If you’re cooking for one or two people, choose based on how many pancakes you want to make, rather than just the pack size. According to the brand, Koopmans’ shaker bottle makes around 5 pancakes, while a larger pack is a better option if you want to use the dry mix over several cooking sessions. Check what you need to add, too, and whether the prepared batter needs to be used straight away. These differences determine how much you’ll have left over.
If you usually cook for one or two people, compare the expected yield of a shaker bottle with that of a standard pack. A small pack isn’t automatically the answer: with a bottle mix, you may still need to use all the prepared batter at once.
A shaker bottle or bottle mix can make mixing easier. Check what else you need to add: the Koopmans complete mix we looked at requires water for the batter, while the PLUS bottle mix needs milk.
If you’re looking for wholegrain or need to avoid certain ingredients, don’t choose based on the packaging alone. A wholegrain mix isn’t automatically gluten-free; check the ingredients and allergen information on the current label every time you buy.
First decide how many pancakes you want to make this time. Then compare what needs to be added, check the label and see whether you can store any unused dry mix.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Compare the expected yield and how much is left after mixing. Koopmans says its shaker bottle makes around 5 pancakes; according to PLUS, the batter from its bottle mix must be used straight away once milk has been added. | If I only want to make a few pancakes, I don’t want to be left with a large amount of prepared batter. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a suitable portion size and fewer leftovers. |
| Ease of preparation | Read the full preparation instructions: do you need to add water, milk or eggs, and do you mix everything in the packaging or in a bowl? | When I want to get started quickly, what matters most is how many ingredients and steps are still needed. Around 29% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list, allergen information and any explicit gluten-free label on the packaging. AH Wholegrain contains wheat and gluten. | If I’m specifically looking for wholegrain or need to avoid an ingredient, the option I choose must meet that requirement. Dietary or allergen requirements are the first consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Storing dry mix | Check whether you can seal the pack properly after opening and store it in a cool, dry, dark place, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. | If I’d rather cook on different days, I want to be able to store any unused dry mix. The option to spread out a supply matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
The PLUS bottle mix contains 200 g of dry mix, but you also need to add milk. According to PLUS, the prepared batter must be used straight away, so a compact bottle doesn’t automatically prevent leftovers.
Before buying, check both the expected yield and the instructions for the prepared batter.
With the Koopmans complete mix we looked at, you only need to add water to make the batter. That doesn’t tell you what equipment you’ll need for mixing and cooking.
Read the full preparation instructions rather than relying only on the note about adding water.
The AH wholegrain mix we looked at contains wheat and gluten. The term ‘wholegrain’ answers a different question from ‘gluten-free’.
If you need to avoid gluten or wheat, choose an option that meets your requirements and check the current label, including the allergen information.
Unused dry mix is different from prepared batter. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you can store dry pancake mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.
Seal an opened pack carefully and check the mix for any unusual smell or appearance before using it again.
Across the product ranges we looked at, the main differences are pack size, yield and what you need to add. So compare the specific option, not just the brand name.
Koopmans offers both a small shaker bottle and mixes for a larger batch.
The AH range includes, among other options, a wholegrain mix and a separate gluten-free mix.
PLUS offers a 200 g bottle mix and a 400 g pack of plain mix.
ALDI lists Albona pancake mix in 400 g packs.
Lidl lists a Belbake mix for a batch made from a standard pack.
These two Koopmans options illustrate the choice between a smaller pack for a limited batch and a 400 g pack for anyone who wants to use the dry mix on several occasions. Compare the preparation instructions and the label for the option you choose.
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The 210 g pack is worth considering first if you’re planning a small batch for one or two people.
Before mixing, check the yield, what you need to add and the current label if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
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This 400 g pack is better suited to several cooking sessions than to making just a few pancakes.
Seal any unused dry mix tightly after opening. Also check which ingredients you need for preparation and which allergens are listed on the label.
No. Compare how many pancakes you want to make with the expected yield, and check whether the prepared batter needs to be used straight away. According to PLUS, this applies to its bottle mix. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says unused dry mix can be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says cooked pancakes can be kept for 2 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container.
Not with the PLUS bottle mix we looked at: according to the product instructions, the batter must be used straight away after adding milk. For other bottle mixes, follow the instructions on the packaging.
No, the term ‘wholegrain’ doesn’t mean that. The AH wholegrain mix we looked at contains wheat and gluten. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, choose a product that’s explicitly labelled as such and check the current label.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the current label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the labelling requirements for 14 allergens. Check the packaging again each time you buy, as the ingredients may change.
