Choose a mix with its own distinctive flavour if the pancake itself should bring a dessert accent; opt for a neutral or complete mix if the toppings are the star and easy preparation matters. For a conference, also match the yield per pack, the ingredients you need to add and the allergen information to the way you plan to serve it.
You want to choose between a pancake with its own distinctive flavour, such as speculoos, and a neutral base that you can serve as a dessert with toppings. Kaiserschmarrn also offers a different way to serve it: pieces of pancake rather than whole pancakes.
You need to plan preparation around the number of guests and the cooking capacity available. The ingredients you need to add and the stated yield per pack also matter.
You need to be able to check the allergens in the mix, toppings and any other ingredients used for each combination served. A separate gluten-free option also requires care during preparation to avoid contact with other products.
First decide whether the flavour should come from the mix or mainly from the toppings. Then check that choice against how you’ll prepare and serve the pancakes, and the information guests need about the dessert.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dessert flavour and presentation | Check whether the mix has its own distinctive flavour or leaves room for toppings. Also check how it will be served and which ingredients need to be added. | If the pancake itself needs to stand out, I don’t want to rely entirely on toppings. For around 42% of consumers, the dessert appeal would be their top priority when choosing. |
| Preparation and serving | Compare the ingredients to add, stated yield and instructions for prepared batter for each option. | When there’s a short serving rush, I want to know how much batter I can prepare and cook. A smooth, predictable service would come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and separate options | Check the latest allergen information for the mix and all additions and toppings; assess a gluten-free option separately. | When guests have different allergies or dietary requirements, I want to be able to say what’s in each dessert. For around 25% of consumers, this would be their main priority when choosing. |
According to the product information, the Consenza mix described as gluten-free and wheat-free also contains milk, egg and lupin. So a gluten-free label doesn’t answer every allergen question.
Before serving a dessert to a guest, check the latest packaging information for your chosen option, the toppings and the preparation process.
Cream, ice cream, nuts and sauces can change the allergens in the dessert you serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority reminds businesses serving unpackaged food that they must inform consumers about allergens.
Record the ingredients for each combination served, and make it clear at the serving point where guests can find the relevant information.
Koopmans states that a pack of its Speculoos mix makes around eight pancakes; Albert Heijn describes the Atelier Roger mix as a baking mix for fifteen pancakes. The portion size you want and the pace of cooking will also affect how much you need.
Plan the number of dessert portions and the capacity of your cooking stations before choosing how many packs to buy.
Pay attention to the preparation instructions, too: Jumbo says its Complete mix batter should be used straight away once prepared. Making batches that are too large could mean extra preparation or leftover batter.
Raw batter isn’t suitable for serving. When preparing pancakes during a busy conference service, you still need to allow enough time to cook each portion properly.
Follow the preparation instructions for your chosen mix, and only serve the pancakes or dessert pieces once they are fully cooked.
Offers, among other options, a complete basic mix and a Speculoos version for a dessert with its own distinctive flavour.
Stocks its own-brand plain mix and also lists the dessert-focused Atelier Roger mix in its range.
The range reviewed includes standard mixes, complete mixes and individual options such as Dr. Oetker Kaiserschmarrn and Smaakt Bio Boekweit.
Lists its own Complete mix and the Koopmans Speculoos version.
Belbake Original Pancake Mix is a basic option for anyone who wants to create the dessert’s flavour profile with the toppings.
Lists Albona pancake mixes, including a multigrain option.
When serving unpackaged food in the Netherlands, make sure information about allergens in the dessert is available, including those in any additions and toppings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the information requirements for businesses serving unpackaged food; make it clear at the serving point where guests can find the information.
Not necessarily: according to the product information, the Consenza mix described as gluten-free and wheat-free contains milk, egg and lupin. Check the latest packaging information, and also assess the toppings and preparation process in light of the guest’s specific needs.
A complete mix may be a good option if you want to use fewer additions: Koopmans says its Koopmans Compleet requires only water. Do check the instructions for the exact option, though; Jumbo says batter made with its Complete mix should be used straight away.
