If you want flavour in the mix
A mix containing, for example, speculoos pieces is worth considering if you want the pancake itself to taste like a dessert and see toppings as the finishing touch.
Which mix is right for you?
If you want to cook quickly late at night
A complete mix or shaker bottle means fewer steps when making the batter. You’ll still need a pan and time to cook the pancakes.
If you need to avoid certain ingredients
If gluten or other allergens are a deciding factor, the information on the packaging matters more than flavour or convenience. Check the specific product, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check for any ingredients you need to avoid. Then decide how much flavour you want in the mix and how much preparation you’re willing to do for a late-night treat.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour in the mix | Check whether the mix contains flavourings and what else you need to add to make the batter. | I want to make a dessert pancake late at night without using lots of separate flavourings. Around 36% of consumers prioritise flavour in the mix. |
| Minimal preparation | Check whether you need to add water, milk or eggs, and whether you can mix the batter in the packaging. | If I want to cook quickly, I want to measure out as few ingredients as possible and keep washing-up to a minimum. For around 29% of consumers, minimal preparation is the most important factor. |
| Pack size and keeping a supply | Check the pack size and how many pancakes it makes; store any opened dry mix in a well-sealed container. | I want to keep some mix on hand for when I fancy something on the spur of the moment, without making more batter than I need. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this practical approach to keeping a supply. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the mix must clearly meet that requirement. For around 14% of consumers, checking this is the most important condition when choosing. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a flavoured mix is a complete mix
Koopmans Pannenkoeken Speculoos contains speculoos pieces, but Albert Heijn says you still need to add milk and an egg to make the batter. A complete mix may need fewer extra ingredients, but it won’t have that speculoos flavour.
Decide whether built-in flavour or less preparation matters more to you, and check the packaging to see what you need to add.
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Assuming organic or wholegrain means gluten-free
According to Albert Heijn, AH Biologisch Mix voor pannenkoeken meergranen contains spelt, rye and wheat. The terms organic and wholegrain don’t tell you whether a product is suitable if you need to avoid gluten.
If you need to follow a gluten-free diet, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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Keeping mixed batter for another time
The instructions for PLUS Pannenkoekmix naturel in fles say to use the batter straight after mixing it with milk.
Only mix as much as you intend to cook straight away, and follow the instructions on the bottle.
As a result, you could be left with unused batter if you make too much.
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Leaving an opened pack of mix unsealed
Voedingscentrum recommends storing dry pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly closed pack.
Transfer an opened pack to an airtight container and check the mix before using it.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
The range includes both a Speculoos mix for a dessert-style flavour and a separate gluten-free mix.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Speculoos version contains speculoos pieces and comes with a serving suggestion featuring red fruit and ice cream.
- You need to add milk and an egg to this version; the gluten-free version also requires milk and eggs. Check the allergen information on the packaging for both.
AH Biologisch
The wholegrain mix is a base for pancakes that you can turn into a dessert with your own toppings.
- Albert Heijn gives a plant-based preparation method for this mix.
- The mix contains spelt, rye and wheat, so it isn’t a gluten-free option.
PLUS
PLUS offers a range of options, including a plain mix, a bottle mix and a complete mix for different ways of preparing pancakes.
- PLUS says you only need to add water to the batter for its PLUS Complete mix.
- The complete mix already contains milk and egg. Check the ingredients, even if you don’t need to add milk or egg during preparation.
Belbake
The original pancake mix is a simple base if you want to choose the dessert flavour yourself with toppings.
- Lidl states that the 400 g pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the packaging before buying.
Pancake mixes for a late-night treat
These products are mainly designed for quick preparation or provide a base that you can finish off as a dessert. Check what you need to add to each mix, and read the packaging if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
An option if you want to mix the batter with water in the bottle late at night. Choose your own toppings to turn it into a dessert; if you have dietary restrictions, check the ingredients on the packaging.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A good choice if you want to keep mixing to a minimum and have milk on hand to make the batter in the bottle. Add your own flavourings or toppings for a sweet dessert pancake; if you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A wholegrain base if you want to choose your own dessert toppings. Bear in mind that you’ll need milk and eggs for the batter, and check the grains and other allergens listed on the packaging.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A base that lets you choose which toppings will turn a late-night snack into a dessert. You’ll also need milk and eggs to prepare it; if you have dietary restrictions, check the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu High-Calcium pancake mix with milk flavour 100 g
An option if you want to make a sweet snack by adding water and an egg to the batter; cook it thoroughly. Check the packaging for allergen information, how many pancakes it makes and the calcium content if these details matter to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix should I choose if I want a dessert pancake without lots of extra flavourings?
A mix with a built-in dessert flavour is the most straightforward choice. According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Pannenkoeken Speculoos contains speculoos pieces; before buying, check that you also have milk, an egg and cooking fat for preparation.
Is an organic or wholegrain mix also gluten-free?
No, those labels don’t mean that a mix is gluten-free. According to Albert Heijn, AH Biologisch Mix voor pannenkoeken meergranen contains spelt, rye and wheat. If you need to avoid gluten, choose a version explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the rest of the allergen information too.
How should I store an opened mix and cooked pancakes?
Store dry pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. According to Voedingscentrum, cooked pancakes can be kept in the fridge for two days or in the freezer for three months; don’t leave leftovers out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Which allergens should I check in a pancake mix?
Read the allergen information for the exact product you’re buying, paying particular attention to cereals containing gluten, egg and milk if you need to avoid them. Check both the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements; a preparation method that only requires water doesn’t mean the dry mix is free from milk or egg.