy.
