Choose a pancake mix for lunch based on what matters most to you: wholegrains and fibre, a stated protein value or ease of preparation. Organic ingredients, buckwheat and a gluten-free label are other criteria, and they are not interchangeable. Compare nutritional values only on the same preparation basis, and check what else you need to add and which allergens are listed on the label.
You’re looking for a mix with wholemeal flour as a key ingredient, and you also check the fibre content of the prepared product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that wholegrain products contain more fibre and other nutrients than refined-grain products. You can choose the rest of your lunch, such as toppings and cooking fat, separately.
You want to compare the protein content of prepared pancakes without assuming that a protein version also contains plenty of fibre. Jumbo lists 11 g of protein and 0.8 g of fibre per 100 g of prepared product for its Koopmans protein shaker bottle.
For example, you might choose a mix based on a gluten-free label, organic ingredients or buckwheat. These characteristics don’t mean the same thing. If you have an allergy or another essential dietary restriction, also check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Start with what matters most to you at lunchtime. Then check the ingredients, nutritional information and preparation instructions for a mix that meets your needs.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrains and fibre | Check which types of flour are listed in the ingredients, and compare fibre per 100 g on the same preparation basis. | If I want wholegrains as the basis of my lunch, I look beyond the product name. Around 30% of consumers say wholegrains and fibre are their main deciding factors. |
| Protein | Compare protein and fibre per 100 g of prepared product, and check the allergens listed. | I want to know how much protein a prepared pancake contains without assuming it also has plenty of fibre. Protein content is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Convenience | Check which ingredients you need in addition to the mix, including for cooking. | On a busy lunch break, I want to make batter with as few extra ingredients as possible. Convenience is the main criterion for around 20% of consumers. |
| Specific ingredients | Check the exact label, ingredients and allergens; see whether the nutritional values apply to the uncooked or prepared product. | For me, a gluten-free label, organically grown ingredients or buckwheat is the deciding factor, depending on my individual requirements. A specific feature like this is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Wholegrains, higher protein content, organic ingredients and convenience are different product features. A protein mix, for example, doesn’t have to be a wholegrain mix too.
Choose your main criterion first, then read the ingredients and nutritional information that are relevant to it.
Smaakt’s product information shows values for the uncooked buckwheat mix. For the versions discussed, Koopmans, AH and PLUS list values for the prepared product. Added milk, eggs and cooking fat make a direct comparison unsuitable.
Compare nutritional values only when the preparation status and quantity shown are the same.
A gluten-free label doesn’t mean a mix is also free from egg or milk. This distinction matters if you need to avoid more than one ingredient.
Before buying, check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements.
Many mixes also need milk, eggs or cooking fat to prepare. Even with a shaker bottle where you only need water to make the batter, the cooking instructions may mention extra ingredients.
Check the full preparation method and decide which ingredients you want to use for your lunch.
Among the pancake mixes discussed, its range includes a wholegrain version, a protein shaker bottle, a complete shaker bottle and a gluten-free labelled version.
The AH Wholegrain Pancake Mix discussed here is a good option if you’re looking for a wholemeal wheat base.
The organic Jumbo pancake mix discussed here is an option if organically grown wheat is one of your selection criteria.
The Bio Buckwheat Pancake Mix discussed here suits a preference for buckwheat and organic ingredients.
The PLUS Wholegrain Pancake Mix discussed here offers a wholegrain base, with the types of flour specified on the product page.
These two Koopmans mixes suit different lunchtime needs: making batter with few extra ingredients or choosing a mix with several types of grain. If wholemeal flour is essential to you, don’t rely on the name alone when considering the second mix.
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For anyone who wants to make batter with few extra ingredients. Check the pack to see how much water you need and whether you need to add fat for cooking.
If you have allergies, check the current label carefully for wheat, egg and milk. Check the basis of the nutritional information before comparing values with another mix.
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For anyone looking for a mix containing different types of grain. If you specifically want wholemeal flour, check the ingredients list rather than relying on the product name alone.
Bear in mind that you’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it. If you have allergies, check the current label and the basis of the nutritional information before making a comparison.
No. A wholegrain mix doesn’t determine what else is in your lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholegrain products as a source of fibre; also think about your portion, the cooking fat and what you serve on or alongside your pancakes.
Some mixes can be prepared in an alternative way. For its wholegrain mix, Albert Heijn suggests a variation with a plant-based drink and apple sauce or an egg replacer. This doesn’t automatically make the mix suitable for every dietary restriction, so check the ingredients and allergens on the pack too.
Only if the values refer to the same quantity and preparation status. The Smaakt product information discussed here gives values for the uncooked mix, while AH, Koopmans and PLUS list values for the prepared product for the versions mentioned. Also check which ingredients you’ll be adding yourself.
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly identifiable on the labels of prepacked foods. A gluten-free label doesn’t automatically mean a mix is also free from egg or milk.
