Start with what matters most for the school lunch: the choice of grains, an essential allergen restriction or measuring out fewer ingredients. If lunch needs to be gluten-free, you’ll need a mix labelled as suitable for a gluten-free diet; Koopmans says its gluten-free mix meets the AOECS standard. A shaker bottle can make mixing easier, but whichever option you choose, check the current label, follow the preparation instructions and bear the school’s arrangements in mind.
If you’re packing pancakes for secondary school, you can compare wholegrain and multigrain mixes by their ingredients and nutritional information. The rest of the lunch, including the filling and drink, matters too.
The mix itself needs to be suitable. You’ll also need to consider any ingredients you add, the risk of contact with other ingredients during preparation, and the school’s arrangements.
A shaker bottle can cut down on measuring and mixing. You’ll still need to cook the pancakes, let them cool and pack them carefully at home.
First, decide which requirement matters most for the lunch. Then compare the ingredients, what else you’ll need to add and how many pancakes you want to make.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Grains and fibre | Check which grains are listed and compare fibre per 100 g of prepared product, if this information is available. Bear in mind any ingredients and toppings you choose. | I want to choose a wholegrain or multigrain base for the school lunch, rather than relying on the name of the mix alone. For around 29% of consumers, this choice of grain comes first. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Read the current label, including any statement about the possible presence of allergens. Check ingredients you add yourself and, if necessary, agree arrangements with the school. | If gluten needs to be avoided, I need to be able to assess whether the entire preparation is suitable. For around 29% of consumers, this allergen requirement is their main concern. |
| Preparation | Check what you need to add and how many pancakes the pack makes; even a shaker bottle mix still needs to be cooked. | On a busy morning, I want to measure out less, but I still need time to cook and pack the pancakes. For around 24% of consumers, preparation is the deciding factor. |
| Pack size and availability | Compare the pack size, the stated yield and anything else you’ll need. Check which version is available when you shop. | I want to make enough pancakes without running out of ingredients halfway through. For around 18% of consumers, practical planning matters most. |
Wholegrain and multigrain mixes can contain grains that contain gluten, while a separate gluten-free mix may also be available. The brand name or the words “pancake mix” don’t tell you enough about a specific version.
Read the current label every time you buy. If you have an allergy or coeliac disease, also check for the possible presence of allergens and any added ingredients, and confirm the arrangements with the school.
Some mixes need milk and eggs to prepare. According to Albert Heijn, you only need to add water to Koopmans Schudfles Pannenkoeken Compleet. This difference matters both for preparation and for the allergens in the finished batter.
Read the preparation instructions before choosing, and check any ingredients you plan to add yourself.
An easy mixing step doesn’t mean the pancakes are ready to take with you. For Koopmans Original, Joybuy says not to eat the batter raw and to cook it thoroughly.
Cook the pancakes through, keep things clean and let them cool appropriately before packing. Follow any storage guidance from the school or organiser.
Gluten-free, multigrain and shaker bottle mixes each meet different needs. None of these features on its own determines whether a mix is right for the pupil, the rest of the lunch or preparation at home.
Start by identifying what matters most, then compare the label, any ingredients you need to add and the planned lunch.
Koopmans offers several options for this choice, including a multigrain mix, a separate gluten-free mix and an all-in-one shaker bottle.
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes plain, multigrain and wholegrain pancake mixes.
PLUS offers plain, wholegrain, complete and bottle versions, among others.
Albona is ALDI’s own brand, with plain and multigrain pancake baking mixes.
Lidl lists a Belbake multigrain pancake mix.
These products give you a choice of an all-in-one shaker bottle, a multigrain mix, another shaker bottle and a standard mix. Pay particular attention to what you still need to add for each version: a shaker bottle doesn’t automatically mean you only need water.
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A handy option if you want to measure out fewer separate ingredients for a small lunch. According to Albert Heijn, you add 350 ml of water to this all-in-one shaker bottle; Joybuy states that it makes 4 to 6 pancakes. The mix contains grains that contain gluten, egg and milk. Cook the pancakes, then check the current label and any arrangements with the school before packing them.
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An option to consider if the grain content matters for your school lunch. This is the 400 g pack. Check the current label to see which grains and allergens are listed for this version, and which ingredients you need to add yourself.
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A shaker bottle option if you want to make mixing easier. This version contains 175 g of mix and is not the same as the 210 g complete shaker bottle. Before buying, check the preparation instructions to see what you need to add, and read the label if you have an allergy.
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A standard 400 g mix for making pancakes your own way. Check which ingredients you need for the batter and which allergens are listed on the pack. Joybuy says not to eat the batter raw and to cook it thoroughly.
No, it varies from mix to mix. The wholegrain and multigrain versions mentioned contain grains that contain gluten, but Koopmans also offers a gluten-free version which, according to the brand, meets the AOECS standard. Always check the label of the specific product and any ingredients you add.
Yes, if measuring and mixing are the main things you’re struggling to fit in. According to Albert Heijn, you add 350 ml of water to Koopmans Schudfles Pannenkoeken Compleet; the pancakes still need to be cooked, cooled and packed carefully.
Check the mix and everything you add yourself or use as a topping. Read the current label, avoid mix-ups and contact with other ingredients during preparation, and ask the school about its arrangements if an allergy or coeliac disease is a concern.
No. Wholegrain on the pack doesn’t tell you everything about the lunch. Check the nutritional information for the prepared pancake and consider what else you’re packing, including toppings and a drink.
