Choose a speculoos mix if you want the pancake itself to have a distinct sweet flavour, or an American-style pancake mix if you’d like to stack smaller pancakes with toppings. If you want the toppings to make the dish feel special and prefer to add as few ingredients as possible, look for a complete mix. Whatever you choose, check what you need to add, how many pancakes the pack makes and which allergens are listed on the packaging.
If you want to stack pancakes or add flavour to the pancakes themselves, an American-style pancake mix and a flavoured mix offer two different starting points. Albert Heijn lists a mix for American pancakes, while PLUS describes a speculoos mix containing pieces of speculoos.
Would you like to choose your own toppings without having to use milk and eggs in the batter first? According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet only requires water to be added.
If you’re cooking for people with different preferences or allergies, compare both the mix and any ingredients you add yourself. Koopmans lists several grains in its Meergranen mix; the Voedingscentrum stresses the importance of checking the latest allergen information on the label.
First decide whether you want flavour in the pancakes themselves or prefer a base for your own toppings. Then compare the preparation, yield and ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and presentation | Check whether the mix contains added flavourings or is intended for small American-style pancakes. Make sure the flavour you choose works with your toppings. | If I want to make breakfast feel like a sweet brunch, the base determines which toppings will work best. Around 33% of consumers would say flavour and presentation are their main consideration. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether you need to add water, milk or eggs, and whether you’ll need any extra equipment. | On a relaxed morning, I don’t want to have to shop for missing ingredients before I can start cooking. Around 27% of consumers would put minimal preparation first. |
| Yield | Compare the stated number of pancakes per pack and bear in mind their size. | If I’m cooking for a group, I want to know whether one pack will make enough for the stack I have planned. Yield would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements. Remember to include any ingredients you add yourself. | If not everyone can eat the same ingredients, I need to be able to assess both the mix and the finished batter. Around 20% of consumers would put ingredients and allergens first. |
A speculoos mix already has a distinct flavour, which gives you less freedom if you want to serve both sweet and savoury toppings.
Choose a flavoured mix if it suits the breakfast you have planned. For a wider range of toppings, opt for a more neutral base.
The extra ingredients you need vary from mix to mix. According to PLUS, Koopmans Origineel requires milk, eggs and cooking fat, while Koopmans says that Pannenkoeken Compleet only requires water to be added.
Read the instructions on the packaging before you shop, and compare the stated yield too.
Koopmans lists wheat, rye, oats and barley, among other ingredients, in its Meergranen mix. So the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean a mix is suitable for avoiding gluten.
If you have an allergy or need to avoid gluten, check the latest packaging, including the allergen information and warnings about possible traces.
A product being listed in a range doesn’t mean it will be available at your chosen shop. PLUS showed the Koopmans speculoos mix as unavailable at the selected shop, while Lidl lists its Belbake mix as an in-store product.
Check availability shortly before you buy at the shop you plan to visit, and consider an alternative type of mix if necessary.
Koopmans offers complete, multigrain and flavoured mixes, among others. The right choice depends mainly on the flavour you want and what you’d like to add to the batter.
Albert Heijn lists its own pancake mixes alongside mixes from other brands, including varieties for American-style pancakes.
Jumbo lists own-brand mixes and products from other brands in a range of styles, including multigrain and American-style pancakes.
Lidl lists Belbake Pannenkoekenmix Origineel as an in-store product.
ALDI lists an Albona multigrain baking mix as a base for pancakes.
PLUS lists its own pancake mix and Koopmans varieties, including Origineel and Speculoos.
These mixes offer different starting points for a weekend breakfast, from a complete or neutral base for your own toppings to a multigrain variety or a mix with a milky flavour. Compare the preparation instructions and ingredients for each pack before choosing.
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A complete pancake mix for choosing your own toppings. Check how much batter this pack makes and what you need to add.
The product description’s claim that it is suitable for plant-based diets conflicts with the listed milk and egg ingredients. If you’re choosing a product for dietary or allergen reasons, check the latest packaging.
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An original pancake mix for choosing your own sweet or savoury toppings. Check this pack to see which ingredients you need to add to the batter and for cooking.
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A multigrain base for adding your own sweet toppings. Check which ingredients you need for preparation, and if you’re avoiding gluten, read the latest information on grains and allergens.
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A milk-flavoured mix to consider if you’re looking for a different flavour base for a sweet breakfast. Check how many pancakes the pack makes, and if you have allergies, read the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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A complete mix to use as a base for a breakfast with your choice of toppings. Check the preparation instructions and yield on the packaging.
The general allergen claim in the product information conflicts with the listed milk and egg ingredients. If you have allergies, rely on the latest packaging rather than that general claim.
Choose a flavoured mix if you want the pancakes themselves to have flavour, or an American-style pancake mix if you’d like to stack smaller pancakes with toppings. If you’d rather let the toppings determine the flavour of breakfast, a more neutral base gives you greater flexibility.
Yes. Before use, check the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. The Voedingscentrum stresses the importance of label information if you have a food allergy. Remember to check the ingredients you add to the batter yourself too.
It’s best not to eat batter containing raw egg before it has been cooked. The Voedingscentrum warns that raw batter containing egg can make you ill, so cook the pancakes before serving.
Keep prepared batter containing raw egg in the fridge and follow the instructions on the packaging. The Voedingscentrum advises storing dishes containing raw egg in the fridge for no more than 24 hours.
