A small picnic group
If you’re cooking for one or two people, match the pack size and yield to what you’ll actually take with you. A smaller pack can help you avoid having lots of dry mix or cooked pancakes left over.
Who is this choice relevant to?
A home cook making pancakes for several people
A standard 400 g bag may suit a larger group. Check the yield of the version you choose: Albert Heijn says its 400 g AH Natural Pancake Mix makes around 12 pancakes.
A picnic cook who needs to check the ingredients
Compare the ingredients and allergens for the exact mix before you start cooking. A multigrain mix isn’t automatically gluten-free, and the ingredients you need to add to the batter vary by version.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many pancakes you want to make. Then check the preparation instructions and plan how you’ll transport the cooked pancakes.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and leftovers | Compare the net weight with the stated number of pancakes. If you’re buying a larger bag, check how to store any unused dry mix. | If I’m cooking for one or two people, I don’t want to make much more batter than I need. Around 42% of consumers would choose a suitable portion size as their main consideration. |
| Preparation and transport | Allow time to cook the pancakes through and let them cool completely before transporting them. Check which items need to be kept chilled. | If you cook in advance, you’ll want to take the food to the park without keeping it lukewarm for a long time. Around 33% of consumers would put safe preparation and transport first. |
| Ingredients to add | Check whether the mix requires water, milk, eggs or other additions, and check the allergens for the version you’ve chosen. | If I don’t have all the ingredients at home, I want to know what else I need before I start cooking. The additions required would be the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Opening a large bag for just a few pancakes
The pack size alone doesn’t tell you how many pancakes you’ll want to make for your picnic. A standard 400 g bag may be more than you need for a small group.
Compare the pack size and stated yield before buying. The Voedingscentrum advises storing unused dry mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container.
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Assuming every mix only needs water
Preparation methods vary by version. According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Complete Pancake Mix needs water, while milk and eggs need to be added to AH Natural Pancake Mix.
Read the instructions on the exact pack and check which ingredients you already have at home.
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Taking lukewarm cooked pancakes with you
For a picnic, it’s not just the batter that needs attention: you also need to think about how you’ll transport the food once it’s cooked. The Voedingscentrum recommends using a cool bag for items that need to be kept chilled.
Cook the pancakes through, let them cool completely before transporting them, and pack them in clean, sealed containers. Keep any items that need chilling cold.
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Assuming multigrain means gluten-free
Albert Heijn lists wheat, oats, barley and rye among the gluten-containing grains in its multigrain pancake mix.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, always check the label and allergen information on the exact version you’re buying.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers pancake mixes in different pack sizes and with different preparation methods.
- Jumbo lists, among other products, a 175 g shaker bottle and a 400 g Original Mix; Albert Heijn also stocks a complete version.
- Check the yield, required additions and allergens for each version, as these vary across Koopmans mixes.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes natural, complete and multigrain pancake mixes.
- The different versions offer a choice of preparation methods.
- Milk and eggs need to be added to the natural mix. According to Albert Heijn, the multigrain mix contains gluten-containing grains.
Albona
Albona is an ALDI own brand with natural and multigrain pancake mixes among its range.
- ALDI lists pancake mixes in packs of around 400 g.
- If you’re cooking for a small picnic group, check how many pancakes you can make with the pack you’ve chosen.
Belbake
Lidl lists Original and multigrain pancake mixes under its Belbake brand.
- The listed versions give you a choice between Original and multigrain.
- Check the pack for the preparation method, ingredients and yield of the version you choose.
Pancake mixes in smaller packs
These Joybuy products come in packs ranging from 100 g to 210 g, making them worth considering if you’re cooking for a small picnic group. Pack size alone doesn’t determine the yield, so check it alongside the preparation instructions for each mix.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
The shaker bottle is an option if you want to buy a smaller amount of dry mix for a small group. Before cooking, check the expected yield and which liquid the pack says to add.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
This smaller pack may suit you if you’re cooking for a few people. Read the preparation instructions for this version: the additions and yield of other complete Koopmans mixes won’t necessarily apply to this pack.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
The 100 g pack is worth considering if you want to use a small amount of dry mix. Check how many pancakes it makes and read which ingredients you need to add before preparing it.
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g'woon Complete Pancake Mix 200 g
The 200 g pack may suit a small picnic group. Don’t rely on the word ‘Complete’ alone: check the pack for the yield, preparation method and allergen information before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Which pack size is right for a picnic for one or two people?
Choose based on how many pancakes you need, not just the weight of the pack. For example, Jumbo lists a 175 g Koopmans shaker bottle, while Albert Heijn says its 400 g AH Natural Pancake Mix makes around 12 pancakes. Check the yield of the version you want to buy.
Do I always need milk and eggs for pancake mix?
No, it varies by version. According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Complete Pancake Mix only needs water, while AH Natural Pancake Mix requires milk and eggs. Follow the instructions and check the allergen information on the exact pack.
How should I take cooked pancakes to the park?
Cook them through, let them cool completely before transporting them, and pack them in clean, sealed containers. The Voedingscentrum recommends using a cool bag for items that need to be kept chilled; don’t leave these items unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
How should I store leftover dry pancake mix?
Store opened dry pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Also check the storage instructions on your mix’s packaging.
Is multigrain pancake mix gluten-free?
Not necessarily: Albert Heijn lists gluten-containing grains, including wheat, barley and rye, in its multigrain mix. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, check that the exact pack is labelled gluten-free and read the allergen information.