A shaker bottle makes a thoughtful little gift; choose a 400 g pack if it’s for several people. The complete mixes we looked at need water for the batter, while a traditional mix may also need milk and eggs. Before ordering, check what else is needed to make the pancakes, whether the allergen information is suitable for the recipient and which delivery options are available for their address.
A complete mix is handy if the recipient would rather not have to find milk and eggs for the batter. The complete mixes from Koopmans and PLUS need water; also check whether they’ll need cooking fat.
A standard 400 g pack gives you a clearer idea of how much you’ll get than the words ‘shaker bottle’ on the packaging alone. Albert Heijn says Koopmans Compleet makes around 10 pancakes, while Koopmans says Origineel makes 11 to 13. Compare the stated yield with the number of people eating.
Only choose a variety if its ingredients and allergen information suit the recipient. Check both ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ on the current packaging; don’t rely on a name such as ‘plain’ or ‘wholegrain’ alone.
First decide how many people the gift is for, then compare any extra ingredients needed and the label on the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Extra ingredients | Check whether the batter needs water, milk or eggs, and whether you’ll also need cooking fat. | I want to give someone a mix without making them buy lots of other things first. For around 42% of consumers, convenience is the top priority. |
| Number of pancakes | Compare the stated yield per pack, not just the weight in grams. | If we’re baking together, I want to know whether one pack will be enough. Getting enough portions comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current packaging for ingredients and statements such as ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’. | I need to be able to check whether this particular mix suits the recipient’s dietary requirements or allergies. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
For the complete mixes we looked at, water is enough for the batter, but you’ll still need a pan and butter or oil for cooking.
Check the preparation instructions before deciding whether to include any cooking essentials with the gift.
Koopmans says its Schudfles Origineel makes around 5 pancakes, compared with 11 to 13 from a pack of Origineel. The smaller size may not be enough for a group meal.
Check how many people are eating and the yield of your chosen variety before deciding on a size.
Ingredients and the potential presence of allergens vary between mixes. A label such as ‘plain’ doesn’t tell you which allergens may matter to the recipient.
Compare the current packaging with the recipient’s specific needs, and ask them if you’re unsure.
Lidl says the Belbake mix we looked at is available in store only; ALDI directs shoppers to its stores for Albona. So you can’t assume either is suitable for delivery directly to the recipient.
When ordering, check which delivery or collection options are available for the recipient’s postcode.
The varieties we looked at range from a complete 400 g mix to Origineel and a smaller shaker bottle.
PLUS offers a complete and a plain pancake mix, both in 400 g packs.
The Belbake mix we looked at at Lidl comes in a 400 g pack and makes around 12 pancakes.
ALDI offers a 400 g pack of Albona wholegrain pancake mix.
These shaker bottles make a thoughtful little gift; the 400 g packs are worth comparing for a group baking session. Check what needs to be added for each variety, and when ordering, check the delivery options for the recipient’s address.
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A 210 g variety for anyone looking for a small gift. Joybuy says to add 350 ml of water; check the current label for the recipient too.
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This 175 g shaker bottle is suited to a small baking session. Check which liquid this variety needs before giving it as a gift.
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A 400 g pack to compare for a group baking session. Check the stated yield, any extra ingredients needed and the ingredients in this wholegrain variety.
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A 400 g pack for a group baking session. Koopmans says a pack of Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes; bear in mind that you’ll also need milk, eggs and cooking fat to prepare it.
A shaker bottle is suited to a small baking session: Koopmans says Schudfles Origineel makes around 5 pancakes. If the gift is for several people, compare the yield of a standard pack; Koopmans says Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes.
Water is enough for the batter in the complete mixes we looked at, but the preparation instructions also call for butter or oil when cooking. Check the instructions for the exact variety before putting the gift together.
Check the current packaging of the specific mix for its ingredients and any ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says common allergens must be clearly listed on the label; don’t rely on the product name alone when choosing a gift.
Don’t assume so without checking: Lidl says the Belbake mix we looked at is ‘available in store only’, and ALDI directs shoppers to its stores for Albona. For a specific order, check the delivery or collection options for the recipient’s address.
