Stocking up and comparing pack sizes
You want to stock up on several packs of dry mix and are comparing pack sizes and what else you’ll need at home to prepare it.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Stocking up with specific dietary requirements in mind
You might be looking for wholegrain or gluten-free options, or need to check each variety for wheat, milk and egg.
Home baker looking to add as little as possible
You’re looking for a mix that needs fewer extra ingredients, such as a complete mix that you prepare with water according to the pack.
What should you consider when stocking up?
First, work out how much dry mix you can store and which ingredients you need. Then compare pack sizes and the ingredients you’ll need to add on baking day.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and extra ingredients | Compare the weight of the same type of dry mix and check which ingredients you’ll need to add. | When I stock up on several packs, I want to know how much mix I’m getting and what else I’ll need on baking day. Around 33% of consumers put this first when choosing what to stock up on. |
| How long your stock will keep | Check the best-before date and the condition of the packaging, and make sure you can store the mix somewhere cool, dry and dark. | I want to use the packs before they deteriorate, even if I don’t finish one straight away. This is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety; wholegrain and gluten-free don’t tell you everything about the other ingredients. | Stocking up only makes sense for me if the mix suits what my household wants or can eat. Around 20% of consumers put ingredients first. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether the mix needs water, milk or eggs, and follow the instructions for preparing the batter. | On baking day, I want to use as few extra ingredients as possible. Around 20% of consumers say simplicity is their top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the pack size
The weight on the pack doesn’t tell you which other ingredients you’ll need. PLUS says its Original mix needs milk and eggs, while its Complete mix needs water.
Read the preparation instructions for each variety before stocking up on several packs.
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Storing dry mix somewhere warm or damp
Dry mix needs a suitable place to be stored, even after a pack has been opened.
Follow the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice: store the mix somewhere cool, dry and dark, and seal an opened pack tightly.
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Assuming different varieties contain the same allergens
Original, Complete, wholegrain and gluten-free describe different qualities. For example, a gluten-free label doesn’t mean that a mix is also free from milk or egg.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on every pack, especially if you’re buying several varieties at once.
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Confusing dry mix with ready-made pancakes
Dry pancake mix still needs to be prepared. Ready-made pancakes that you simply heat up are a different type of product.
Before buying, check whether you want to stock up on baking mix or already-prepared pancakes.
Brands and options compared
Albona
ALDI own-brand dry pancake mixes.
- ALDI lists a 400 g Original variety and a multigrain variety.
- Check the preparation instructions and label for each variety before putting together a stock.
PLUS
Own-brand 400 g Original, Complete and wholegrain mixes.
- According to PLUS, its Original and wholegrain mixes need milk and eggs, while the Complete mix is prepared with water.
- Preparing a mix with water doesn’t mean it’s free from milk or egg. Check the allergen information.
Jumbo
Own-brand Original and Complete mixes, including a Complete shaker bottle.
- Jumbo says its 400 g Original mix makes around 12 portions.
- The instructions for the 200 g Complete shaker bottle say to use the prepared batter straight away.
Albert Heijn
Own-brand mixes including Original, multigrain and wholegrain varieties.
- Albert Heijn lists Original and multigrain mixes in 400 g packs.
- Compare the ingredients and preparation instructions for the exact variety you choose.
Belbake
Lidl brand with an Original pancake mix.
- Lidl lists a 400 g pack, which makes around 12 pancakes.
- The product page says this variety is only available in store.
Koopmans
Brand with Original, wholegrain and gluten-free-labelled pancake mixes, among other options.
- The listed packs include a 400 g mix labelled gluten-free and a 175 g Original shaker bottle.
- Even with a variety labelled gluten-free, check the pack for information about other allergens.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These dry mixes come in different pack sizes and have different preparation methods. Choose one that suits what you want to bake, and check the extra ingredients, best-before date and allergen information on each pack.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
For anyone looking to keep a dry mix made with different types of grain in the cupboard. The pack contains 400 g; check which milk, eggs and cooking fat you’ll need, and read the label if grains or other allergens are relevant to your household.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix 400 g
For anyone looking to stock up on an Original dry pancake mix. The pack contains 400 g; check the pack before baking to see how much milk and how many eggs you’ll need, and read the allergen information.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
For anyone looking for a smaller pack of complete mix for a baking session. The pack contains 210 g; check how much water to add and which allergens the mix contains.
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g'woon Pancake Mix Complete 200 g
For anyone considering a small pack of complete mix. The pack contains 200 g; read the preparation instructions before buying. The mention of milk and egg ingredients doesn’t match the allergen information, so refer to the details on the physical pack before use.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu pancake mix with milk flavour 100 g
For anyone looking to keep a small amount of pancake mix in the cupboard. The pack contains 100 g; check that the preparation method suits the pancakes you want to make. The mention of wheat conflicts with the allergen information, so read the physical label carefully before use.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store several packs of pancake mix?
Store dry pancake mix somewhere cool, dry and dark, and keep it tightly sealed, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Check the best-before date on each pack and reseal any opened packs tightly.
Is complete mix a good choice if I want to add fewer ingredients?
Yes, if the preparation method suits you: according to PLUS, its 400 g Complete mix needs water, while its Original mix needs milk and eggs. Check the instructions for the exact variety, as ‘Complete’ doesn’t mean every mix is prepared in the same way.
Is gluten-free pancake mix also free from milk and egg?
No, that isn’t guaranteed by the ‘gluten-free’ label. The Koopmans mix mentioned as gluten-free may contain egg and milk, so check the allergen information on the pack.
Where can I find the allergens in prepacked pancake mix?
Check the ingredients list on the pack. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens which must be declared in prepacked foods should be clearly identified in that list. Always check the exact variety you’re buying.
Can I keep prepared pancake batter for later?
Follow the instructions for your mix. Jumbo says the batter made with its 200 g Complete shaker bottle should be used straight away; this guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties.