Choose a complete pancake mix if you want to measure out as few separate ingredients as possible around the Sinterklaas parade. For the varieties reviewed, you only need to add water to make the batter, although you’ll still need cooking fat for frying. If you’re looking for a mix of grains, a multigrain mix may suit you better, although the Koopmans variety reviewed also requires milk and eggs. Check the ingredients list if you specifically want seeds: the term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that any are included.
If you don’t want to measure out milk and eggs for the batter around the time of the parade, look for a complete mix. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Koopmans Compleet only needs water added to the mix, although you’ll still need cooking fat for frying.
A multigrain mix is worth considering if the types of grain are important to your choice. Koopmans Meergranen, as described by Albert Heijn, contains several different grains, but ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that a mix also contains seeds.
If you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat ready, you could also consider a plain mix. The preparation instructions for PLUS Naturel and Albona Naturel list milk and eggs as ingredients to add.
First decide what matters most for your pancake-making plans. Then check the preparation instructions, ingredients and stated yield on each pack: complete, multigrain and plain mixes don’t necessarily require the same additions.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal preparation | Check what you need to add to the mix and how many pancakes the pack is said to make. | When I’m sorting out the parade shopping and making pancakes at the same time, I want to measure out as few batter ingredients as possible. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Different grains or seeds | Check which grains are listed in the ingredients; check separately for seeds if you want them. | For the celebration, I’m mainly looking for a mix with the types of grain I want to use, without assuming that ‘multigrain’ means seeds are listed. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Having the additional ingredients at home | Compare the pack contents and check whether you already have the milk, eggs and cooking fat you’ll need. | I want to make a basic pancake using ingredients already in my kitchen, rather than choosing a different mix just for convenience. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements on the pack. | If someone eating with us needs to avoid an ingredient, I want to be able to check before buying whether this particular mix is suitable. Around 21% of consumers put this check first. |
‘Multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean that a mix contains seeds. Albert Heijn lists several different grains for Koopmans Meergranen; check the ingredients list to see whether it contains the seeds you’re looking for.
Only make seeds a requirement when the specific types you want are clearly listed on the label.
The plain mixes described by PLUS and ALDI require milk and eggs. A complete mix may need fewer additions for the batter, but you’ll still need fat for frying.
Read the preparation instructions before finalising your shopping list.
PLUS labels its Naturel mix as vegan, but the preparation instructions shown use milk and eggs. So the label on the dry mix doesn’t necessarily describe the pancakes you make with it.
Check both the mix’s ingredients and any additions you’re actually going to use.
According to Voedingscentrum, flour can also contain bacteria. Raw batter shouldn’t be tasted while you’re cooking.
Don’t let anyone eat the raw batter, and cook the pancakes through before serving.
Koopmans offers a range that includes complete and multigrain pancake mixes. The product details on Albert Heijn show that the additions required vary by variety.
PLUS offers both a plain and a complete pancake mix. Choose between them based on what you want to add when making your pancakes.
Albona is ALDI’s baking brand, with plain and multigrain pancake mixes.
Lidl lists a 120 g Belbake multigrain pancake mix.
These product options range from a mix described as multigrain and a complete variety to an original mix and a small pack. Compare the preparation instructions and label for each product with what you need for the parade; a description in the name doesn’t confirm specific ingredients or yield.
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If you’re looking for a variety of grains, check which types are listed on the label for this pack and whether you have the required additions at home.
Pack size: 400 g. If you specifically want seeds, look for them separately in the ingredients list.
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If you want to use fewer separate ingredients, check how much water this complete variety needs and how many pancakes you can make with it.
Pack size: 210 g. If you need to avoid milk or egg, also check the allergens on the label.
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If you’re making classic pancakes for a group, compare the stated yield and required additions with your plans.
Pack size: 400 g. Don’t assume it contains seeds without checking the ingredients list.
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If you’re making a small batch, you could consider this 100 g pack, but check how many pancakes it makes before buying it for a group.
Read the preparation instructions and ingredients list; don’t assume that ‘Milk Flavor’ in the product name provides allergen information.
A complete mix is worth considering if you only want to add water to the dry mix. According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Compleet 400 g requires 700 ml of water and makes around 10 pancakes; you’ll still need cooking fat to fry them. Check the instructions for each variety, as ‘complete’ doesn’t tell you how many pancakes every pack makes.
Not necessarily: ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean that seeds are included. Albert Heijn lists several different grains for Koopmans Meergranen, including wheat, rye, maize, oats, barley and buckwheat. Look for the seeds you want in the ingredients list on the pack you’re buying.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that pre-packed foods must declare 14 allergens, which must be clearly indicated in the ingredients list. Also check for any ‘may contain’ statements on the specific pack.
Don’t let children taste raw batter. According to Voedingscentrum, flour can also contain harmful bacteria, so cook the pancakes through before serving.
Keep an opened pack tightly sealed in a cool, dry, dark place. This is Voedingscentrum’s storage advice for pancake flour; also follow the instructions on the packaging of your mix.
