If you’re taking just a few pancakes for one or two people, a small bottle is usually a better fit for that batch than a 400 g pack. According to Albert Heijn, the Koopmans 210 g shaker bottle makes around 4 to 6 pancakes. Choose a complete mix if you only want to add water, but check the allergens too and make sure you can keep the cooked pancakes chilled while you’re on the go.
If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller amount of mix can help you avoid making more batter than you want to take with you. Check the yield, though: Albert Heijn says the Koopmans shaker bottle makes around 4 to 6 pancakes, while the weight of another small bottle alone doesn’t tell you how many pancakes it makes.
A complete mix can cut down on preparation if you don’t want to add milk and eggs. With a complete shaker bottle, you can also mix the batter in the bottle. Check what else you’ll need to cook the pancakes for each specific variety.
If you need to avoid wheat, eggs, milk or other ingredients, checking the current label matters more than the convenience of a small pack. Ingredients and allergens vary between the varieties reviewed, and the word ‘complete’ doesn’t tell you anything about them.
Decide how many pancakes you want to make, then check which ingredients you need to add and read the label before buying. A larger pack is most practical if you have another occasion to use the mix.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Compare the pack weight with the stated yield and the number of pancakes you want to take with you. | If I’m only cooking for one or two people, I don’t want to be left with lots of batter or cooked pancakes. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a small portion. |
| Preparation | Check whether the mix requires water, milk or eggs, and whether you can mix it in the packaging; you’ll still need to cook the pancakes. | Just before setting off, I want to get out as few separate ingredients and mixing utensils as possible. Around 29% of consumers put simple preparation first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose, including for complete mixes and products with a dietary claim. | If certain ingredients aren’t suitable for me, I need to know what’s in this particular variety before using it. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Using it later | Consider whether you’ll use an opened pack again and how to store any remaining dry mix. | I cook pancakes regularly and want to use any leftover mix next time. This is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Yield varies by mix. Koopmans says its Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes and its Complete mix makes 8 to 10, which may be more than you want to make for one small batch.
Decide in advance how many you need. Choose a larger pack if you want to use the rest of the dry mix another time and can store it according to the instructions.
A complete mix may only require water as the added liquid, but you’ll still need the equipment to cook the pancakes. The complete varieties reviewed aren’t automatically free from wheat, milk or eggs either.
Read both the preparation instructions and the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.
The Voedingscentrum advises not leaving leftover cooked pancakes out of the fridge for more than two hours. PLUS says that batter made with milk from its plain shaker bottle should be used straight away.
Cook the batter according to the pack instructions. Cool cooked pancakes quickly and keep them chilled during a longer journey.
Always compare specific varieties within a brand: pack size, preparation and ingredients can vary.
The product range reviewed includes regular mixes, complete mixes and shaker bottles.
The products reviewed include a 400 g complete mix and a 200 g plain shaker bottle.
Alongside Koopmans, it stocks AH mixes in varieties including plain, wholemeal and multigrain.
The 400 g pancake mix reviewed is labelled gluten-free.
These packs are suited to making a smaller batch of pancakes to take with you. Check what you need to add for each product and whether the stated yield suits your group; a small pack doesn’t automatically guarantee a particular number of pancakes.
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For a small batch when you want to mix the batter in the bottle. Albert Heijn says this shaker bottle makes around 4 to 6 pancakes; according to the Joybuy product information, you add 350 ml of water. If you have ingredient requirements, check the current label and remember that you’ll still need to cook the pancakes.
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The 175 g bottle is an option if you want to take a small amount of dry mix with you and mix it in the packaging. This variety requires milk, so it isn’t a mix where you only add water. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the label.
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This 100 g pack may suit you if you want to buy a small amount of dry mix. Before buying, check how many pancakes you can make with it and which extra ingredients you’ll need. If you have ingredient requirements, read the current label too.
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This pack contains 200 g of mix, making it smaller than the 400 g packs discussed. Check how many pancakes you can make with it and what you need to add. If you have allergen requirements, compare the current label carefully with the product information: the stated allergen claim and ingredients list contradict each other.
Don’t use ‘half loaf’ as a measure for pancake mix. For a small batch, it’s better to compare the weight and stated yield of the specific pack, such as a small bottle versus a 400 g pack.
It varies by variety. According to Koopmans, you add water to the complete mix reviewed; for the 210 g shaker bottle, the Joybuy product information specifies 350 ml. Read the cooking instructions too, so you know what equipment and cooking fat you’ll need.
Yes, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’re actually buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on food labels; ingredients and the possible presence of allergens vary from one pancake mix to another.
Cool them quickly after cooking and transport them chilled if the journey is a long one. The Voedingscentrum advises not leaving leftover cooked pancakes out of the fridge for more than two hours, so bear this in mind when preparing and travelling.
Follow the instructions for the bottle you choose. PLUS says that batter made with milk in its 200 g plain shaker bottle should be used straight away and must not be stored. So don’t assume you’ll still be able to use a prepared bottle hours later.
