Which mix is right for you?

A small BBQ group looking to avoid leftovers

If you’re cooking for one or a few people, choose a mix that makes the number of pancakes you want. Koopmans says its original shaker bottle makes five pancakes, and PLUS also sells a 200 g bottle mix.

A BBQ cook who wants to bring fewer ingredients

If you want to make batter outdoors without bringing separate milk and eggs, look for a complete mix. The PLUS Complete mix we looked at requires water and cooking fat, but the packet contains 400 g of mix.

A cook with specific requirements for the ingredients

Compare the ingredients and allergen information for each version before choosing based on portion size. The mixes we looked at differ in the grains they use and whether they contain milk and egg.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how many pancakes you want to make. Then compare what you’ll need to bring for the batter, and check the ingredients to make sure the mix is suitable for everyone eating.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Portion size and leftovers Compare the net weight and stated yield with the number of pancakes you want to make. If I’m only cooking for a few people, I don’t want to be left with unused batter. That’s why around 42% of consumers put portion size first.
Preparing the mix at the BBQ Check which liquids, eggs and cooking fat you’ll need, and whether mixed batter must be used straight away. When cooking outdoors, I want to bring as few separate ingredients and utensils as possible. For around 33% of consumers, ease of preparation matters most.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, including any warning about possible traces of allergens. If anyone eating has specific dietary requirements, I want to know what’s in the mix before I start cooking. Ingredients are the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a large packet for a small stack

    A 400 g packet may make more pancakes than you want for a small group. Koopmans says its classic Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes; Albert Heijn says the wholemeal mix we looked at makes around 10.

    Before buying, compare the yield and net weight with the number of people you’re cooking for. A smaller bottle mix is only convenient if the quantity it makes is right for you too.

  • Assuming a complete mix contains no milk or egg

    Adding water to PLUS Complete mix doesn’t tell you what’s already in it: this version contains milk and egg ingredients.

    Remember that ingredients you need to add are different from those already in the product. If you have allergies, check the current packaging.

  • Trying to cook batter on an open BBQ grill

    Runny pancake batter needs a flat cooking surface with no gaps. Weber recommends using a flat griddle to make pancakes on the barbecue.

    Check that your griddle or plancha is suitable for your barbecue, and follow the instructions for both.

  • Treating online allergen information as the definitive label

    Ingredients and warnings about possible allergens can vary between pancake mixes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on the labels of prepacked foods.

    Check the physical packaging before buying and preparing the mix, especially if someone eating needs to avoid an ingredient.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Offers both a classic mix and an original shaker bottle for a smaller batch.

  • Koopmans says its original shaker bottle makes five pancakes; you add the milk yourself.
  • Koopmans says its classic Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes and requires milk, eggs and butter. If you have allergies, check the packaging for the version you choose.

AH (Albert Heijn-huismerk)

The wholemeal mix we looked at contains 300 g of mix and, according to Albert Heijn, makes around ten pancakes.

  • Albert Heijn says this mix can also be prepared with plant-based ingredients.
  • The standard preparation requires milk, eggs and cooking fat. The mix contains wheat and gluten, and makes more than a very small stack.

PLUS-huismerk

Offers, among other options, a 200 g plain bottle mix and a 400 g Complete mix.

  • Mix the bottle mix with 400 ml semi-skimmed milk in the bottle. PLUS says the Complete mix requires 700 ml water and cooking fat.
  • PLUS says batter from the bottle mix should be used straight away. The Complete mix contains milk and egg; check the ingredients and allergens for each version.

Albona (ALDI)

ALDI lists a 400 g packet of Albona multigrain pancake mix.

  • The packaging states the type of mix and its net weight, making it easy to compare with smaller packets.
  • If they affect your choice, check the yield, preparation method and ingredients on the packaging.

Pancake mixes at Joybuy

These two Koopmans options are worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller quantity of mix for a BBQ. Before choosing, compare the liquid you’ll need and check that the yield suits your group.

Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g

Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g

This 210 g version could suit a small BBQ group if the yield on the packaging matches the number of people you’re cooking for. Check which liquid you need, and read the ingredients and allergen information before use.

View at Joybuy
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g

Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g

For a small group who want to make their batter in a shaker bottle. This version contains 175 g of mix; check how much milk to add before you set off, and read the label if you have allergies.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I cook pancakes on a barbecue?

Yes, on a suitable flat griddle or plancha that fits your barbecue. Weber describes cooking pancakes on a flat BBQ griddle; also check the instructions and safety guidance for your own barbecue and griddle.

Which mix needs the fewest separate ingredients?

Of the options discussed here, PLUS says its Complete mix requires water and cooking fat, with no separate milk or eggs to add. The PLUS bottle mix requires milk; compare the packet size as well as the ingredients you’ll need.

Should I check the allergens on the packaging?

Yes, check the current packaging for the specific mix. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels for prepacked foods. The mixes discussed here differ in ingredients such as grains, milk and egg.

Can I keep mixed batter in a bottle for later?

Not with the PLUS bottle mix discussed here: PLUS says the batter should be used straight after mixing it with milk and must not be stored. For other mixes, follow the instructions on the packaging.

Does pancake batter need to be cooked all the way through?

Yes, cook pancakes according to the preparation instructions and don’t eat the batter raw. Joybuy’s product information for Koopmans Original says the batter must be thoroughly heated.