If sourdough is essential, choose a pancake mix only if the ingredients list mentions sourdough, sourdough starter or starter. If you want to bake on King’s Day without days of preparation, a regular or complete mix is a better fit for your schedule. Just check what else you need to add and what’s in the dry mix.
You want sourdough to be part of the mix or the preparation. If the label doesn’t mention sourdough starter, don’t choose a mix just because its name sounds artisanal. Making your own starter takes time: Jumbo says its recipe needs 3 to 6 days.
You want to get pancakes on the table quickly, so you’re looking at a complete mix or a bottle mix. Even with a convenient option, check whether you need to add water, milk, eggs or cooking fat.
You compare the grains and ingredients in the dry mix with anything you need to add. If you have an allergy or dietary requirements, check the allergen information and any warnings about possible traces, too.
First decide whether sourdough is essential or whether you mainly want to bake without lengthy preparation. Then compare the label and stated yield with what you’ll need for King’s Day.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Look for sourdough, sourdough starter or starter in the ingredients list. Allow time for preparation if you’re making your own starter. | If I’m specifically looking for the flavour and method of sourdough, a name like ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough. Around 33% of consumers prioritise verifiable sourdough content. |
| Ease of preparation | Check what you need to add and how many pancakes the pack is stated to make when prepared as directed. | If I want to bake quickly on King’s Day, I want to know how many steps are involved. For around 27% of consumers, minimal preparation is the main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces on the packaging. | If I need to take an allergy or dietary requirement into account, both the dry mix and the preparation method need to suit. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity | Compare the pack weight and stated yield, and factor in any ingredients you need to add. | If I’m baking for guests, I want to know in advance whether one pack will be enough. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a suitable quantity and budget. |
These words describe the grains or type of flour used, not whether the mix contains sourdough starter. For example, Koopmans Original lists wheat, buckwheat and rye flour, along with raising agents.
If sourdough is a must-have, look for an explicit mention of sourdough, sourdough starter or starter on the individual product label.
Adding water during preparation doesn’t tell you everything about the dry mix’s ingredients. PLUS Complete is prepared with water, but the mix described also contains milk and egg ingredients.
Check the ingredients before deciding whether a complete mix meets your needs.
If you need to avoid certain ingredients or allergens, the composition of the pack you buy is what matters.
So check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging, even if you’ve already looked at the product online.
Original and Bio Multigrain offer different grain combinations to compare.
AH Wholemeal Pancake Mix is an option to compare by flour type and preparation method.
The range includes different types of pancake mix, including plain and wholemeal varieties.
The complete mix and bottle mix offer two different ways to prepare pancakes.
ALDI describes its Albona pancake mix as a multigrain baking mix.
Lidl lists a 400 g pack of original Belbake pancake mix.
These Joybuy products are suited to a straightforward pancake bake, a preference for different grains or a baking session with minimal preparation. If you specifically want sourdough, always check the product’s ingredients list.
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A handy choice for a small batch with minimal preparation. Check the preparation instructions and ingredients on the pack if sourdough or allergens are deciding factors for you.
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For anyone looking for a mix made with different grains and baking for several people. The preparation described requires milk, eggs and cooking fat; check the label if sourdough or allergens will influence your choice.
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A standard mix for anyone looking to make a larger batch. Koopmans lists wheat, buckwheat and rye flour in Original; the preparation described also requires milk, eggs and cooking fat.
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For a baking session when you’re looking for a mix with a milk flavour. For the preparation described, add water and an egg; check the yield on the pack if you’re baking for several people.
No, those descriptions don’t in themselves confirm that a mix contains sourdough. If it’s a condition of your purchase, check the individual mix’s ingredients list for sourdough, sourdough starter or starter.
Yes, if you start well in advance: Jumbo says its recipe takes 3 to 6 days before the starter is ready. Follow the recipe instructions and allow time to prepare it before the day you want to bake.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack of mix you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens which must be declared should be listed in the ingredients information. Also check for any warnings about possible traces and for the ingredients you add yourself.
It depends on the ingredients in the dry mix as well as the preparation method. For AH Wholemeal Pancake Mix, Albert Heijn gives an alternative method using a plant-based drink and egg replacer or apple sauce. With another mix, first check whether it contains milk or egg ingredients itself.
