Families with an active sourdough starter
If you want to make pancakes with a sourdough starter, it needs to be ready already, or you’ll need to plan ahead. According to Albert Heijn Allerhande’s recipe, it takes seven days to build a starter.
Which approach is right for you?
Families who want to get baking quickly
If you’re starting on the day of the dinner, what you need to add and how many pancakes each pack makes are important. Koopmans says its Origineel mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes and its Compleet mix makes 8 to 10; the preparation instructions differ.
Families who want to compare ingredients
If you’re looking for a wholemeal mix or need to take allergens into account, compare the types of flour, preparation instructions and current label for each product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that pre-packed products must list allergen information on the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to use an existing sourdough starter or a packet of mix. If you choose a mix, compare how many pancakes it makes, what you need to add and the ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough and preparation | Check that sourdough is actually listed as an ingredient. If you’re making your own starter, allow time to prepare it. | I specifically want to bake with sourdough and don’t mind planning ahead. Around 34% of consumers put this preference first. |
| Convenience and yield | Compare the stated yield per pack and what the preparation instructions say you need to add. | I want to get baking quickly on the day of the dinner and know whether one pack will be enough. This is the most important factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Grains and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and preparation instructions on the label. | I want to choose the grain base for my family and check which ingredients will be on the table. Around 33% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a regular mix for a sourdough mix
A regular pancake mix saves you from having to build a starter, but that doesn’t make it a sourdough product.
If you specifically want to bake with sourdough, check the ingredients. If you already have an active starter, plan its preparation separately from choosing a packet of mix.
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Comparing only the pack weight
The pack weight doesn’t tell you how many pancakes the manufacturer says you can make or what else you need to add. Koopmans says Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes and Compleet makes 8 to 10; according to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Compleet.
Work out how many pancakes you want to make, then check the yield and preparation instructions for your chosen mix before you shop.
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Assuming wholemeal means allergen-free
Wholemeal describes the grain base, not the absence of allergens. Albert Heijn’s wholemeal mix lists wheat and wheat gluten; PLUS lists wheat and oats in its wholemeal mix.
If you have a food allergy, check the current label on the pack you choose and also check which ingredients you’ll add during preparation.
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Tasting raw batter
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw egg in batter can contain harmful bacteria.
Don’t let children taste raw batter, and cook pancakes made with egg thoroughly.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a range of pancake mixes, including original, complete, wholemeal and multigrain varieties.
- According to Koopmans, Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes. You only need to add water to Compleet, which the manufacturer says makes 8 to 10 pancakes.
- Check the additions needed and the allergens listed on the label for each variety.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has its own wholemeal pancake mix.
- The ingredients list for AH Mix voor pannenkoeken volkoren starts with wholemeal wheat flour.
- The mix also lists wheat gluten. Read the label and preparation instructions if the ingredients matter to your group.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes its own-brand wholemeal mix and pancake mixes from other brands.
- You can compare different grain bases and product types across the products listed.
- Check the ingredients and preparation instructions for the specific pack; a product type’s name doesn’t tell you which allergens it contains.
Lidl
Lidl lists Belbake Pannenkoekenmix origineel as one of its products.
- The product page states that a 400 g pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack; Lidl advises checking the label.
ALDI
ALDI includes a multigrain pancake baking mix in its Albona range.
- ALDI states that the multigrain variety comes in a 400 g pack.
- Compare the grains, allergens and preparation instructions on the pack before choosing this variety.
PLUS
PLUS offers its own wholemeal pancake mix with a listed ingredients panel.
- According to PLUS, this mix contains 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour.
- The mix contains wheat and oats. If you have allergies, check the current packaging, including for the possible presence of other allergens.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes are options if you want to use a regular pancake mix for your family dinner. If you specifically want to bake with an active sourdough starter, you’ll need to take a different approach.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
For anyone who wants to compare grain bases in a regular mix. The pack contains 400 g; check the label to see what you need to add and which allergens are listed before your family dinner.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
For anyone who wants to use a regular mix instead of building a sourdough starter in advance. The pack contains 400 g; check the preparation instructions and label for the additions needed and allergens.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
For anyone considering a complete mix and looking to keep preparation simple. The pack contains 210 g; check what you need to add before buying and whether the stated yield will be enough for your group.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a sourdough starter in time for tonight?
Not using Albert Heijn Allerhande’s starter recipe: it takes seven days for the starter to be ready. If you want to bake tonight and don’t have an active starter, choose a regular mix and check what you need to add.
Which mix needs few extra ingredients?
According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet. The manufacturer says this variety makes 8 to 10 pancakes; check whether that’s enough for your group, and follow the preparation instructions for any other Complete variety.
Can I make wholemeal pancakes using plant-based ingredients?
For its wholemeal mix, Albert Heijn describes a preparation option using a plant-based drink and apple purée or egg replacer. Also check the ingredients of the mix itself; this variety lists wheat and wheat gluten.
Where can I check the allergens in a pancake mix?
Read the allergen information on the current label for the specific pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, pre-packed products must show this information on the label. Also check the ingredients you add to the batter yourself.
Can children taste raw pancake batter?
Don’t let children taste raw batter containing egg. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw egg can contain harmful bacteria and advises cooking dishes containing raw egg thoroughly.