Sourdough seekers
You want clear proof that the mix itself contains sourdough. An artisanal look or a starter you can buy separately isn’t enough; check the information on the mix’s packaging.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Savoury pancake fans
You want to serve pancakes as a savoury dish with a Sunday meal, perhaps with bacon or cheese. In that case, think about how you’ll serve them and which ingredients you need to add to the batter.
Home cooks who want to add very little
You want to make batter without having to get several extra ingredients ready first. A complete mix that, according to the packaging, only needs water could suit your plans.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether sourdough is essential. Then compare how you want to serve the pancakes and what the packaging says you need to add to the batter.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Clear proof of sourdough | Look for an explicit mention of sourdough or sourdough starter on the packaging of the mix you’ve chosen. A separate product or recipe doesn’t confirm the ingredients in that mix. | If I specifically want to make sourdough pancakes, I don’t want to have to rely on a name or appearance. Clear proof of sourdough is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Serving savoury pancakes | Check the serving suggestions for savoury toppings and make sure any additional ingredients work with your meal. | I want to serve pancakes with, for example, bacon or cheese, and plan the rest of the meal around them. This is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients to add | Compare whether the mix needs water, or whether you also have to add ingredients such as milk, eggs and butter. | When I have few ingredients in the house, I want to be able to make batter without extra preparation. Ease of preparation matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking an artisanal or wholegrain mix for a sourdough mix
The words ‘artisanal’ and ‘wholegrain’ don’t confirm that a pancake mix contains sourdough. A separate sourdough starter won’t change the ingredients in another packaged mix either.
Only treat a mix as a sourdough option if the packaging or product information for that exact product lists sourdough or a sourdough starter.
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Confusing a classic mix with a complete mix
According to Koopmans, its Origineel mix needs milk, eggs and butter. The Koopmans Complete mix described by Albert Heijn only needs water. This affects what you need to get ready beforehand.
Read the preparation instructions on the packaging you buy and check which ingredients you need to add yourself.
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Checking only the front of the pack for allergens
The European Commission says that allergens in prepacked foods are emphasised in the ingredients list. The product information for the Koopmans Complete mix sold by Albert Heijn lists, among other things, wheat, milk, egg and rye.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even if you’ve bought the mix before.
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Leaving cooked pancakes out for too long
According to Voedingscentrum, leftover pancakes shouldn’t be left out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Cool leftovers quickly, seal them and put them in the fridge or freezer within that time.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a classic pancake mix, a wholegrain mix and complete mixes, among other options.
- Koopmans suggests serving its wholegrain mix with bacon and cheese; its Origineel mix lists wheat, oats and buckwheat.
- If you want sourdough in the mix, don’t choose any of these types based on the name alone: check the ingredients for the specific variety.
Albert Heijn
The range includes AH mixes in varieties such as plain, complete and wholegrain.
- The different types give you options to compare preparation instructions and ingredients.
- A sourdough starter sold separately isn’t evidence that an AH pancake mix contains sourdough.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a plain pancake mix, along with mixes from various brands in the category.
- A plain mix is a familiar starting point if you want to decide for yourself how to serve your pancakes.
- Jumbo’s sourdough recipes tell you nothing about the ingredients in a particular pancake mix.
Dr. Oetker
Dr. Oetker American Pancakes Origineel is a distinct type of pancake mix featured in range listings from Albert Heijn and Jumbo.
- The product name makes clear that this is an American-style pancake mix, not a standard plain mix.
- The product name doesn’t confirm that it contains sourdough or that it can replace a mix that explicitly lists sourdough.
Pancake mixes for this meal
These Joybuy mixes are options to compare for savoury pancakes or a recipe that needs very few extra ingredients. If sourdough is a deciding factor for you, first check the ingredients on the packaging of the exact mix.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A complete mix to consider if you want to add very few ingredients to the batter for your Sunday meal. Check the packaging to see how much water you need and whether the quantity is right for your group.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
A wholegrain mix to compare if you want to serve savoury pancakes, perhaps with cheese. Before cooking, check which ingredients you need to add and how many pancakes the pack makes.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
A standard pancake mix to consider if you want to choose your own savoury toppings. Compare the additional ingredients needed with what you have at home, and follow the preparation instructions on this pack.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
A shaker mix to compare if you want to make a smaller batch of pancakes and choose your own savoury toppings. Check how much milk the pack says you’ll need and how many pancakes you can make.
Frequently asked questions
Is a standard pancake mix also a sourdough mix?
No, the description ‘standard pancake mix’ doesn’t mean that it contains sourdough. Check whether the packaging or product information for that exact mix lists sourdough or a sourdough starter as an ingredient; a separate recipe or starter isn’t proof.
Which allergens should I check on a pancake mix?
Read the ingredients list on the exact pack and look out for the allergens that are emphasised. The European Commission explains this labelling requirement for prepacked foods in the EU; the Koopmans Complete mix described by Albert Heijn lists, among other things, wheat, milk, egg and rye.
Do I need to add milk and eggs to a complete pancake mix?
Not to every complete mix: according to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Koopmans Complete mix described there only needs water. The manufacturer lists milk, eggs and butter as additions for Koopmans Origineel, so follow the instructions for the variety you buy.
How should I store leftover cooked pancakes?
Let them cool quickly and store them in a sealed container. According to Voedingscentrum, cooked pancakes keep for two days in the fridge or three months in the freezer; don’t leave leftovers out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Can I taste the batter from a complete mix raw?
Follow the preparation instructions and don’t taste the batter from the Koopmans Complete mix described by Albert Heijn raw. The product information says this batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be heated all the way through.