Choose a speculoos mix if you want the pancake itself to set the evening’s sweet flavour. If you’re serving a variety of toppings, choose a base whose flavour you can customise. And if you want to keep extra ingredients to a minimum, a complete mix that only needs water is another option. A distinctive flavour doesn’t automatically make a mix a limited edition: check the current packaging for the edition label and allergen information.
If you want the pancake itself to have a distinctive flavour, consider a speculoos mix. Albert Heijn describes Koopmans Pannenkoeken Speculoos as a mix containing speculoos pieces. Check whether it is labelled as a limited edition separately from its flavour.
If you want guests to choose from a range of sweet and savoury toppings, it’s better to decide on the flavour yourself. A base such as Koopmans Pannenkoeken Meergranen does, however, require milk, eggs and oil in addition to the mix, according to Koopmans.
First, find out which ingredients need to be avoided, then check the packaging of the variant you choose. For example, Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij, as described by PLUS, may contain egg and milk.
Start by checking the ingredients against your guests’ needs. Then decide whether flavour, freedom to choose toppings or ease of preparation matters most.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Distinctive flavour | Check the flavour and edition label on the packaging. Albert Heijn says Koopmans Speculoos makes around eight pancakes using 550 ml of milk and one egg. | If I want the pancake itself to carry my sweet theme, I don’t want to rely entirely on toppings. This flavour preference matters most to around 27% of consumers. |
| Freedom to choose toppings | Check which ingredients you need to add to the base and whether the grains are suitable for your guests. Koopmans lists milk, eggs and oil for Meergranen. | When I’m serving a range of toppings, I want to choose the flavour of each pancake. Around 20% of consumers put this freedom first. |
| Easy preparation | Check whether water is enough or whether you need milk, and whether the batter needs to be used as soon as it’s mixed. | If I’m starting shortly before the meal, I want to gather as few extra ingredients as possible. Convenience is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning on the current packaging for the exact variant you’re buying. | If a guest needs to avoid certain allergens, I need to work out which mix is suitable before deciding on the flavour. This check comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
Speculoos pieces give a mix a distinctive flavour, but that alone doesn’t mean it’s a limited edition. Shops may also stock different ranges at different locations.
Look for an edition label on the current packaging and product information. If there isn’t one, choose the mix based on the flavour and preparation method that suit your evening.
Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij, as described by PLUS, may contain egg and milk. So a gluten-free label doesn’t answer separate questions about these allergens.
Ask guests which ingredients they need to avoid, then read the allergen information on the mix packaging before serving.
According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet only needs water, while Meergranen requires milk, eggs and oil. The number of pancakes you get also varies by product.
Before you start, check which extra ingredients you’ll need for the number of pancakes you’re planning to make.
PLUS says that its plain shaker-bottle mix should be used straight away after being mixed with milk.
Only mix this variant when you’re ready to start cooking, and follow the instructions on the packaging for use and storage.
Koopmans offers a complete mix, Meergranen, Speculoos and a gluten-free variant, among other options. Preparation methods and ingredients vary by product.
ALDI lists a pancake mix and a plain variant under its ALBONA own-label brand, both in 400 g packs.
Lidl describes Belbake Pannenkoekenmix Origineel as a 400 g pack that makes around twelve pancakes.
PLUS offers a 200 g bottle of plain pancake mix: add milk, shake and cook.
According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet only needs water and makes eight to ten pancakes. PLUS’s plain shaker-bottle mix requires milk, and the batter should be used straight away after mixing.
Not without checking the specific packaging. PLUS says Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij may contain egg and milk, so the gluten-free label alone doesn’t answer questions about these other allergens.
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning on the packaging of the variant you’re going to use. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of labelling in preventing allergic reactions.
