Home cooks who like to plan ahead
You’re making several pancakes for a school lunch and want to know what you’ll need besides the mix.
Who might find these options useful?
Parents and pupils looking to keep prep to a minimum
You’re looking for a method that needs fewer extra ingredients or less mixing equipment, and want to know what you’ll still need to add.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
You need to check whether the mix you’ve chosen, along with any ingredients you add yourself, is suitable for the pupil and meets the school’s requirements.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the ingredients you have at home and how many pancakes you want to make. Then check how to prepare your chosen mix and what its allergen information says.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Mix and extra ingredients | Check the amount of mix and whether you need to add milk, eggs or other ingredients yourself. | If I often make pancakes ahead, I want to use what I already have at home. For around 36% of consumers, the mix and extra ingredients are the main consideration. |
| Preparation | Check whether you need to measure out ingredients, mix the batter in a bowl or use a shaker bottle. | On a busy day, I want to make the batter with as few steps as possible. This convenience is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Lunch planning | Check how many pancakes the pack says it makes and decide how you’ll pack the prepared lunch. | When I’m making pancakes for school, I want to know how many portions I can prepare. Around 21% of consumers put this planning first. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements, and check any ingredients you add yourself too. | If I have an allergy or dietary restriction, I need to know first whether the chosen preparation is suitable. For around 14% of consumers, this check is the deciding factor. |
Common mistakes
-
Looking only at the mix in the pack
A standard mix isn’t ready-made batter. Albert Heijn and PLUS, for example, also list milk, eggs and cooking fat for their plain mixes.
Before you start cooking, read the instructions on the exact pack you’ve chosen and get the extra ingredients ready.
-
Assuming every mix is suitable for a dietary restriction
The standard mixes mentioned contain cereals with gluten. A mix may contain egg or milk, list them as possible traces, or require you to add them during preparation.
Check the current packaging and the full preparation instructions. If you have a dietary restriction, check with the parent or carer and the school if needed.
Brands to consider
ALBONA
ALBONA’s range at ALDI includes a 400 g plain pancake mix.
- A standard mix for making batter at home.
- ALDI says you’ll need milk and eggs. Check the allergens on the pack.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain pancake mix, a complete mix and a shaker bottle, each with a different preparation method.
- PLUS says its plain mix needs milk and eggs, while its Complete mix needs water and cooking fat.
- You still need milk for the shaker bottle. Check the allergen information for each option.
Albert Heijn
AH Mix voor pannenkoeken naturel is a 400 g standard mix.
- Albert Heijn says each pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- For preparation, Albert Heijn lists 3 eggs, 800 ml semi-skimmed milk and oil or margarine. The mix contains wheat and oats and may also contain egg and milk, among other allergens.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers several separate options, including Origineel, Complete, Meergranen, Volkoren and Glutenvrij.
- The options give you a choice of preparation methods and grains. Compare the information on the specific pack to find out more.
- Koopmans says Origineel contains wheat and rye and may also contain egg, milk, barley and oats, among other allergens.
Belbake
Belbake Pannenkoekenmix origineel is a 400 g pack sold at Lidl.
- Lidl says each pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Lidl lists this product as available in store. Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before buying.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These Koopmans options show three ways to make pancakes at home for a school lunch: a multigrain mix, a shaker bottle and a complete mix. Compare the extra ingredients and the label for your chosen option.
No image available
Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
An option for making several pancakes at home for a school lunch. Check the pack to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed.
No image available
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
The shaker bottle may be a good choice if you’re making a small batch and want to use less mixing equipment. Check which liquid you need to add and read the allergen information on the pack before use.
No image available
Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
This complete mix may suit you if you want to measure out fewer extra ingredients. The ingredients and allergen information in the product details are inconsistent. If you have an allergy, don’t rely on that information; check the current pack before use.
Frequently asked questions
What should I have at home to use with a standard mix?
It depends on the option you choose. For their 400 g plain mixes, Albert Heijn and PLUS both list 800 ml semi-skimmed milk, 3 eggs and oil, margarine or another cooking fat. Read the instructions on your own pack before you start.
Which allergens should I check for a school lunch?
Check the current packaging for your chosen mix and all the ingredients you add yourself. AH plain mix contains wheat and oats; Koopmans Origineel contains wheat and rye. Egg and milk may be in the mix, listed as possible traces or added during preparation. Remember to take the school’s requirements into account too.
Can I make a complete mix without adding milk or eggs?
For PLUS Complete, PLUS lists 700 ml water and cooking fat as the ingredients you’ll need. This doesn’t tell you about the allergens in the mix itself: this option contains wheat, milk and egg. Always check the pack for any other complete mix.
Is a shaker bottle handy if I’m making just a few pancakes?
A shaker bottle can save on mixing equipment when you’re making a small batch, but check what you need to add. The PLUS shaker bottle needs milk; PLUS says you should use the mixed batter straight away.