If you’re cooking for a large family, first check how many pancakes a pack is said to make and which ingredients you need to add yourself. A standard mix is a good choice if you have milk and eggs at home; a complete mix needs fewer separate ingredients for the batter, but may contain milk and egg ingredients itself. If you specifically want sourdough, choose a variety that explicitly lists sourdough or sourdough starter as an ingredient or product feature.
If you’re cooking for several people, the stated yield per pack matters more than the weight alone. Koopmans says its Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes; Albert Heijn says AH Plain makes around 12 pancakes, while Jumbo gives a yield of around 12 servings for its Plain mix. Remember to factor in the milk and eggs you’ll need to prepare the batter, too.
A complete mix is handy if you’d rather add water to the batter than get milk and eggs ready separately. Koopmans Complete and PLUS Complete are both prepared this way, but their ingredients lists include milk and egg ingredients.
For this preference, choosing a multigrain or buckwheat mix isn’t a substitute for an explicit sourdough claim. Check the exact pack before choosing a mix as a sourdough pancake mix.
First decide what matters most for your family meal: yield, easy preparation or an explicit sourdough claim. Then compare the pack and preparation instructions for the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to check before you buy | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Yield per pack | Compare the stated number of pancakes or servings, and check which extra ingredients the preparation instructions call for. | I want to make enough for everyone and know whether I’ll need more than one pack; yield is the top priority for around 44% of consumers. |
| Easy preparation | Check whether water alone is enough for the batter or whether you need to add milk and eggs. Check separately what you’ll need for cooking. | On a busy day, I want to get as few separate ingredients ready as possible. Around 33% of consumers prioritise simplicity. |
| Explicit sourdough claim | Look for sourdough or sourdough starter on the pack or in the ingredients list for the exact variety; don’t rely on the types of grain listed alone. | I’m specifically looking for a sourdough variety and don’t want to mistake an ordinary multigrain mix for one; this is the main requirement for around 23% of consumers. |
A list of grains doesn’t confirm that a mix contains sourdough.
If sourdough is essential, check that sourdough or sourdough starter is explicitly listed on the pack or in the ingredients list for the exact variety.
For a family meal, the stated yield and the ingredients you need to add to the batter matter too. For example, Albert Heijn says the standard preparation for AH Plain calls for 800 ml semi-skimmed milk and 3 eggs.
Work out how many packs you’ll need and add the other ingredients to your shopping list.
With a standard mix, milk, eggs and cooking fat may be extra items to buy.
Koopmans Complete and PLUS Complete are made with water, but their ingredients lists include milk and egg ingredients.
If you have an allergy, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack for the exact variety.
Lidl says Belbake Original Pancake Mix is sold in store. Whether you can buy several packs depends on availability at the shop where you do your shopping.
Check availability at your local shop before planning how much you’ll need for the family meal.
These brands offer different types of pancake mix. Always compare the specific variety rather than just the brand name.
Offers both a standard mix and a complete mix made with water.
AH Plain is a standard 400 g pancake mix.
Jumbo Plain is a standard 400 g mix.
ALDI Netherlands offers an Albona plain mix and a multigrain mix.
Belbake Original Pancake Mix is a standard mix sold at Lidl.
Offers a standard plain mix and a complete mix, with different preparation methods.
Not necessarily: Koopmans Complete and PLUS Complete are made with water, but their ingredients lists include whey powder and egg. If you have an allergy, always check the current pack for the exact variety.
Albert Heijn gives a plant-based preparation option for AH Plain, using a plant-based drink and, if you like, apple sauce or an egg replacer. This option doesn’t mean that every pancake mix or topping is plant-based, so check the ingredients of the products you use.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack of your mix. Jumbo and PLUS say their listed mixes should be stored in a cool, dry place; also check the date on the pack.
Check the label on the exact pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly and correctly stated on the label. Don’t rely on the preparation method alone when choosing a mix.
