If you’re planning to cook for a group on St Nicholas Eve with minimal preparation, a complete mix is one option. Koopmans says its 400 g Complete mix makes 8 to 10 pancakes when prepared with water. Its 400 g Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes, but you’ll also need milk and eggs. Work out how many packs you need based on the portions you want to serve. If a guest needs to eat gluten-free, choose a mix that is explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the current label and preparation instructions.
If pancakes are a main part of the meal, the yield per pack can help you work out how much mix you need. Koopmans says its 400 g Complete mix makes 8 to 10 pancakes, while its 400 g Original mix makes 11 to 13. Plan around the portions you want to serve, not just the number of guests.
A mix that only needs water added to the batter can be handy if milk and eggs aren’t on your shopping list. Koopmans says to use water for the batter made with its Complete mix; also remember that you’ll need butter or oil for cooking.
If a guest needs to eat gluten-free or has a food allergy, start by checking the current label. A standard complete mix won’t necessarily be suitable: Koopmans lists ingredients including wheat, milk and egg in its Complete mix. Also take care to avoid cross-contamination during preparation.
First, decide how many pancakes you want to serve. Then compare the ingredients required and, before you buy, check that the mix meets your guests’ dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Making enough batter | Compare the stated yield per pack with the number of portions you want; check the pack size too. | When I’m cooking for a group, I want to know whether I’ll have any batter left over during the evening. A sufficient yield is the top priority for around 37% of consumers. |
| Minimal preparation | Check whether the batter needs water or milk and eggs, and what you’ll need for the pan. | When I’m making pancakes throughout the evening, I don’t want to measure out lots of ingredients or have to go shopping. Convenience is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you’re catering for someone who avoids gluten, look for a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free and take care to avoid cross-contamination. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know which mix and preparation method are suitable for them. This check takes priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Extra ingredients and leftovers | Check what you already have at home and whether the amount of mix suits how much you want to make. | I want to avoid buying ingredients I don’t need or being left with lots of unused mix. This matters most to around 18% of consumers. |
Yield varies by type. Koopmans says its Complete mix makes 8 to 10 pancakes, its Original mix makes 11 to 13, and the 300 g gluten-free version sold by Albert Heijn makes 9 to 11.
Decide how many portions you want to serve and buy the right number of packs. If not everyone is having the same mix, plan separately for the gluten-free portions.
‘Complete’ describes how the mix is prepared, not whether it’s suitable for someone avoiding gluten or with a food allergy. A standard complete mix may contain ingredients including wheat, milk and egg.
Check the current label and, if you’re catering for someone who avoids gluten, use a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free. Avoid cross-contamination when mixing, cooking and serving.
For 400 g of Koopmans Original mix, the brand’s instructions call for 850 ml milk and 2 eggs, as well as butter or oil for the pan. A complete mix may only need water for the batter, but you’ll generally still need something to cook with.
Read the instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and check what you already have at home before you go shopping.
The Voedingscentrum warns that flour can contain harmful bacteria. Don’t let guests taste the uncooked batter.
Cook the pancakes thoroughly and wash your hands before and after preparing the batter.
Koopmans offers several types of pancake mix, including complete, original and gluten-free varieties. Preparation instructions and stated yields vary by type.
Albert Heijn lists its own 400 g mixes in varieties including plain, multigrain and wholemeal.
PLUS offers a 400 g Complete mix for pancakes.
Albona is an ALDI own brand that offers a plain pancake baking mix.
Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix in its baking range.
These mixes are worth considering if you’re planning to serve pancakes on St Nicholas Eve: a 400 g Original mix and two smaller Koopmans varieties. To work out how many packs you need, use the yield and preparation instructions for the exact variety you choose.
Image unavailable
An option if you’re planning how many packs you’ll need for a group and have milk and eggs at home. Koopmans says its 400 g Original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes. The brand’s instructions call for 850 ml milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil for the pan. If you’re catering for dietary requirements or allergies, check the current label.
Image unavailable
This 210 g Complete mix may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller amount. When planning portions, don’t assume it will make as many pancakes as a 400 g Complete pack: check the yield for this specific pack and follow the preparation instructions on the label.
Image unavailable
A 175 g shaker mix to consider if you’d like to mix the batter in the pack. Before buying enough for a group, check the label to see which liquid to add and how many pancakes one bottle makes.
It depends on how many pancakes you want to serve, not just how many guests you have. Koopmans says its 400 g Complete mix makes 8 to 10 pancakes and its 400 g Original mix makes 11 to 13. Base your calculations on the yield of the pack you’re actually choosing.
For the Koopmans 400 g Complete mix mentioned here, you add water to the batter; for the 400 g Original mix, Koopmans specifies 850 ml milk and 2 eggs. You’ll also need butter or oil for cooking. Always check the preparation instructions for any other variety you choose.
Choose a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the current label. Check the other ingredients too, and prevent cross-contamination with standard mix when mixing, cooking and serving.
Don’t let guests taste uncooked batter. The Voedingscentrum warns that flour can contain harmful bacteria, so make sure the pancakes are thoroughly cooked.
