Group event organisers
For an event or club night, the yield of your chosen mix can help you plan portions. You’ll also need to consider the preparation method and allergens before you start cooking.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Larger families stocking up
If you make pancakes regularly, you can use smaller packs over time and keep a range of varieties in stock. Available storage space and the preparation instructions for each pack also matter.
Shoppers checking ingredients and allergens
For these shoppers, the information on the exact pack is key. The mixes reviewed list, among other things, cereals containing gluten, milk or egg, or possible traces of these allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
Several smaller packs
Choose this if: you bake at different times and don’t want to open one large sack all at once.
The trade-off: you’ll need to open more individual packs for a large baking session.
A 5 kg sack
Choose this if: you know the group size and how much mix you’ll use in advance.
The trade-off: you’ll need a storage plan, including for any mix left over after baking.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | Check the stated yield for the exact mix and match it to the number of guests and portions you want to serve. | When I’m cooking for a group, I want to know whether the amount of batter will be enough. For around 36% of consumers, yield would be the first thing to consider. |
| Preparation | Check which liquid and other ingredients are needed, and whether the batter needs to rest. | When I’m cooking for a group, I want to be able to get the ingredients ready in advance. Around 29% of consumers would put ease of preparation first. |
| Stock management | Consider how many packs you want to open and how to store any remaining mix in line with the pack instructions. | If I bake over several days, I don’t want to open more mix than I’ll use. Flexible stock management would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even if you’re buying a familiar variety again. | If I’m baking for someone with an allergy, I first need to check whether the mix is suitable. For around 14% of consumers, this check would be the first condition for buying. |
Common mistakes
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Going by the weight of the sack alone
Yields vary by product. Koopmans Professioneel says its Pannenkoekmix Speciaal makes around 12 to 15 pancakes per kilogram; Albert Heijn states that a 400 g pack of Koopmans Compleet makes around 10 pancakes.
Plan the number of portions first, using the yield for the mix you’re actually buying. Remember to factor in your own portion sizes.
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Assuming ‘Complete’ is suitable for every guest
A complete mix needs fewer additional ingredients during preparation, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for someone with an allergy. The preparation options Koopmans Professioneel describes for Pannenkoekmix Speciaal don’t replace the allergen information on the pack either.
Read the current label and take care to prevent ingredients or equipment for different guests from coming into unintended contact.
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Assuming a shop listing guarantees availability
A variety that was previously sold may be discontinued; Albert Heijn lists an AH BASIC mix as no longer available.
Shortly before a planned group event, check that the exact mix is available in the quantity you need, and have a suitable alternative in reserve.
Brands to consider
Koopmans / Koopmans Professioneel
Koopmans Professioneel lists pancake mixes in 5 kg sacks, among other options. Preparation methods vary by variety.
- According to Koopmans Professioneel, Pannenkoekmix Speciaal makes around 12 to 15 pancakes per kilogram.
- Pannenkoekmix Speciaal requires milk and eggs. Check the ingredients and possible traces of allergens for each variety separately.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists consumer packs, including 400 g packs of Koopmans Compleet.
- For the Koopmans Compleet pack mentioned, Albert Heijn states that it makes around 10 pancakes and is prepared with 700 ml of water.
- Don’t assume a previously listed own-brand product is still available or has the same preparation method; check the variety you’re buying.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists various consumer pack sizes, including its own-brand 400 g plain pancake mix.
- Smaller packs can be a good fit for baking at different times.
- Check the current range for the shop or delivery area you’re ordering from.
PLUS
PLUS lists 400 g packs of pancake mix, including plain, wholemeal and complete varieties.
- For its 400 g PLUS Complete mix, PLUS states that it is prepared with 700 ml of water.
- PLUS Complete’s product information lists wheat, milk and egg. Check allergens on the exact pack.
Albona (ALDI)
ALDI lists Albona pancake baking mixes in 400 g consumer packs.
- This pack size is suitable for stocking up with individual packs.
- A 400 g consumer pack isn’t the same as a 5 kg sack; work out how many packs you’ll need for a group event.
Pancake mix for smaller baking sessions
These Joybuy products are individual consumer packs for smaller or more spread-out baking sessions. If you’re buying for a large group, first work out how many packs you’ll need and which preparation method is right for you.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
An individual consumer pack for anyone who wants to bake at different times. For a larger baking session, check the preparation instructions and quantity needed on the pack.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A consumer pack for keeping individual packs in stock. When planning portions, follow the instructions for this variety rather than those for a different Koopmans mix.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
The smaller pack is suitable for a single baking session. Check this variety’s preparation instructions before buying it for a group event; the name ‘Complete’ doesn’t tell you about allergens.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker pack for a small baking session, rather than a sack for preparing a large batch for a group. Check which additional ingredients and how many packs you’ll need for your plans.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
A small pack for a single preparation. Before buying it for a group, check the yield and preparation instructions for this variety to work out how much you’ll need.
Frequently asked questions
How many pancakes does a 5 kg sack make?
Koopmans Professioneel says its Pannenkoekmix Speciaal makes around 12 to 15 pancakes per kilogram, or roughly 60 to 75 from a 5 kg sack. Don’t apply that figure to other mixes: recipes, pancake sizes and the amount of batter used per pancake can vary.
Do I always need to buy extra milk and eggs when using a large quantity of mix?
No, it depends on the variety. Koopmans Professioneel Pannenkoekmix Speciaal requires milk and eggs, while the 5 kg complete egg pancake mix described by Bidfood only requires water. Check the preparation instructions for the exact mix before buying.
How should I store unopened pancake mix for later?
Follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack you receive. The Koopmans Professioneel and PLUS products reviewed are described as needing to be stored in a cool, dry place; check the instructions for your variety.
Is the front of the pack enough to check for allergens?
No, read the allergen information on the pack of the mix you’re using. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, 14 allergens must be declared on food labels. Also check for precautionary ‘may contain’ statements if they’re relevant to your guests.