Households looking to use what they have in the cupboard
You’re looking for a neutral base and may already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home. Before buying, check the preparation instructions and how much batter one pack makes.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents or carers of a fussy eater
You want to make a familiar pancake and offer well-loved toppings separately. A plain mix leaves that choice open, but it can’t guarantee the meal will be a hit.
Households short on time or ingredients
You want to measure out fewer ingredients for the batter or make a smaller batch. Compare the instructions for complete mixes and shaker bottles, including what you’ll need to cook the pancakes.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check which extra ingredients you have at home and which kind of base the eater will accept. Then look at the preparation method and how many pancakes you want to make.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Extra ingredients needed | Check whether you need milk, eggs and cooking fat, and see what you already have at home. | If I can use ingredients from my cupboard, I don’t need to make as many extra shopping trips. Around 36% of consumers prioritise cutting down on additional shopping. |
| Adaptable base | Choose a plain mix if you want to pick the toppings yourself; also check how many pancakes the pack makes. | I want to offer a familiar topping separately, rather than choosing a strong flavour in the batter straight away. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this flexibility. |
| Easy preparation | Check whether you only need to add water to make the batter and whether a shaker bottle makes the amount you want. | When I don’t have many ingredients at home, I want to make batter in as few steps as possible. This is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and preparation instructions; also look out for statements such as ‘may contain’. | If certain ingredients need to be avoided, I also want to know how additions affect the finished dish. Around 14% of consumers give this check top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Forgetting the extra ingredients you need
A plain mix may call for milk, eggs and cooking fat, while some complete mixes only require you to add water to make the batter.
Read the full preparation instructions and check which ingredients you already have before choosing a mix.
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Assuming a claim about the dry mix also applies to the finished dish
PLUS labels its dry plain mix as vegan, but the recommended method uses milk and eggs. So the finished dish made according to those instructions isn’t vegan.
Read both the ingredients list and the preparation instructions, and assess any substitutions separately.
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Confusing taste preferences with allergen checks
A familiar topping for the eater tells you nothing about the allergens in the mix or the ingredients you add.
Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ statements before using the product.
Brands to consider
ALBONA
ALBONA is ALDI’s own brand, with products including a 400 g plain pancake mix.
- The plain mix gives you a base so you can choose the toppings yourself.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the mix you choose.
PLUS
PLUS offers 400 g plain and complete pancake mixes, each with different preparation instructions.
- According to PLUS, you add water to make the batter for PLUS Complete.
- PLUS Plain requires milk and eggs; the complete mix contains milk and egg as ingredients.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers its own 400 g plain mix. According to the product information, one pack makes around 12 pancakes.
- With the plain mix, you decide which toppings to serve.
- The preparation method described calls for 3 eggs, 800 ml semi-skimmed milk and cooking fat.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers an original mix, a complete mix and a shaker bottle version.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the original mix makes 11 to 13 pancakes; the complete mix only requires water to make the batter.
- The original mix needs extra ingredients. Check the allergens for each version, including mixes prepared with water.
Lidl Belbake
Lidl lists Belbake Original Pancake Mix in its range.
- This is an original pancake mix to compare with other preparation options.
- Read the packaging to see which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are relevant to your choice.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
This selection includes a shaker bottle, a complete mix, an original mix and a wholegrain mix. Choose based on the quantity you want to make, the extra ingredients needed and what the eater will accept.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
A shaker bottle for anyone who wants to make a smaller batch and choose their own toppings. According to the product information, it makes 4 to 6 pancakes; you’ll need milk to prepare it.
If you have allergies, check the current packaging, including the information about egg and cereals containing gluten.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A complete mix for a smaller batch of batter, which you prepare by adding water according to the product information. This method of preparation doesn’t mean the mix is free from milk or egg.
The product information lists wheat, milk and egg; if you have allergies, check the current packaging.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g
An original mix for serving pancakes with sweet or savoury toppings of your choice. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, one pack makes 11 to 13 pancakes.
The preparation method described requires milk, eggs and cooking fat. If you have allergies, check the current packaging, including information about wheat, rye, milk and egg.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g
Consider this wholegrain mix only if the eater is happy with this type of base; your choice of toppings won’t change the ingredients in the batter.
The preparation method described requires milk, eggs and cooking fat. If you have allergies, check the current packaging for the grains listed and information about milk and egg.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the same extra ingredients for every pancake mix?
No, it varies by mix. Albert Heijn lists 3 eggs, 800 ml semi-skimmed milk and cooking fat for its plain mix. According to PLUS, you add water to the complete mix to make the batter, then use cooking fat when cooking the pancakes. So check the instructions on the pack you choose.
Is a plain mix suitable for a fussy eater?
A plain mix may work if the eater is happy with this type of base and you want to serve familiar toppings separately. This gives you control over what you add, but doesn’t guarantee the pancakes will be eaten.
Where can I check for allergens before using a mix?
Check the current packaging for the mix you’ve chosen, as well as the ingredients you add yourself. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says the 14 allergens specified by law must be clearly listed on the label; also read any ‘may contain’ statements.
Are pancakes vegan if the dry mix is labelled as such?
Not if you add ingredients of animal origin during preparation. PLUS labels its dry plain mix as vegan, even though the recommended method uses semi-skimmed milk and eggs. Check the ingredients in the mix and the preparation method you choose separately.