Lunch-makers short on preparation time
If you’re making pancakes for several people and don’t want to buy milk or eggs for the batter, look for a complete mix that only needs water. Check separately what you’ll need to cook the pancakes.
Which mix is right for you?
Shoppers looking for different ingredients or flavours
Organic ingredients, wholegrain cereals or added flavour can all influence your choice. Compare the ingredients and any additions needed for each mix, as these can vary even within the same brand.
Families who need a gluten-free option
If someone needs to eat gluten-free, a standard multigrain or wholemeal mix won’t necessarily be suitable. Look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the other allergens on the pack too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what matters most for this lunch: less preparation, a special flavour, a particular ingredient profile or checking for allergens. Then compare how many pancakes each pack makes and what you’ll need to add yourself.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal preparation | Check what you need to add to the batter and how many pancakes a pack makes. | If lunch comes together spontaneously, I don’t want to have to buy extra ingredients for the batter first. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise less preparation. |
| Special flavour | See what flavouring it contains and whether one pack will be enough for your group. | For a group holiday activity, I want a flavour that’s different from plain pancakes. For around 27% of consumers, a treat like this would be the main reason for choosing a mix. |
| Organic or wholemeal | Compare the certification label or the types of flour listed. Only compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g of prepared product. | I’m mainly looking for organic ingredients or wholemeal flour, and I don’t mind taking a few extra steps to prepare it. For around 26% of consumers, this ingredient profile would be the most important factor. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information. If you need a gluten-free option, check that the pack is explicitly labelled as such. | If someone eating with us needs to avoid gluten, I need to check first whether the mix is suitable for them. For around 20% of consumers, this essential check would determine their choice. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘complete’ means allergen-free
‘Just add water’ describes how to make the batter, not the ingredients already in the mix. PLUS lists wheat, milk and egg among the ingredients in its complete mix.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re buying, especially if someone needs to avoid certain ingredients.
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Not planning enough pancakes for the group
The stated yield varies by mix: PLUS says Koopmans Speculoos makes around eight pancakes, while Koopmans says its Organic Multigrain mix makes 13 to 15.
Compare the yield per pack with the number of people eating before deciding how many packs you need.
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Comparing nutritional values on different bases
A value for a dry mix isn’t directly comparable with one for prepared pancakes. Any ingredients you add yourself also form part of the finished meal.
Check whether the nutritional information is per 100 g of unprepared or prepared product, and only compare values on the same basis.
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Relying on the online product description alone
When choosing a product with allergens in mind, the information on the product you actually use is what matters. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information on food labels.
Check the physical pack again before buying and preparing the mix, even if you’ve bought the same one before.
Brands to compare
These brands offer different types of pancake mix. Compare the features and allergens of each product, rather than relying on the brand name.
Koopmans
Options for different preparation methods and ingredient preferences.
- Koopmans says its Original mix needs milk, eggs and butter, while you only need to add water to the batter for its Complete mix.
- According to Koopmans, its Organic Multigrain mix carries an EKO certification label; this doesn’t automatically apply to its other mixes.
Albert Heijn
AH own-brand mixes, including complete, organic multigrain and spelt options.
- The range offers different options if preparation method or type of flour is a deciding factor.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack; a product name doesn’t tell you everything.
Jumbo
Own-brand mixes, including complete, wholemeal and organic pancake options.
- The different product types make it possible to compare ingredients and preparation methods.
- If you need a gluten-free option, don’t assume it’s available just because the wider range includes other mixes. Check the label and availability of the specific product.
PLUS
Own-brand wholemeal and complete mixes, with different preparation methods.
- PLUS states that its wholemeal mix contains 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour. For the batter for its complete mix, PLUS specifies 700 ml of water.
- According to PLUS, its complete mix contains wheat, milk and egg. So, needing only water doesn’t make it suitable for everyone.
Albona
ALDI own-brand multigrain pancake mix.
- A multigrain option to compare with mixes made from other types of flour.
- For dietary or allergen requirements, check the details on the specific pack.
Belbake
Lidl own-brand original pancake mix.
- Lidl states that its 400 g Original pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and availability of the pack you want to buy.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes offer options for a school holiday lunch where the main differences are what you need to add, the types of grain and how many pancakes each pack makes.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A good choice for a lunch where you want to add very little to the batter: according to the product description, you add water to the shaker. If you’re feeding a larger group, don’t assume one bottle will be enough; it makes 4 to 6 pancakes.
The product information lists wheat, egg and milk. Check the current allergen information on the pack.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
A good option if you’re looking for a mix with wholegrains for your lunch. When planning, remember that you’ll need to add milk, eggs and cooking fat or oil; according to the product description, one pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes.
Don’t assume it’s organic or gluten-free based on the name. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
The shaker bottle can be handy for a small lunch when you want to measure out less, but according to the product description, you need milk rather than water for the batter. It makes 4 to 6 pancakes.
If you’re choosing with allergens in mind, check the current packaging; the product information lists wheat, rye and egg, among other ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ‘premium’ pancake mix worth it for a school holiday lunch?
Only if a specific feature suits what you’re looking for, such as a special flavour, particular ingredients or fewer additions to the batter. Compare the yield, preparation steps and allergens too before you choose.
Is a mix that only needs water suitable for someone with a milk or egg allergy?
Not necessarily: ‘just add water’ refers to what you add to the batter. PLUS lists whey powder from milk and egg powder among the ingredients in its complete mix, so always read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you choose.
What information should you look for on the label of a pre-packed pancake mix?
At the very least, check the ingredients, clearly highlighted allergens, date and nutritional information. Your Europe describes these as part of the EU labelling rules for pre-packed foods; use the details on the pack you actually buy.
Can you taste pancake batter raw?
Don’t taste Koopmans Complete batter raw. Koopmans says this batter must be cooked thoroughly; for other mixes, follow the preparation instructions on the pack too.