Families looking to make the right amount
Compare the pack size with the stated number of pancakes, and check what else you need to add to the batter. A plain mix is a sensible choice if milk and eggs are already on your shopping list.
Which option is right for you?
Shoppers who care about the grain base
If you’re looking for a mix made with wholemeal flour, compare the grains used and the nutritional information. Don’t rely on the name alone: the amount of wholemeal flour varies from product to product.
Shoppers with dietary requirements or limited preparation time
If you need to avoid gluten, milk or eggs, the information on the specific pack is what matters. If you simply want to add fewer ingredients, check the preparation instructions for a complete mix.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you have a dietary requirement, check the label first. Then compare the grain base, the ingredients you need to add and how much you want to make.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and yield | Compare the pack weight and stated number of pancakes, and add any extra ingredients you’ll need to your shopping list. | If I’m cooking for my household, I want to know whether one pack will be enough. For around 31% of consumers, the amount needed is the top priority. |
| Grain base and fibre | Check which types of flour are used and compare the fibre content in the nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, for example per 100 g of prepared product. | If you’re choosing between a plain mix and one made with wholemeal flour, you’ll want to know what it actually contains. For around 31% of consumers, the grain base matters most. |
| Preparation | Check whether you only need water, or whether you’ll also need milk, eggs and cooking fat. | If I want to use fewer separate ingredients, the preparation instructions determine my choice. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, including any statement about possible traces. | If you need to avoid gluten, milk or eggs, the specific product must meet that requirement. For around 15% of consumers, checking this is their first condition when buying. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming wholemeal means gluten-free
Wholemeal pancake mix can contain wheat or other grains that contain gluten. So, the grain base alone doesn’t mean the mix is suitable for someone who needs to avoid gluten.
If necessary, choose a product specifically labelled gluten-free and check the rest of the allergen information on the current pack, too.
-
Looking only at the pack weight
The weight in grams doesn’t tell you how many pancakes the manufacturer says the pack will make, or what else you need to add to the batter.
Compare the stated yield and preparation instructions before deciding which size is right for your batch.
Some mixes also require you to have milk, eggs or cooking fat at home.
-
Confusing the dry mix with the prepared batter
A dry mix doesn’t have the same composition as a pancake made according to the standard instructions with milk and eggs.
If a dietary requirement matters for the finished batter, check both the mix’s ingredients and the preparation instructions.
Brands compared
Koopmans
Koopmans offers original, wholemeal, complete and gluten-free pancake mixes, among others. Preparation methods and ingredients vary between versions.
- According to Koopmans, its Wholemeal Mix contains 60% wholemeal oat flour and 35% wholemeal wheat flour.
- According to the manufacturer, Koopmans Complete only requires water, but the mix contains milk and egg ingredients, among others. For the gluten-free version, also check for any statement about the possible presence of egg and milk.
Albert Heijn
AH Wholemeal Pancake Mix is an own-brand option for anyone looking to compare the ingredients in a wholemeal mix.
- Albert Heijn lists wholemeal wheat flour in the ingredients for this mix.
- Milk and eggs are needed for standard preparation. If you have dietary requirements, assess the dry mix and the prepared batter separately.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers plain and organic pancake mixes, among others. Compare the ingredients and preparation method for each version.
- The 400 g Plain Mix lists wheat, oats and buckwheat, among other ingredients.
- For its organic mix, Jumbo lists milk and eggs in the preparation instructions.
Albona / ALDI
Albona is an own-brand option for anyone looking to try a multigrain pancake mix.
- ALDI describes its 400 g Albona Pancake Baking Mix as a multigrain mix.
- For an accurate comparison of ingredients, allergens and nutritional value, check the information on the specific pack.
Belbake / Lidl
Belbake Original Pancake Mix is a plain-style option in a 400 g pack.
- Lidl states that this pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- If the ingredients, allergens or preparation method affect your choice, check the pack.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These products offer a range of options from the types discussed: a complete mix, mixes made with different grains and original mixes. Check the preparation instructions on each pack; ‘complete’ doesn’t automatically mean that you only need to add water.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Pancakes Complete – 210 g
An option for a smaller batch when you want to add fewer ingredients. Koopmans states that this pack is prepared with 350 ml of water; check the current label for allergen information.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix – 400 g
For anyone looking to compare the grains in a 400 g pack. Check the proportions of flour and wholemeal flour on the label; the product name alone doesn’t tell you how much wholemeal flour the mix contains.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Original Pancake Mix – 400 g
An original mix for anyone who wants to make the batter themselves. The pack contains 400 g of mix; check the preparation instructions to see what else you’ll need before you shop.
Image unavailable
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes – 175 g
A shaker pack for anyone who wants to make a smaller batch. The mix weighs 175 g; check the preparation instructions, as a shaker pack doesn’t automatically mean you only need to add water.
Image unavailable
g'woon Pancake Mix Complete – 200 g
A 200 g complete mix to compare with other pack sizes. Check the current pack to see what ingredients you need to add, and read the allergen information carefully before choosing this mix.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal pancake mix automatically gluten-free?
No. The wholemeal mixes mentioned contain wheat or oats, among other ingredients; a wholemeal grain base doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten, choose a mix specifically labelled gluten-free and check the current ingredients and allergen information.
What do I need to add to pancake mix?
It varies by version. For Koopmans Original, the manufacturer lists milk, eggs and butter as ingredients for preparation, while Koopmans Complete only requires water, according to the manufacturer. Check the instructions on the pack you’re buying before finalising your shopping list.
How should I store unopened pancake mix?
Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the pack. The product information for the AH, Jumbo and Koopmans mixes mentioned says to store them in a cool, dry place.