Barbecue hosts who want to offer a choice of toppings
If you want to serve pancakes with both fruit and savoury toppings, an original or plain mix gives you more scope than a flavoured mix. Just check which ingredients you’ll need for the batter.
Which option is right for you?
Planners looking to cut down on preparation steps
A complete mix or shaker bottle can make measuring and mixing easier. What you need to add varies by product: some complete mixes call for water, while a shaker bottle may require milk. Cooking is still a separate step.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety you’ve chosen. A general product category doesn’t tell you which ingredients or warnings apply to that product.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether toppings, preparation time or a set flavour will guide your choice. If limited-edition status is important to you, check this separately: a special flavour doesn’t mean it’s only available for a limited time.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Room for toppings | Check whether you’re choosing an original or plain mix, and which ingredients you need to add to the batter. | I want to offer guests both sweet and savoury toppings without the mix already having a strong flavour. This flexibility is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Convenience | Compare what you need to add and whether you’ll need a bowl for mixing; check the instructions too. | Just before cooking, I want to measure out as few ingredients as possible and keep the washing-up to a minimum. Fewer preparation steps are the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Set sweet flavour | Check that the flavour suits your menu, and look for an explicit limited-edition claim on the packaging or in the retailer’s current information. | If the pancakes are for dessert, I’d rather choose the flavour in advance than create it with toppings. A set flavour is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces. | I need to check whether the variety is suitable for the person eating it before flavour or convenience comes into play. This check is the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a flavoured variety is a limited edition
A distinctive flavour might work well for dessert, but it doesn’t prove that the mix is only available for a short time. Koopmans describes Speculoos as a flavoured variety, without calling it a seasonal edition.
Look for an explicit limited-edition claim or sales period on the packaging or in the retailer’s current information.
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Assuming a complete mix needs nothing else
Some complete mixes only need water added to make the batter, but you’ll still need cooking fat to cook the pancakes. For example, PLUS says its Complete mix needs water and butter or oil for cooking.
Check the preparation instructions against your shopping list, and make sure you also have what you need to cook the pancakes.
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Relying on the product name when checking for allergens
Ingredients and warnings can vary between original, complete and flavoured varieties. The name of a mix is no substitute for the information on the specific packaging.
Before using it, read the current ingredients list and all relevant allergen information and warnings about possible traces.
Brands to compare
These brands offer different types of pancake mix. Always compare the specific variety you’re considering, rather than the brand alone.
Koopmans
The range includes original, complete and flavoured varieties, as well as shaker bottles.
- Koopmans Origineel needs milk, eggs and butter or oil; according to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet is made with water.
- The Speculoos flavour name doesn’t confirm that it’s a limited edition or a summer release.
AH
Albert Heijn offers own-brand mixes in plain, multigrain and wholemeal varieties.
- The varieties listed give you a choice of mix type.
- Check the packaging for each variety to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergen information applies.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes plain and complete pancake mixes.
- If preparation time matters, you can compare a basic mix with a complete variety.
- Check the preparation instructions and ingredients for the specific variety before buying.
Belbake
Lidl lists a Belbake original pancake mix.
- An original mix is worth considering if you want to choose your own toppings.
- Check the packaging for preparation instructions, ingredients and any seasonal claims.
Albona
ALDI offers Albona pancake mixes, including a multigrain variety.
- The multigrain variety gives you an alternative to a plain mix.
- Check the packaging and availability at the shop where you plan to buy it.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and complete mixes, as well as pancake mix in a bottle.
- The varieties differ in how they’re prepared: PLUS Complete needs water and cooking fat, while the bottled plain mix is made with milk.
- PLUS says that batter made from its bottled plain mix should be used straight away.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes offer options if you want to mix the batter quickly for a summer barbecue, or add your own sweet and savoury toppings. Check the current packaging or product page separately for any limited-edition status.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
A shaker bottle is worth considering if you want to prepare the batter without a separate mixing bowl. Check how much liquid this variety needs and read the ingredients on the packaging.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A complete mix is a good choice if you want to use fewer separate ingredients for the batter. Check the instructions on this pack, and don’t forget what you’ll need for cooking.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
An original mix is a good option if you want to choose your own sweet and savoury toppings. When preparing it, remember to have the ingredients listed in the instructions to hand.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
This multigrain mix is an alternative to an original mix if you want to serve pancakes with your own choice of toppings. Don’t assume the flavour or preparation method is the same: check the instructions and ingredients for this variety.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pancake mix with a special flavour always a limited edition?
No. A flavour name alone doesn’t mean it’s a limited release. Koopmans describes Speculoos as a flavoured variety; to check whether it’s a limited edition, look for an explicit claim or sales period on the current packaging or in the retailer’s information.
Do I need to add the same ingredients to every pancake mix?
No, it varies by product. According to the product information, Koopmans Origineel needs 850 ml of milk, two eggs and butter or oil, while PLUS Complete needs 700 ml of water and cooking fat. Always follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
How do I check for allergens in pancake mix?
Read the current ingredients list and warnings on the packaging for the specific variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label; also check for any warnings about possible traces if they’re relevant to your choice.
Can I keep prepared batter until later in the barbecue?
Follow the storage instructions for the mix you’ve chosen. PLUS says batter made from its bottled plain mix should be used straight after mixing with milk and must not be stored. Don’t automatically apply this instruction to other varieties.