A classic pancake mix makes a handy base for a savoury breakfast if you choose the filling yourself. With a wholemeal or multigrain mix, you can also take the grain blend into account. If you specifically want sourdough, check that the manufacturer confirms the use of a sourdough starter and fermentation: ‘wholemeal’, ‘multigrain’ and ‘organic’ do not mean the same thing. Also check the current label to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed.
A classic mix can be used as the base for a pancake topped or filled with ingredients such as cheese or vegetables. Both Koopmans and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggest savoury options; you can tailor the flavour with your choice of filling.
If you prefer particular grains or have a food allergy, the ingredients list and allergen information matter more than terms such as ‘complete’ or ‘multigrain’. The Albert Heijn, PLUS and Koopmans mixes reviewed here differ in their grain blends and in the information they provide about egg and milk.
First decide whether sourdough is essential, or whether you’re mainly looking for a base for savoury fillings. Then compare the grains, allergens and any ingredients you’ll need to add yourself.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Look for an explicit mention of a sourdough starter and fermentation on the label, or ask the manufacturer to confirm. | If I choose sourdough, I want to know whether that process is actually used for the mix. Around 37% of consumers put this confirmation first. |
| Savoury filling | Check the preparation instructions and which ingredients you need to add to the batter; then choose a filling to suit. | I want to create the savoury flavour with my own filling. For around 27% of consumers, that freedom is the main consideration. |
| Grains and allergens | Check the grain varieties, any wholemeal content, the allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the current pack. | If I have a grain preference or an allergy, I want to be able to check exactly what the pack says. Around 18% of consumers put this check first. |
| Additional ingredients | Check whether the batter requires water, milk or eggs, and whether you’ll need cooking fat. | On a busy morning, I want to know in advance what I need to have in the house. Around 18% of consumers give the required additions top priority. |
These terms describe the grain blend, not whether a pancake mix has been fermented using a sourdough starter.
Only make sourdough a deciding factor if the label or manufacturer confirms the use of a starter and fermentation. Compare the grain varieties separately.
The Complete mix described by PLUS is made with water, but contains wheat, milk ingredients and egg. So, a simple preparation method says nothing about whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
Even with a complete mix, check the ingredients and allergens on the current label.
Ingredients and allergens can change. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label.
So read the pack you’re actually using, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
Koopmans lists milk, eggs and cooking fat as required for its Origineel mix. The Complete mix described by PLUS requires water and cooking fat.
Compare the full preparation instructions before choosing a mix for a morning when you want to keep extra ingredients to a minimum.
These brands offer different types of pancake mix that you can compare by ingredients and preparation method. A brand name or grain variety alone doesn’t confirm that a mix is sourdough.
Classic mixes and varieties with different ingredients.
A supermarket own-brand option for comparing the grain blend in a multigrain mix.
A supermarket with various types of pancake mix in its range.
An own-brand range that includes a complete mix and a wholemeal mix.
An option to compare with a classic pancake mix.
A multigrain pancake mix to assess by its grain varieties.
These mixes suit three ways to put together a savoury breakfast: compare a grain variety, choose a complete mix or decide on the filling for a classic pancake yourself. If you specifically want sourdough, check each product individually.
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For a savoury breakfast when you want to compare a grain variety and choose your own filling. Check the pack for the exact grain varieties, allergens and any ingredients you need to add; the name Wholegrains doesn’t confirm sourdough fermentation.
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For anyone looking to compare a complete mix for a savoury breakfast with varieties that need extra ingredients. Read the preparation instructions and allergen information on this pack: ‘Complete’ doesn’t confirm that a mix is allergen-free or contains sourdough.
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A classic base for adding your own savoury filling. Koopmans lists wheat flour, buckwheat flour and rye flour in its Origineel mix; for preparation, the brand specifies milk, eggs and cooking fat. Check the current pack if allergens or sourdough are important to your choice.
No, you can’t tell from the grain varieties. Albert Heijn’s multigrain mix lists spelt, rye and wheat, while PLUS’s wholemeal mix lists wheat and oats. If sourdough is essential for you, ask for explicit confirmation that the chosen mix uses a starter and fermentation.
Yes, if you want to create the savoury flavour with your own filling. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests savoury filled pancakes, and Koopmans mentions savoury combinations for its classic mix. Also compare the grains and ingredients needed to make the batter.
Yes. The Complete mix described by PLUS is made with water, but contains wheat, milk ingredients and egg. Check the ingredients and allergens on the current label for every variety you choose.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for a pre-packed pancake mix should appear on the label. Read the information on the pack you’re using, even if you’ve already looked at an online product description.
No. The Koopmans Original product information on Joybuy says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked through.
