Who is each pack intended for?

Parents looking to take something in for school

First, ask what the school allows and whether there are any allergies or dietary requirements in the group. Then read the label on your chosen mix: a standard pancake mix won't necessarily be suitable for every child.

Organisers of a small children's tea party

A compact shaker bottle could be just right for a few pancakes. Check the stated yield and what else you need to add, though: the original shaker bottles we looked at require milk.

Families making pancakes for a larger group

Compare the number of pancakes you need with the yield shown on the pack. Koopmans says its 400 g Original pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes; for this variety, you'll also need milk, eggs and cooking fat.

What should you look for when choosing?

Before choosing a pack size, check whether the mix is allowed at school and suitable for the children who'll be eating it. Then compare the yield and the extra ingredients needed.

What to consider What should you check? Who should take this into account?
Allergens and school rules Ask what can be handed out and read the current label, including for gluten-free mixes. If I'm taking food in for a school group, I want to know first whether every child can and may eat it. This is the top consideration for around 37% of consumers.
Compact size Compare the yield with the number of children and check whether you need to add milk. For a small get-together, I want a handy pack that won't leave me with lots of leftover mix; around 27% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Yield for the group Compare the stated yield per pack and check which ingredients you'll need to make the mix. If I'm making pancakes for several children, I need to make sure one pack will be enough. This is the most important question for around 27% of consumers.
Product preference Check the specific variety and its ingredients; a description such as organic or wholegrain doesn't replace an allergen check. Once I've settled on a suitable size and product, I like to choose a variety that matches my preferences. Around 9% of consumers put this first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a standard mix is suitable for every school group

    Regular mixes can contain wheat and other cereals containing gluten; eggs and milk may also be relevant. The school also decides which treats children can bring in.

    Ask about the rules and any known allergies in advance. Only then choose a variety based on its current label.

  • Assuming ‘complete’ means ‘allergen-free’

    A complete mix reduces the number of ingredients you need to add to the batter, but that doesn't mean it's suitable for someone with an allergy. You'll still need to mix and cook it.

    Check the allergen list and read the preparation instructions, including what you'll need for cooking.

  • Choosing a shaker bottle without checking the yield

    A small bottle may be suitable for making a few pancakes, but it might not be enough for a group.

    Work out how many pancakes you want to make and compare that with the yield stated for the specific pack.

  • Assuming a handy pack is a gift edition

    A box, bag or shaker bottle is primarily a preparation and packaging format; its size doesn't mean it's specially designed as a gift.

    Choose based on the contents, preparation and allergens. If you'd like to add a card, first check that the whole thing complies with the school's rules.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Koopmans offers a range that includes a classic mix, a complete mix, shaker bottles and a gluten-free option.

  • Koopmans says its Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes; for Compleet, add water to make the batter.
  • Preparation instructions and allergens vary by variety. Even with the gluten-free mix, check for other potential allergens and any ingredients you add.

Albert Heijn

The range includes its own pancake mixes as well as Koopmans varieties, with different pack formats and preparation methods.

  • You can compare varieties such as plain, complete and shaker formats by their contents and preparation.
  • Check the product information before buying and the label on your chosen pack before use.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers a 400 g Naturel mix, a smaller bottle and an organic mix, among other options.

  • The 400 g Naturel mix states that it makes around 12 portions; the smaller bottle says it makes around 6 portions.
  • According to Jumbo, the 400 g Naturel mix contains gluten, oats and wheat. The organic variety also contains gluten and wheat.

PLUS

PLUS offers its own mixes in varieties including plain, complete and wholegrain.

  • According to PLUS, you add water to the 400 g PLUS Complete mix to make the batter; you'll also need cooking fat or oil for cooking.
  • This complete variety contains wheat, eggs and milk, among other ingredients. Check the information on the current pack.

Belbake (Lidl)

Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix in a 400 g pack, which makes around 12 pancakes.

  • The stated yield can help you plan for a group get-together.
  • If you're choosing based on ingredients or allergens, read the label on the pack.

Pancake mixes on Joybuy

These packs offer options for a small baking session or for making several pancakes. Check what you need to add for each product, and always check the pack and the school's rules if you're taking it in as a school treat.

Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g

Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g

A compact complete mix to consider if you want to add fewer ingredients to the batter. Add water to prepare it, then cook as usual. The product information lists cereals containing gluten, eggs and milk, so check the current label before taking the mix in.

View on Joybuy
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g

Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g

This shaker bottle is handy for a small baking session. You'll need 400 ml of milk for this variety; according to the product information, the mix contains eggs and cereals containing gluten, and may contain milk. Check the label and the school's rules if you want to take the bottle in.

View on Joybuy
Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g

Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g

A larger pack to compare when you're making pancakes for several children. You'll need milk, eggs and cooking fat or oil to prepare it. The product information lists wheat, oats, rye and barley; check the current label and use the stated yield to work out how many packs you'll need.

View on Joybuy
Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g

Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g

Consider this classic 400 g mix for a group get-together if you have milk, eggs and butter or oil to hand. The product information lists wheat and rye and states that it may contain milk and eggs. Check the current label and the school's rules before taking it in.

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Xiaoyeqingzhu pancake mix with milk flavour 100 g

Xiaoyeqingzhu pancake mix with milk flavour 100 g

The 100 g pack is compact, but check the preparation instructions to work out how much you'll need for the number of children you're expecting. You'll need an egg to prepare it; the product information lists wheat and gluten. The name's milk flavour description doesn't tell you what the ingredients are, so check the current label.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I take pancake mix in as a school treat?

That depends on the school's rules. Ask the teacher in advance what can be handed out, and bear in mind any allergies or dietary requirements in the group. The Dutch Association for Public Education explains that schools can set their own policies on treats.

Is standard pancake mix gluten-free?

Don't assume it is: the regular Koopmans and Jumbo mixes described here contain wheat or other cereals containing gluten. If gluten-free food is needed, read the label on the specific pack.

Does a gluten-free mix rule out other allergens?

No. The product information for Koopmans Gluten-Free Pancakes states that the mix may contain eggs and milk; milk and eggs also need to be added during preparation. Check both the label and the ingredients you use yourself.

What else do I need besides pancake mix?

It varies by variety. For Koopmans Original, you'll need milk, eggs and cooking fat, while Koopmans Compleet requires water to make the batter. Read the instructions on your chosen pack before you shop.

Can I rely on online product information for allergen details?

Use it to compare varieties, but read the label on the pack you're actually taking in. That way, you can check the ingredients and allergens for that specific mix before use.