Choose a plain mix if you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home, or are buying them for your Christmas dinner anyway. If you want to measure out fewer separate ingredients for the batter, a complete mix could be a better fit: for the options mentioned here, you add water, although you may still need cooking fat for the pan. If you have allergies or other dietary requirements, always check the current packaging.
Making pancakes for a crowd, and already have the ingredients you need? Take a look at a plain mix and check how much you need to add for your chosen recipe. For example, PLUS says its 400 g Plain mix needs 800 ml of milk, three eggs and butter or oil.
If you want to measure out fewer ingredients for the batter ahead of Christmas dinner, look for a complete mix. For the complete options described here, you add water; also check what you’ll need for cooking the pancakes.
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients or allergens, the packaging of the option you choose is what matters. Read both the ingredients list and any statements about what the product may contain.
First, work out what you already have at home and how many pancakes you want to make. Then choose between a plain mix, a complete mix or an option with a specific composition. The preparation instructions and label are what count for the product you buy.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Additional ingredients | Check which ingredients you need in addition to the mix. For 400 g of mix, PLUS Plain lists 800 ml of milk, three eggs and butter or oil. | If I already have milk and eggs, I want to know what else I need to buy for the batter I’m planning to make. Around 46% of consumers put this kind of shopping plan first. |
| Preparation | Check whether you need to add water to the batter and what you’ll need for the pan; PLUS Complete also lists butter or oil. | With lots of dishes on the Christmas menu, I want to measure out as few separate ingredients as possible for the batter. For around 27% of consumers, keeping things simple matters most. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and check the current packaging for details of allergens present or that may be present. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the mix I’ve chosen before cooking. This is a priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Menu and portions | Decide how many pancakes you want to serve and check the stated yield per pack for the option you’ve chosen. | I want to make enough pancakes for the sweet or savoury toppings I’ve planned, without choosing an option based on its name alone. For around 9% of consumers, menu planning is the main concern. |
As well as the mix, PLUS Plain needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. Without these ingredients, you won’t be able to follow the stated preparation instructions.
Check what you’ll need before you go shopping, and see what you already have at home.
You add water to the batter for PLUS Complete, but the preparation instructions also mention butter or oil for the pan.
Check the full instructions for the option you choose.
Koopmans Origineel lists wheat and rye, along with statements about potential allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients list and any statements about what the product may contain. Don’t rely on the brand name or a previous purchase alone.
ALDI lists a 400 g ALBONA plain pancake mix.
PLUS describes both a 400 g Plain mix and a 400 g Complete mix.
Albert Heijn offers plain, multigrain and wholemeal mixes under its own brand.
Koopmans describes, among other options, Original and Complete pancake mixes.
Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix.
These Koopmans mixes show a few different options for a Christmas dinner: a complete mix, a Wholegrains option, Origineel and a shaker. Choose a pack and preparation method to suit the number of people you’re serving and any ingredients your guests need to avoid.
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A complete option to consider if you want to use fewer separate ingredients for the batter. The pack contains 210 g of mix; check the preparation instructions, the yield per pack and the label before serving it at your Christmas dinner.
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For anyone looking to choose this grain-based option for their Christmas menu. The pack contains 400 g of mix; check what you need to add to the batter and, if you have dietary requirements, read the ingredients for this option.
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An original mix for anyone who wants to factor the additional ingredients into their shopping plans. The pack contains 400 g of mix; the Joybuy product page lists 850 ml of milk, two eggs and butter or oil. If you have an allergy, check the current packaging and cook the batter thoroughly.
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A shaker pack to consider if you want to make a small amount of batter. The bottle contains 175 g of mix; check what you need to add and whether the stated yield is enough for the number of people you’re serving.
According to PLUS, you add water to the batter for PLUS Complete, while butter or oil is listed for the pan. Check the instructions on your own pack, as they can vary between options.
According to Koopmans, one pack of Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes. The manufacturer says you need to add milk, eggs and butter; adjust the number of packs to suit your guests and the rest of your menu.
Check the ingredients list and any statements about what the mix may contain on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods; check the specific option you want to use.
Don’t do this with the Koopmans Complete mix described by Albert Heijn: the product information says the batter is not intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked thoroughly.
