First, ask about the school’s rules on lunches and allergens, then check the label on your chosen pancake mix. Next, choose a pack that makes enough portions and is easy to prepare for the number of pancakes you want to cook. A pack of mix isn’t a ready-made lunch or a gift pack, so remember to allow time for the pancakes to cool and think about how to store them.
If a child or their class has dietary requirements, the label on the specific mix is what matters. Koopmans lists different ingredients and allergens for its various products; even with a gluten-free option, you’ll need to check for egg and milk. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises asking about allergies in advance when preparing food for children.
For a smaller batch, consider both how much the pack makes and what else you need to add. Koopmans says its Pancakes Complete mix needs only water, while its Original Shaker Pancakes mix makes around five pancakes. You’ll still need to cook the pancakes and allow them to cool.
If you’re cooking for several children, compare the stated yield per pack with the number of portions you need. Koopmans says its Pancakes Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes; Albert Heijn says its AH Wholemeal Pancake Mix makes around ten.
Before preparing a school lunch, check the school’s rules and the allergens listed on the pack. Then compare the yield, any extra ingredients you’ll need and what you can do with leftovers.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and school rules | Ask what children are allowed to bring to school. Check the ingredients and allergen information on your chosen pack, including any warnings about egg or milk. | If a child needs to avoid gluten or the class has dietary requirements, I want to understand those conditions before choosing a mix. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Easy preparation | Check whether you need to add water, milk, eggs or other ingredients, and how much time you have to cook and cool the pancakes. | For a small lunch portion, I don’t want to do more preparation at home than necessary. Convenience when cooking is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| The right quantity | Compare the stated yield per pack with the number of portions you need, and check whether you can store any leftovers. | If I’m cooking for a specific number of children, I don’t want to choose a pack that makes far too little or too much. Quantity is the first consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Type and preparation method | Check which grains the mix contains. Only follow a plant-based preparation method if all the ingredients you choose meet the dietary requirements. | As well as practical requirements, I want the option of choosing a wholemeal or multigrain mix, or using a different preparation method. This preference is the deciding factor for around 20% of consumers. |
The standard varieties described by Koopmans and Albert Heijn contain gluten-containing grains. Even a mix labelled gluten-free needs to be checked for other allergens, such as egg and milk.
Read the current label on the exact pack you’re buying, and make sure your choice meets the requirements agreed with the parent and school.
The mix still needs to be prepared and cooked. The stated yield also varies: Koopmans says its Original Shaker Pancakes mix makes around five pancakes, while its Pancakes Original mix makes 11 to 13.
Work out how many cooked pancakes you need, then check the yield, extra ingredients and storage options.
According to Koopmans’ product information, Pancakes Complete contains milk and egg ingredients, among other things. A gluten-free variety may also be unsuitable for someone with an egg or milk allergy. Wholemeal, on its own, doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone avoiding gluten.
Compare the ingredients, allergens, preparation instructions and yield for each variety.
Koopmans offers a range of mixes, including Original, Complete, gluten-free and shaker varieties, with different preparation methods and yields.
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes plain, wholemeal and multigrain pancake mixes.
Albert Heijn lists Dr. Oetker American Pancakes Original in its range. American pancakes are a different style from traditional thin pancakes.
These mixes come in packs for smaller and larger batches. Compare the preparation instructions and label on each pack with the portions you need and the school’s rules.
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For a small batch, compare this 210 g pack with the number of portions you need. Before cooking for school, check the label for the yield, preparation instructions and allergens.
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If you’re making a small batch, compare this 175 g shaker pack with the portions you need. Check which extra ingredients are required and read the allergen information on the pack.
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For several lunch portions, compare the stated yield of this 400 g pack with that of smaller packs. Check which grains and allergens are listed on the label, and what you need to add during preparation.
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This 400 g Original mix is an option if you’re making several portions. Koopmans says its Pancakes Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes. Check the yield, extra ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
Before you start cooking, ask the school what rules apply to lunches or treats. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says school policies can determine what children are allowed to bring in as a treat. You should also ask about any relevant allergies and dietary requirements.
Don’t assume a standard mix is suitable: the Original, Complete, wholemeal and multigrain varieties discussed here contain gluten-containing grains. Check the current label on any mix marked gluten-free, and consider other relevant allergens and the child’s dietary requirements too.
Read the allergen information on the pack of the exact product you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods. Check for any additional warnings too.
Leave cooked pancakes to cool, then cover and store any leftovers in the fridge; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them for no more than two days. Before packing them for lunch, think about how they’ll be stored in transit and at school.
