Student with a nearly empty kitchen
If you’re still missing milk, eggs and kitchen utensils, consider a complete mix or a shaker bottle. Check what you need to add, and whether you’ll still need a bowl or whisk for mixing.
Who are the different mixes suitable for?
Student cooking for housemates
For a larger batch, the number of pancakes per pack matters. According to the product information, the classic 400 g Koopmans mix makes 11–13 pancakes, but you’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat.
Student with specific ingredient requirements
Compare the ingredients and preparation instructions for the exact product. The wholegrain mixes reviewed contain gluten-containing cereals; preparing a mix in a plant-based way doesn’t in itself tell you anything about the allergens in the dry mix.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with what you have in your new kitchen. Then consider the yield, the ingredients and the type of pancakes you want to make.
| What to consider | Check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer extra ingredients and utensils | What you need to add and what equipment you’ll need to mix the batter. | If my kitchen is still barely equipped, I want to be able to make batter without first having to get milk, eggs or mixing utensils. This convenience is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Yield | How many pancakes each pack makes, and whether that’s enough for the number of people eating. | When my housemates are joining me, I want to know whether one pack will be enough for the batch I’m planning. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a yield that serves several people. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, allergen information and instructions on what you need to add yourself. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or want to prepare the pancakes in a plant-based way, both the mix and the preparation method need to be suitable. This is the first consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Serving style | Whether the mix is intended for thin pancakes or thick pancakes, and how you need to prepare it. | For brunch or when I have guests, I want to choose in advance between thin pancakes and small, thick pancakes. The preferred serving style is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘complete’ means ‘allergen-free’
A mix that only needs water can still contain ingredients made from milk, eggs or wheat.
Use ‘just add water’ as a guide to preparation, and if you have specific ingredient requirements, check the allergen information on the pack too.
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Looking only at the pack size
A large bag and a shaker bottle are designed for different-sized batches. With a classic mix, you’ll also need to provide the ingredients and mixing utensils yourself.
Think about how many pancakes you want to make, then compare the preparation instructions for the different varieties.
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Assuming wholegrain means gluten-free
The AH and Koopmans wholegrain mixes reviewed contain gluten-containing cereals, including wheat, oats, barley or rye.
If you need to avoid gluten, don’t choose a mix based on the word ‘wholegrain’. Check the gluten-free claim and allergen information for the exact product.
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Mistaking American pancakes for thin pancakes
Dr. Oetker American Pancakes Origineel is designed for small, thick pancakes. The preparation requires milk, eggs, oil and a mixer.
First decide what style you want to serve, then check that you have everything you need to prepare that mix.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers classic, complete, wholegrain and shaker-bottle mixes, among others. Within the range, focus on what you need to add and how many pancakes each pack makes.
- According to Koopmans, the classic 400 g mix makes 11–13 pancakes.
- You’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat for this classic mix. Check the ingredients and allergens separately for the complete variety.
AH
AH’s own-brand range includes complete and wholegrain mixes, among others. Preparation methods vary between varieties.
- According to Albert Heijn, you add water to the AH Mix voor pannenkoeken compleet; you’ll also need cooking fat to fry the pancakes.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Mix voor pannenkoeken meergranen contains gluten-containing cereals. If you have specific ingredient requirements, read the label on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a plain pancake mix, as well as complete and wholegrain varieties. Check the preparation instructions on each pack.
- The plain mix reviewed comes in a 400 g pack.
- The product information for this variety mentions gluten-containing cereals and other possible allergens; check the latest label.
Dr. Oetker
Dr. Oetker American Pancakes Origineel is designed for small, thick pancakes rather than thin Dutch-style pancakes.
- This is a different serving style to consider for brunch.
- The preparation described requires milk, eggs, oil and a mixer.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes give you options for a small batch using a shaker bottle, making pancakes for several people, or choosing a variety with a milky flavour. Check the preparation requirements for each product separately.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A shaker bottle for a small batch, with no separate mixing bowl needed. According to the product information, add 350 ml of water; one bottle makes 4–6 pancakes. If allergens are a concern for you, check the ingredients on the pack.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker bottle for mixing batter for a small batch, with no separate mixing bowl needed. You’ll need milk for this variety, so it’s not the right choice if you only have water in the kitchen. Check the allergen information on the pack.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
A wholegrain mix to consider if you’re cooking for several people and already have the ingredients you need. You’ll need milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it. The product information lists gluten-containing cereals; wholegrain does not mean gluten-free here.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A classic mix for anyone who has milk and eggs in the kitchen and wants to cook for several people. According to the product information, add 850 ml of milk, 2 eggs and cooking fat; one pack makes 11–13 pancakes. If you have allergies, check the latest label.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix 100 g
A milk-flavoured variety for anyone who has an egg as well as water to add to the batter. Before buying, check the preparation instructions, how many pancakes each pack makes and the allergen information on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Which mix should I choose if I only have water in the kitchen?
Choose a complete mix whose preparation instructions say to add water to the batter. Koopmans Compleet and AH Compleet are examples; you’ll also need cooking fat to fry the pancakes.
Is wholegrain pancake mix gluten-free?
No. ‘Wholegrain’ doesn’t mean gluten-free. The AH and Koopmans wholegrain mixes reviewed contain gluten-containing cereals. If you need a gluten-free option, check the claim and allergen information on the exact pack.
Which allergen information should I check before cooking?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack of the mix you’re using. Also check what you’re adding to the batter yourself. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on food labels.