Top-up shoppers with the basics at home
If you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home, you may only need to pick up a packet of standard mix. Check how many pancakes the chosen product is stated to make.
Which mix is right for you?
Shoppers who want to add as little as possible to the batter
A complete mix may suit you if you want to use only water in the batter. You’ll still need a pan and usually cooking fat for frying, so check the ingredients in the mix itself too.
Shoppers with a preference for particular grains or ingredients
Compare wholemeal and multigrain options by checking the types of flour listed. If ingredients or allergens are important to your choice, read the label on the exact product.
What should you look for when buying?
For a small top-up shop, first work out what you already have at home and how many pancakes you want to make. Then check the preparation instructions and the label on the product you’re buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| What you already have at home | Check whether you need milk, eggs and cooking fat, and look at the stated yield. | If I already have milk and eggs, I only want to pick up the mix for my baking session. Taking as few extra items as possible is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| What to add to the batter | Check whether the chosen mix calls for water, milk or eggs; check separately what you’ll need for frying. | I want to be able to make the batter without using any more milk or eggs. Around 29% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product. | If I need to watch out for wheat, milk or egg, the ingredients determine which mix I can choose. For around 21% of consumers, checking the ingredients is the first consideration. |
| Grain and recipe preferences | Check which types of flour are listed and compare nutritional values only on the same basis, for example per 100 g of prepared product. | I’m specifically looking for a wholemeal or multigrain recipe and want to know which grains it contains. For around 14% of consumers, this recipe preference is the deciding factor. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Looking only at the packet
Standard mixes often also call for milk, eggs and cooking fat. A complete mix may require only water for the batter, but you’ll still need what’s required for frying.
Before you shop, read the preparation instructions and check which ingredients and equipment you already have at home.
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Confusing wholemeal or plant-based preparation with being allergen-free
AH Wholemeal lists wholemeal wheat flour and wheat gluten. Preparing the mix with a plant-based drink doesn’t change the ingredients in the dry mix either.
If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product.
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Choosing a small shaker bottle without checking the yield
A shaker bottle may suit a small baking session, but the stated number of pancakes may not be enough for the batch you’re planning.
Compare the yield of the shaker bottle with a packet mix, and take into account what each product requires you to add.
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Treating online product information as the definitive label
Ingredients and nutritional information can change. This is particularly important if you’re choosing a mix based on its ingredients or allergens.
When your order arrives or when you’re in store, check the packaging, including the ingredients, allergen information, use-by date and preparation instructions.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers Original and Complete mixes, as well as wholemeal and multigrain options and shaker bottles. The right product for you will mainly depend on how you want to prepare it and how much you need.
- Koopmans says Original makes 11–13 pancakes and requires milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Koopmans Complete requires only water for the batter, but this product also contains milk and egg ingredients.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range has separate Plain and Wholemeal options to suit different recipe preferences.
- The options let you choose between a plain recipe and one made with wholemeal wheat flour.
- AH Wholemeal lists wheat gluten, so ‘wholemeal’ does not mean gluten-free.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers Plain and Complete pancake mixes as separate products, so you can compare what you need to add to each one.
- Jumbo Plain is a 400 g packet mix for anyone who wants to make a standard batter.
- Check the packaging of the chosen product for the latest ingredients, allergen information and preparation instructions.
Albona
Albona, ALDI’s baking brand, offers a Plain baking mix and a multigrain option.
- ALDI describes its Plain option as a mix prepared with milk and eggs.
- Check the label on the product you buy for ingredients and allergen information.
Belbake
Belbake is Lidl’s baking brand; its Original pancake mix comes in a 400 g packet.
- Lidl states that this Original option makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the packaging to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes offer options for batter that needs few additions, a larger batch, a smaller baking session or a preference for particular types of grain. Check the preparation instructions and ingredients on each packet.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A good choice for a smaller baking session if you want to add water to the batter. Check the packet for the amount of water needed and the ingredients, particularly if wheat, milk or egg are a concern for you.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
Suitable for a larger baking session if you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home. Check the quantities in the preparation instructions and read the label if ingredients or allergens affect your choice.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
The shaker bottle suits a smaller baking session and means less measuring. You’ll need milk for the batter, so check the preparation instructions and stated yield before buying.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
An option if you’re looking for a recipe with several types of grain and can add milk, eggs and cooking fat. Check the ingredients on the packet to see which grains the exact product contains.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu pancake mix with milk flavour 100 g
A smaller pack for making batter with water and an egg. Check the preparation instructions, ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging before choosing this option.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need to add milk and eggs to pancake mix?
No, it depends on the product. According to Albert Heijn, AH Plain requires milk and eggs, while Koopmans Complete is made with water for the batter; you’ll still need cooking fat for frying.
Is complete pancake mix free from milk and egg?
Not necessarily. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Koopmans Complete contains whey powder and whole egg powder, even though you only add water to the batter. If you have an allergy, check the label on the exact product.
Is wholemeal pancake mix gluten-free too?
No, ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t in itself mean gluten-free. AH Wholemeal lists wholemeal wheat flour and wheat gluten; if you need a gluten-free product, check that the chosen option is explicitly labelled as such.
Can you eat batter made from a packet pancake mix raw?
Not with the Koopmans products covered by this guidance. According to PLUS product information for Koopmans Original, the batter must be cooked through; follow the preparation instructions on your own packet.