Families with different tastes
If some people expect a classic pancake while others prefer wholemeal or multigrain, you can keep both types of mix in the cupboard. That way, you don’t have to choose just one variety for everyone.
Who should consider this stocking option?
People stocking up and keeping an eye on the overall shopping bill
When buying several packs, it’s not just the quantity and price of the dry mix that matter. Also check which milk, eggs and cooking oil or butter you’ll need for the preparation method.
People with allergen or preparation requirements
Ingredients and warnings about possible traces vary between mixes. Read each label separately, even if two packs are from the same brand or one only requires you to add water.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which types of pancake people at home enjoy, then check the preparation instructions and label on each pack. This helps you avoid filling the cupboard with dry mix that doesn’t suit the occasion or the people you’re cooking for.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this most? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour choice | Choose a classic mix and a separate wholemeal or multigrain mix; for the latter, check which grains it contains. | If not everyone wants the same type of pancake, I’d rather keep a familiar option to hand without ruling out the other choice. Around 36% of consumers put flavour first. |
| Overall shopping bill | Compare pack sizes and prices per kilogram, and factor in any milk, eggs and cooking fat you’ll need. | When I stock up on several packs, I want to know what else I’ll need to add to my shopping list besides the dry mix. For around 29% of consumers, these additional ingredients are the main consideration. |
| Ease of preparation | Check which ingredients you need to add; even with a complete mix, see whether you’ll need cooking fat or oil. | I want to be able to make pancakes without first having to buy milk or eggs. This is the most important consideration when stocking up for around 21% of consumers. |
| Label and shelf life | Check the allergens and possible traces on each pack, note the best-before date and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | When I buy enough for several occasions, every pack needs to suit the people eating and be easy to store. Around 14% of consumers give these checks top priority. |
Common mistakes when stocking up
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Comparing only the price of the dry mix
A classic or wholemeal mix may require milk, eggs and cooking fat. The complete mixes in the examples reviewed require water, but the ingredients in the mix itself still matter.
Read the preparation instructions on every pack you choose and add any extra ingredients to your shopping list.
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Assuming everyone wants wholemeal or multigrain
If you only stock one type of mix, there’s no alternative for anyone who prefers a different taste or texture.
Keep a classic option alongside the wholemeal or multigrain mix if people at home have both preferences.
Two types of mix also take up cupboard space, and you’ll need to keep an eye on using older packs first.
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Assuming a complete mix is allergen-free
Only needing to add water tells you nothing about the allergens already in the pack. The Koopmans and PLUS complete mixes mentioned contain, among other ingredients, wheat, milk and egg.
Before buying several packs, check the ingredients and warnings about possible traces on the current packaging.
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Buying more packs than you can use
If you’re stocking up, you’ll need to keep track of the best-before dates and store the mix as directed on the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that a best-before date relates to quality and applies to an unopened pack that has been stored correctly.
Check the best-before date on every pack, put older packs at the front and follow the storage advice on the label once opened.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Compare specific varieties rather than choosing by brand name alone: classic, wholemeal, multigrain and complete mixes differ in their ingredients and preparation.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers, among other products, a wholemeal mix and a complete pancake mix. You can weigh up a variety that needs milk and eggs against one that only requires water.
- According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Volkoren contains wholegrain oat flour, wholemeal wheat flour and buckwheat flour.
- Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet requires water for the batter, but according to the product information it also contains wheat, milk and egg.
AH
AH Mix voor pannenkoeken volkoren is a separate wholemeal option for anyone who doesn’t want to stock only classic mix.
- Albert Heijn lists wholemeal wheat flour and wheat gluten as ingredients in this variety.
- Check the preparation instructions before stocking up; this wholemeal mix is not a complete mix.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers both a wholemeal mix and a complete pancake mix; how you prepare them depends on the variety you choose.
- For Mix voor Pannenkoeken Volkoren, Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat flour, wholegrain oat flour and wholegrain buckwheat flour.
- According to the product information, Jumbo Mix voor Pannenkoeken Compleet contains wheat, milk and egg, even though you add water to make the batter.
PLUS
PLUS offers classic, wholemeal and complete mixes. Check whether you’ll need milk and eggs or water for each variety.
- PLUS product information distinguishes its wholemeal mix from its classic mix based on their ingredients.
- PLUS Complete mix requires water and cooking fat or oil for preparation, but according to the product information it contains milk and egg.
Albona
At ALDI, Albona offers a classic baking mix and a separate multigrain baking mix for pancakes.
- These two types of product let you choose a classic and a multigrain variety separately.
- For ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions, read the label on the pack you’re actually buying.
Pancake mixes for different occasions
This Joybuy selection includes a grain-based variety, an Original mix and two smaller packs for separate occasions. If you’re putting together a larger stock, check each product’s variety, pack size and preparation instructions to make sure they suit what people at home like to eat.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A grain-based variety to consider alongside a classic mix if people have different preferences.
Pack size: 400 g. Before stocking up, check the current label, preparation instructions and best-before date on the pack being offered.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
An Original variety for anyone who wants to keep a classic option in the cupboard alongside a grain-based one.
Pack size: 400 g. Check the packaging to see which ingredients you need to add, and check the allergens and best-before date.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker pack to consider if you also want to keep a classic variety for smaller occasions.
Pack size: 175 g. Check the preparation instructions, allergens and best-before date on the current packaging.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A separate complete variety for a small occasion, but not automatically a substitute for both classic and wholemeal mixes.
Pack size: 210 g. Read the preparation instructions and current label; the word Complete alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for people with allergies.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal pancake mix on its own enough for a varied stock?
Not if people at home also want a classic pancake. In that case, keep a separate classic mix and choose the wholemeal or multigrain variety for anyone who prefers that flavour.
Which ingredients should I keep at home besides pancake mix?
It depends on the variety you choose: the classic and wholemeal mixes mentioned require milk and eggs for the usual preparation, while the complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS mentioned require water. Also check whether you’ll need butter or oil for each pack; a complete mix may already contain milk and egg.
Can I use pancake mix after its best-before date?
A past best-before date doesn’t automatically mean an unopened pack can’t be used. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this date relates to quality when the product is stored correctly. After the date, assess the product by looking at it, smelling it and tasting it, and follow the storage advice on the packaging once opened. Don’t use a pack if its contents or packaging seem unusual.
Is a complete pancake mix suitable for someone with an egg or milk allergy?
Don’t assume it is just because you only add water. The complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS mentioned contain egg and milk; check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging every time you buy.