Shoppers comparing packs to stock up
You want to keep several packs of dry mix at home and check how much mix each pack contains. With a plain variety, remember that you may also need milk, eggs and cooking fat.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Households looking to store fewer separate ingredients
You want to be able to make pancakes without always having milk and eggs to hand. In that case, a complete mix that you make with water is worth considering; check the preparation instructions for any other ingredients you may need to add.
Shoppers who need to check the label
You check the ingredients and allergen information every time you buy, even if you’ve bought the same mix before. When stocking up, it’s also important to check the best-before date and storage instructions on every pack.
What should you look for when stocking up?
First, decide which ingredients you want to keep at home alongside the mix. Then check how much mix each pack contains and whether you can store and use the quantity you’ve bought in line with the label.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of mix | Compare the weight of the same type of mix and check the best-before date before buying several packs. | When I stock up, I want to know how much dry mix each pack contains and whether I’ll use it in time. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Ingredients needed | Read the preparation instructions and check whether you’ll need milk, eggs or cooking fat as well as the mix. | I want to be able to make pancakes without having to keep lots of separate ingredients ready. For around 30% of consumers, convenience is the most important factor. |
| Label and shelf life | Check the ingredients, allergens, best-before date and storage instructions on the pack. | When I buy several packs, each one needs to suit my dietary requirements and storage space. Around 20% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Only stocking up on dry mix
Preparation instructions vary. For PLUS plain mix, PLUS lists 800 ml of milk, three eggs and butter or oil in addition to the mix. For PLUS complete mix, PLUS lists 700 ml of water and butter or oil for frying.
Before topping up your supplies, check what the pack you’ve chosen requires and make sure you have those ingredients too.
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Relying on information from an old label
This is especially important if you have allergies: the information on a pack you bought previously is no substitute for checking the label on the pack you’re buying now. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be clearly listed on food labels.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the physical pack every time you buy.
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Buying more packs than you can store or use
Stocking up only makes sense if you have a suitable place to store the packs and can use them by the stated best-before date.
Check the date and storage instructions on each pack before deciding how many to buy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing products labelled ‘store in a cool, dark place’ somewhere cool, dark and dry.
Brands to consider
ALBONA / ALDI
ALBONA offers a plain pancake baking mix in a 400 g pack.
- A plain variety to include when comparing pack weights.
- Check the preparation instructions, best-before date and current ingredients on the pack.
PLUS
PLUS offers both a plain mix and a complete mix in 400 g packs.
- According to PLUS’s preparation instructions, the plain mix requires milk, eggs and cooking fat, while the complete mix requires water and butter or oil for frying.
- Check the label for the variety you choose: plain and complete mixes do not have the same ingredients.
Jumbo
The Jumbo range includes plain, wholemeal and complete pancake mixes.
- The varieties let you choose between different types of mix and preparation methods.
- Check the pack weight and what you need to add for each variety.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers, among other options, plain and multigrain pancake mix.
- You can explore different types of mix within the range.
- Read the ingredients and preparation instructions on each pack; don’t assume them from the variety name alone.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers, among other options, Original, Complete, shaker bottle and gluten-free varieties.
- According to Koopmans, you add milk, eggs and butter to Original, while Complete requires water.
- A gluten-free label doesn’t mean you can skip checking for other allergens: the Koopmans variety listed by PLUS may contain egg and milk.
Belbake / Lidl
Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix as one of the options in its range.
- An original pancake mix to compare with other basic varieties.
- Check the weight, ingredients and preparation instructions on the pack.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These Koopmans packs let you compare the type of mix, pack weight and preparation method when choosing what to stock up on. Check the label for each variety and see what you need to add before cooking.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A wholemeal variety to consider if you’re looking for 400 g packs to stock up on.
Check the pack for the ingredients you need to add, allergen information and best-before date.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
An original mix to consider if you’re looking for a 400 g pack to stock up on.
Before buying in larger quantities, check the pack to see what you need for preparation and check the best-before date.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A complete mix to consider if you’d rather keep fewer separate ingredients at home.
The pack contains 210 g of mix. Read the preparation instructions for this variety and check the allergen information and best-before date on the pack.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker bottle to consider if you’re looking for a smaller pack rather than a 400 g one.
The pack contains 175 g of mix. Check which liquid you need to add and read the allergen information and best-before date on the label.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when buying several packs at once?
Compare the weight of the same type of mix and check the best-before date on every pack. Also make sure you have the ingredients you need and can store the packs in line with the label instructions.
Do I only need water for a complete pancake mix?
It depends on the variety. According to PLUS, its complete mix requires water and butter or oil for frying, while its plain mix requires milk, eggs and cooking fat. So always follow the preparation instructions on the pack you buy.
How should I store pancake mix in the cupboard?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and check the best-before date before buying several packs. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing products labelled ‘store in a cool, dark place’ somewhere cool, dark and dry.
Can I assume ordinary pancake mix is gluten-free?
No. PLUS lists wheat in its plain and complete mixes; the plain variety also contains oats. If you follow a gluten-free diet, check the gluten-free labelling and the current label for the specific product. If you have other allergies, check the other allergen information too.