Anyone serving a dessert with Sinterklaas flavours
If you want to keep toppings to a minimum, a mix with flavour already in the batter is one option. Koopmans and Albert Heijn describe the Koopmans Speculoos mix as containing speculoos pieces.
Who are these options for?
Anyone baking for a group
Match the number of packets to the number of dessert portions you need. Albert Heijn lists 10–12 pancakes per packet for Koopmans Oma’s Pannenkoeken met Kaneel; with a plain mix, you can choose the toppings yourself.
Anyone checking ingredients and allergens
Check both the mix and the toppings for ingredients that matter to your guests. Koopmans lists an AOECS standard mark for its separate gluten-free pancake mix; this does not apply to other varieties.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide whether you want the dessert flavour to come from the batter or the toppings. Then compare the yield per packet, any extra ingredients and the label.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A distinct dessert flavour | Check which flavourings are already in the mix and how many pancakes a packet makes. Koopmans lists speculoos pieces and around eight pancakes for its Speculoos mix. | If I want to make a recognisable Sinterklaas dessert with few toppings, the flavour needs to come mainly from the batter. For around 37% of consumers, that dessert flavour matters most. |
| Easy batter preparation | Check which ingredients you need to add yourself. According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet requires water for the batter; you’ll also need fat for frying. | When I want to measure out fewer separate ingredients while preparing for the festivities, I prefer a simple method. Ease of preparation comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Portions and your own toppings | Compare the yield per packet and plan your toppings too. Albert Heijn lists 10–12 pancakes for Koopmans Oma’s Pannenkoeken met Kaneel. | When I’m catering for a larger group, I want to make enough portions and decide for myself what to serve. For around 18% of consumers, this combination is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the latest label on both the mix and every topping. If you’re choosing a gluten-free option, check the information on that specific packet. | If certain ingredients must be kept off the table, suitability for my guests comes before flavour or convenience. For around 18% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a stronger flavour means more portions
According to the product information from Koopmans and Albert Heijn, the speculoos mix reviewed makes around eight pancakes, compared with 10–12 for the cinnamon mix reviewed. Don’t assume each packet makes the same number.
First work out how many dessert portions you need, then choose the number of packets and the flavour you want.
If you’re catering for a larger group, you may need more packets than you’d planned based on your flavour choice.
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Assuming ‘just add water’ means allergen-free
Preparation instructions don’t tell you which ingredients are already in the mix. The PLUS Complete mix described contains wheat, milk and egg, among other ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergen information separately from the preparation instructions, even for a complete mix.
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Forgetting to factor in the toppings
With a plain base, your choice of toppings has a big impact on the final dessert flavour. Toppings may also contain ingredients that matter to your guests.
Choose your toppings at the same time as your mix, and check each product’s packaging separately.
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Assuming every shop stocks the same range
An online product listing doesn’t mean a mix will be available in the same way when you shop. For example, Lidl lists the Belbake mix described as available in store.
Check the range when you do your shopping and read the label when you buy.
Brands compared
These brands and retailers offer different starting points: a flavoured mix, an all-in-one preparation or a base you can top yourself. The features below apply to the products mentioned, not every product from each brand.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers Speculoos, Oma’s Pannenkoeken met Kaneel, Pannenkoeken Compleet and a separate gluten-free variety, among other options.
- With Speculoos, the flavour is already in the mix; for Pannenkoeken Compleet, Koopmans lists water as the ingredient to add to the batter.
- Compare the yield and label for each variety: a flavoured mix and a gluten-free mix are not interchangeable.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists several pancake mixes, including Koopmans varieties with speculoos and cinnamon.
- The product information helps you compare flavours and stated yields.
- Read the packaging before use; Albert Heijn notes that product information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes its own-brand Naturel and Compleet mixes, as well as mixes from other brands.
- Naturel and Compleet offer different starting points for preparation and adding your own toppings.
- The range listing alone won’t tell you how an individual own-brand mix tastes as a dessert; check the product packaging.
PLUS
PLUS offers both a plain and a complete pancake mix, among other options.
- For the Complete mix described, PLUS lists water for the batter; according to PLUS, the plain variety requires milk and eggs.
- The Complete mix described contains wheat, milk and egg. Check the allergen information for the variety you choose.
Belbake
Belbake offers an original pancake mix at Lidl, providing a base for your choice of toppings.
- For the 400 g packet described, Lidl lists a yield of around 12 pancakes.
- Lidl describes this product as available in store; check what’s available at your local shop.
Albona
According to ALDI, Albona offers a 400 g multigrain pancake mix.
- The multigrain variety provides a base that you can top with your choice of dessert toppings.
- If you want a specific Sinterklaas flavour, don’t rely on the product category alone; check the ingredients and choose your toppings separately.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes are most relevant if you want to choose the festive finishing touches yourself. Compare the type of mix and packet weight, and check the preparation method, yield and ingredients on the packaging before buying, to make sure they suit your guests.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
An option if you want to choose the dessert flavour with your own toppings and are looking for a complete mix.
210 g packet. Check the preparation method, yield and allergens on the latest label.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A base for choosing the flavour of your Sinterklaas dessert with your own toppings.
400 g packet. When planning your shopping, check which ingredients you need to add and how many pancakes the packet makes.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker mix to consider if you want to choose the sweet toppings yourself.
175 g packet. If you’re baking for a group, check how many pancakes the packet makes, and read which ingredients you’ll need.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
A milk-flavoured option to consider if you want to choose the dessert toppings yourself.
100 g packet. Check the packaging to see how many pancakes you can make, and check the ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Is speculoos pancake mix automatically gluten-free?
No. The Koopmans Speculoos mix described contains wheat; Koopmans lists an AOECS standard mark for a separate gluten-free variety. Check the packaging of the mix you choose and all your toppings.
What does ‘complete’ mean on a pancake mix?
For the complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS described here, you add water to make the batter, but you’ll still need fat for frying. ‘Complete’ doesn’t mean it’s suitable for people with allergies: the PLUS variety described contains wheat, milk and egg.
Can you taste the batter of these flavoured mixes raw?
No. For the speculoos and cinnamon mixes described, Albert Heijn states that the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked through.
Where can you find allergen information for a pre-packed mix?
On the packet label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must be provided there for pre-packed products; check the labels on your chosen toppings too.