If you want seeds in your pancake mix, check that they’re actually listed in the ingredients: multigrain doesn’t automatically mean a mix contains seeds. For a fakeaway night, choose based on the grains you want, how many ingredients you still need to add and how many pancakes you plan to make. Always check the allergens on the packaging, too.
If you want a mix with wholemeal flour or different grains, compare the ingredients rather than relying on the name on the front of the pack. Looking specifically for seeds? Check that they’re listed separately.
A complete mix or shaker bottle can cut down on preparation. Just check what you need to add and how many pancakes the pack makes first.
Compare own-brand and branded mixes by the ingredients you need to add, not just the type of mix. Some varieties also require milk, eggs or cooking fat.
First decide what matters most for your evening: the grain content, easy preparation, a short shopping list or checking the ingredients. Always check separately for seeds: a mention of several grains doesn’t tell you whether seeds are included.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Grains and seeds | Check which wholemeal flours, grains and any seeds are listed in the ingredients; look at the nutritional information if fibre is a factor in your choice. | If I’m looking for a particular grain mix or seeds for my pancake night, I want to know what’s actually in the mix. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check how much liquid is needed, whether you need eggs and how many pancakes the mix makes. | If I want to start cooking soon after the food shop, I’m looking for instructions that suit the time I have and the number of people eating. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Extra shopping | Check what else you need, as well as the mix, including milk, eggs or cooking fat. | I’d rather not have to go back to the shop for something I still need for the batter or the pan. A short shopping list comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the packaging before using the mix. This is the main concern for around 17% of consumers. |
A multigrain mix can contain different types of grain and flour without including seeds as an ingredient.
If you want seeds in the mix itself, check that they’re specifically listed in the ingredients.
Preparation instructions vary: the PLUS Complete mix we looked at is made with water, while other varieties need milk and sometimes eggs. You may also need butter or oil for cooking.
Read the instructions before finalising your shopping list.
The varieties we looked at contain, or warn of possible traces of, ingredients including cereals containing gluten, eggs and milk. The type of mix doesn’t tell you whether it meets your ingredient requirements.
Every time you buy, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning on the current packaging.
Koopmans offers wholemeal and multigrain mixes, as well as shaker bottles. Choose a specific variety based on its ingredients and preparation instructions.
Jumbo’s own brand offers several types of pancake mix, including a wholemeal variety.
PLUS offers both a wholemeal mix and a complete mix, giving you options if you’re weighing up grain content against ease of preparation.
Albert Heijn’s range includes plain, complete, spelt, multigrain and wholemeal varieties.
Albona is ALDI’s own brand for the multigrain pancake baking mix we looked at.
These Koopmans varieties let you choose between a mix containing several grains, a shaker bottle that needs milk, and a complete mix made with water. If you’re specifically looking for seeds, check the ingredients on the pack you’ve chosen before buying.
Image unavailable
An option if you’re looking for a mix containing several grains for pancake night. Check what else you need to add, whether seeds are listed among the ingredients and which allergens are shown on the packaging.
Image unavailable
A shaker bottle for anyone making a smaller batch who can add milk. Check that the stated yield is enough for the number of people eating, and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Image unavailable
An option for a smaller batch, made by adding water to the mix. Check that it makes enough pancakes, and read the ingredients and allergens on the packaging, even for a complete mix.
Not necessarily: multigrain refers to grains, not automatically to seeds. If you want seeds as an ingredient, look for them specifically in the ingredients list on the packaging.
Wholemeal and multigrain refer to the grain content; with a complete mix, the preparation instructions are what matter most. The PLUS Complete mix we looked at is made with water, but ‘complete’ says nothing about whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy. Read the ingredients and instructions for each variety.
No, it depends on the product. The PLUS Complete mix we looked at is made with water, and you’ll need butter or oil for the pan; the Koopmans Wholemeal Mix we looked at needs milk and eggs. Check the instructions on the pack you buy.
Read the current ingredients list, the highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the allergens that must be declared have to be clearly distinguishable from the other ingredients on the label.
