Who is this choice relevant to?

Stallholder facing a busy rush

If you want to measure out fewer separate ingredients during busy selling periods, a complete mix that only needs water is a sensible option to compare. Check how many pancakes each pack makes at your portion size.

Stallholder who wants to control the recipe

If you want to choose the milk and eggs yourself and control the batter consistency, compare plain mixes by their preparation instructions and required ingredients. Include those extras when working out the cost of each pancake sold.

Stallholder adding another menu option

A gluten-free or multigrain pancake calls for a considered choice of ingredients and a preparation process that suits the version you sell. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present in non-prepacked food must be available where you offer it.

What should you look for when choosing?

If you’re adding pancakes alongside oliebollen, first decide how much preparation your stall can manage. Then compare the yield, the ingredients in the prepared product and the information you need to give customers for each option.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this most important for?
Preparation during busy periods Check what you need to add to the mix and how many pancakes the pack is said to make. When it’s busy, I want to make the batter using as few separate ingredients as possible. This simplicity is the top priority for around 36% of consumers weighing up a mix for this kind of stall menu.
Recipe and cost per portion Compare the yield and all the added ingredients at the same portion size, not just the quantity of dry mix. I want to choose the milk and eggs myself and know how much each pancake I sell costs me. Control over the recipe is the main priority for around 29% of these consumers.
Allergens and dietary options Read the current label and also consider added ingredients, toppings and the risk of cross-contact during preparation. For an additional option to suit specific dietary needs, I want to be able to explain clearly what goes into the pancake I sell and how it is prepared. This is the most important consideration for around 21% of consumers.
A different kind of pancake Check which grains and preparation steps are involved in your chosen option and whether they fit your menu. Alongside oliebollen, I want to offer pancakes that clearly differ from my standard option. This menu choice matters most to around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a complete mix is allergen-free

    Adding only water describes how to prepare the mix, not what it contains. For example, Jumbo lists milk and egg in its complete pancake mix. For non-prepacked food, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says information about allergens present must be available at the point of sale.

    Keep the allergen information for every pancake you sell up to date, including ingredients you add yourself and any toppings.

  • Comparing only the dry mix

    Plain and complete mixes require different additions. For example, PLUS says its 400 g plain mix needs 800 ml semi-skimmed milk and 3 eggs, while its 400 g complete mix needs 700 ml water.

    Make a test batch using the same portion size and include every ingredient you use when calculating the cost of each pancake sold.

    Milk and eggs also involve purchasing and storage, as well as extra preparation steps.

  • Choosing a small pack without planning for volume

    According to the Joybuy product description, Koopmans Shaker Bottle Complete Pancake Mix contains 210 g of mix and needs 350 ml of water. Before buying, work out how many packs and batches you’ll need for your planned number of pancakes.

    Test the yield using your own portion size, then compare which pack format best suits your workspace and sales volume.

  • Using pancake mix to make oliebollen

    The mixes described from brands including Koopmans and PLUS have preparation instructions for pancakes. That doesn’t tell you how the mix will behave as oliebollen batter.

    Use the mix for a separate pancake offering. For oliebollen, choose a product made for that purpose or a suitable recipe with its own preparation instructions.

Brands to compare

Koopmans

Koopmans offers, among other options, complete and gluten-free pancake mixes. This makes the brand worth considering if you want to compare different ways of preparing pancakes.

  • According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Complete 400 g needs only 700 ml of water, and one pack makes around 10 pancakes.
  • According to Albert Heijn, the 300 g gluten-free version needs 550 ml of milk and 3 eggs. Make sure the allergen information and preparation process match the pancake you actually sell.

Jumbo

Jumbo has 400 g plain and complete pancake mixes, so your choice also depends on which ingredients you want to add yourself.

  • Jumbo says its 400 g Plain mix makes around 12 portions per pack.
  • According to Jumbo, the complete version contains ingredients including whey powder from milk and egg powder. Use the label for your chosen version as the source for allergen information.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s own plain mix comes in a 200 g pack, which is smaller than the 400 g packs mentioned here.

  • Albert Heijn says this mix makes 4 to 6 pancakes.
  • Only compare pack yields if you’re using the same portion size, and remember to include the milk you need to add.

PLUS

PLUS has 400 g plain and complete pancake mixes, each with different preparation steps.

  • According to PLUS, the Complete mix needs 700 ml of water; for the Plain mix, PLUS specifies 800 ml of semi-skimmed milk and 3 eggs.
  • Adding water doesn’t make a complete mix allergen-free. Before selling, check the current label and the ingredients in the prepared product.

Belbake

Belbake is worth considering if you want to compare an original pancake mix in a 400 g pack.

  • Lidl Netherlands says this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
  • Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before using the mix for non-prepacked sales.

Albona

According to ALDI Netherlands, Albona has a 400 g multigrain baking mix for pancakes. It’s an option to consider if you want a different blend of grains on your menu.

  • The multigrain label gives you a clear starting point for comparing this option with a plain mix.
  • Check the label to see which grains are in your chosen pack, and include this information in the allergen details for your pancakes.

Related products at Joybuy

For a busy stall, compare complete pancake mixes that need only water with plain mixes that let you choose the milk and eggs yourself. If you’re adding a dietary option to your menu, look for a mix that suits it and always check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack. Compare pack size and stated yield against your portion size to plan how much you’ll need.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to provide allergen information for non-prepacked pancakes?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present must be available wherever you offer non-prepacked food. For cereals containing gluten and for nuts, you must also name the specific cereal or nut. Include the ingredients in the prepared pancake and its toppings.

Does a complete mix contain no milk or egg if I only add water?

No, you can’t tell that from the preparation method. Jumbo lists milk and egg in the product information for its 400 g complete pancake mix. Check the label of the specific mix before giving customers allergen information.

Do I need a food safety plan to sell pancakes?

According to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, if you handle, transport or store food, you need a food safety plan that sets out safe working practices in line with HACCP. Include pancake preparation and sales in the procedures for your stall.

Can I use pancake mix to make oliebollen?

Don’t assume pancake mix can replace oliebollen mix. The product information for the mixes discussed here describes how to make pancakes. For oliebollen, use a product made for that purpose or a suitable recipe with its own preparation instructions.

Can I serve pancake batter raw?

No. The product information for the Koopmans mixes discussed here says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked thoroughly. Follow the preparation instructions for the mix you use.