Which lunch is right for you?

If you want to make your own lunch

You want to make pancakes and have time to prepare the batter and cook them in a pan. Pancake mix won’t give you medium-sliced bread for a sandwich you can fill straight away.

If you want to measure out fewer ingredients

You’re looking for a pancake mix that needs fewer separate ingredients. With the complete mixes we looked at, you add water; the shake bottles we looked at require milk. Either way, you’ll still need to cook the pancakes.

If you want to compare ingredients

Before buying, check which grains are used and whether milk, egg and allergens are listed. Ingredients and preparation instructions can vary between mixes from the same brand.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to eat a sandwich or cook pancakes at home. Then choose a type of mix that suits how you want to prepare it and the ingredients you’re looking for.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Type of lunch Check whether you’re looking for medium-sliced bread for a sandwich, or a mix to make into batter. If I want to make a sandwich straight away at lunchtime, a mix I have to cook first isn’t much use to me. Around 33% of consumers prioritise being able to use it straight away.
Preparation Check which ingredients you need to add and whether you want to use a packet mix or a shake bottle; you’ll still need to cook the pancakes. If I want to cook pancakes at home without measuring out lots of separate ingredients, the preparation method matters. Around 42% of consumers give the highest priority to doing less preparation.
Ingredients Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you choose, including for wholemeal or complete mixes. When choosing a lunch mix, I want to know which grains it contains and whether milk or egg is listed. The ingredients are the main consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking pancake mix for bread for lunch

    You need to make the mix into batter and cook it in a pan. It won’t give you a sandwich you can fill or take with you straight away.

    Before you buy, decide whether you’re looking for bread to make a sandwich or ingredients to make pancakes at home.

  • Assuming you know the allergens from the mix name

    The standard, complete and wholemeal mixes we looked at contain different ingredients. A name such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘complete’ doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed on the pack you choose.

    Check the current ingredients list and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the exact variant you’re buying.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

The Koopmans products we found at Albert Heijn and Jumbo include an original mix, a complete mix and a shake bottle.

  • For the complete mix we looked at, you add water to make the batter; for the shake bottle, you add milk.
  • The ingredients required and allergens vary by mix, so check the pack you choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers its own pancake mixes, including plain, complete, wholemeal and spelt varieties, alongside branded products.

  • The different varieties give you options to compare preparation methods and ingredients.
  • Check the preparation instructions and ingredients for the mix you choose rather than relying on the range name.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists its own 400 g plain pancake mix.

  • The product information lists the allergens in this plain mix.
  • According to Jumbo, this mix contains wheat, oats and gluten, and may contain barley, egg and milk.

PLUS

The PLUS varieties we looked at include plain, complete and wholemeal mixes, as well as a plain mix in a bottle.

  • According to PLUS, you add water to the complete mix to make the batter; the plain mix in a bottle is mixed with milk.
  • Preparation methods vary by mix. PLUS says product information may change, so check the packaging too.

Albona (ALDI)

ALDI lists a 400 g Albona multigrain pancake mix.

  • An option to consider if you’re specifically looking for a multigrain mix.
  • Check the pack you choose to see which grains it contains and what you need to add during preparation.

Belbake (Lidl)

Lidl lists a 400 g Belbake original pancake mix, intended to make around 12 pancakes.

  • A standard mix to consider if you want to cook your own pancakes for lunch.
  • Check the preparation instructions and ingredients on the pack of the mix you choose.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pancake mix to make a sandwich for lunch straight away?

No. Pancake mix is for making batter that you still need to cook. If you want to make a sandwich straight away, you need bread rather than pancake mix.

Do I need milk and eggs for every pancake mix?

No. The Koopmans and PLUS complete mixes we looked at require water to make the batter, but you’ll still need butter or oil for cooking. Other varieties we looked at require milk and sometimes eggs; follow the instructions on the pack you choose.

How do I check the allergens in a pancake mix?

Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging for the variant you choose. According to the European Union, prepacked foods in the EU must include this information, among other details; the ingredients differ between the mixes we looked at.

Can I eat Koopmans Mix voor pannenkoeken origineel batter raw?

No. Albert Heijn says that Koopmans Mix voor pannenkoeken origineel batter is not intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked thoroughly.

Can I store batter made from PLUS plain pancake mix in a bottle?

Not once you’ve mixed this PLUS variety with milk: PLUS says you should use the batter straight away and not store it. For other mixes, follow the instructions on the packaging.