Spontaneous Valentine’s Day bakers
If you’d rather not have to add milk or eggs separately, look for a mix whose instructions call for water only. If you want to avoid milk or eggs, though, check the ingredients in the mix itself.
Which approach works best for you?
Fans of classic pancakes
If you have milk and eggs at home and want to top thin pancakes with sweet or savoury ingredients to suit your taste, an original mix fits the bill. For breakfast or dessert for two, check how many pancakes each pack makes.
Label-conscious eaters
If you’re comparing a wholemeal mix or a plant-based preparation method, read both the instructions and the allergen information for the variety you choose. A plant-based preparation option doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the mix contains wheat or gluten.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you want thin pancakes or small, thicker American-style pancakes for your Valentine’s Day plans. Then compare the extra ingredients each mix needs, how many pancakes it makes and any ingredients that matter to you.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal preparation | Check which extra ingredients you’ll need and how many pancakes one pack makes. | If I’m making breakfast for two on a whim, I don’t want to have to buy milk and eggs separately. For around 45% of consumers, keeping preparation to a minimum is the top priority. |
| Classic pancakes and toppings | Check whether the mix is for thin pancakes or thicker American-style pancakes, and whether you’ll need milk and eggs. | If I want a meal I can finish with sweet or savoury toppings, I’m looking for a classic thin pancake rather than a small, thick one. That’s the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and preparation instructions on the current pack. | If I want to bake plant-based or need to avoid an ingredient, both the mix I choose and the way I prepare it need to suit my needs. Around 22% of consumers say this check is their top priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming ‘just add water’ means dairy- or egg-free
For the Koopmans Complete mix reviewed, you only need to add water to make the batter, but the mix itself contains milk and egg ingredients.
Use the preparation method as a guide to convenience. If you need to avoid milk or eggs, read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
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Confusing American-style pancakes with thin pancakes
The Dr. Oetker Original mix reviewed is designed for small, thicker pancakes. That’s different from a thin Dutch-style pancake, whatever toppings you choose.
Decide what style you want to serve first, then compare the extra ingredients and yield of suitable mixes.
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Overlooking yield and extra ingredients
According to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Origineel needs milk, eggs and butter or oil; PLUS says the 400 g pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes. For the 400 g Koopmans Compleet mix reviewed, PLUS says it makes around 10 pancakes.
For a meal for two, think about how many you want to make and note down the extra ingredients you’ll need before choosing a variety.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
The range reviewed includes original and complete pancake mixes, as well as varieties in a shaker bottle.
- With the Origineel and Complete mixes reviewed, the main difference is what you add to the batter: milk and eggs for Origineel, and water for Complete.
- Instructions that say to add water only don’t mean the mix itself is free from milk or eggs. Check the variety you’ve chosen.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes several pancake mixes, including a wholemeal variety.
- Albert Heijn describes the AH wholemeal mix reviewed as vegan and lactose-free, with instructions that use a plant-based drink and egg replacer.
- That same variety contains wheat and gluten. These claims don’t automatically apply to other AH mixes.
Dr. Oetker
The Original mix reviewed is designed for small, thicker American-style pancakes rather than thin Dutch-style pancakes.
- According to Albert Heijn, the pack reviewed makes 13 to 15 pancakes, which can help you plan how many portions you’ll need.
- The mix reviewed needs milk and eggs. Check the information for this specific variety for allergen details.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
Here are four Koopmans varieties to compare for Valentine’s Day: Complete, Original, Wholegrains and Shaker. Check the preparation instructions and ingredients on each pack; the names alone don’t tell you which extra ingredients or allergens apply to your variety.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A complete mix to consider if you want to keep separate ingredients to a minimum for Valentine’s Day. Check this pack to see what you need to add and how many pancakes 210 g makes. If you’re avoiding milk or eggs, read the ingredients list too.
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Koopmans original pancake mix 400 g
For thin, classic pancakes to top with sweet or savoury ingredients. For the 400 g Origineel mix reviewed, Albert Heijn says you’ll need 850 ml of milk, 2 eggs and butter or oil; according to PLUS, one pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes. Consider whether that’s the right amount for your plans for two, and check the current label.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix 400 g
A 400 g variety to compare if you’re looking for a mix labelled Wholegrains. Check the grains, extra ingredients and allergens on this pack; don’t assume it’s suitable for plant-based preparation from the name alone.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker mix to consider if you’d rather make the batter without a separate mixing bowl. Check this 175 g pack to see which liquid you need to add and how many pancakes it makes. Be sure to check the allergens before choosing too.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a complete and an original pancake mix?
According to Albert Heijn, you add water to the Koopmans Complete mix reviewed, while the Origineel mix reviewed needs milk and eggs. Choose Complete if you want fewer separate ingredients to prepare, but check the mix itself if you have allergies: adding water only doesn’t mean the product is free from milk or eggs.
Can I prepare pancake mix without animal products?
According to Albert Heijn, the AH wholemeal pancake mix reviewed can be prepared with a plant-based drink and egg replacer. Albert Heijn describes this variety as vegan and lactose-free, but it does contain wheat and gluten. Check both the current pack and any ingredients you’re adding yourself.
How do I check pancake mix for allergens?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current pack of the exact variety you want to use, including any information about possible traces. Don’t rely on the brand name alone, or on the liquid you add to the batter.
Does pancake batter need to be cooked all the way through?
Yes. Cook pancake batter all the way through and don’t eat it raw. The product information for the Koopmans Origineel and Complete mixes reviewed says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw.