If you want to serve small, thicker pancakes on King’s Day, choose a mix specifically intended for American pancakes. For a stack of classic Dutch pancakes, a traditional mix is better suited to the size you’re after. A complete mix is particularly handy if you want to keep the number of separate ingredients to a minimum. Whichever you choose, check the pack for the ingredients you need to add and for allergen information.
A mix for American pancakes is designed for smaller pancakes than classic Dutch ones. Dr. Oetker’s product information at Albert Heijn describes fluffy pancakes shaped into rounds of around 10 cm. That alone doesn’t tell you how much topping they can hold.
The number of pancakes per pack can help you plan for a shared meal. Koopmans says its Origineel mix makes 11–13 classic pancakes; according to the product information at Albert Heijn, adding water to Koopmans Compleet makes around 10 pancakes.
Check both the dry mix and any ingredients you add yourself. Albert Heijn describes its Volkorenmix as vegan and lactose-free in its dry form, but the mix contains wheat and gluten. Check the current packaging if allergens or a plant-based preparation will influence your choice.
First, decide what size you want to serve: small American pancakes or larger, classic Dutch pancakes. Then compare the yield, the ingredients you need to add and the ingredients in the mix.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Small, thicker pancakes | Look for a mix for American pancakes and check the pack for the suggested shape and method of preparation. | If you want to serve small pancakes as a snack, focus on finding a mix suited to the style of pancake you have in mind; around 31% of consumers prioritise this size. |
| A classic stack | Compare the number of pancakes per pack with the number of people you’re feeding, and check which ingredients you need to add. | If you’re catering for several people, you’ll want to be able to make enough traditional pancakes. Around 25% of consumers give this yield the highest priority. |
| Minimal preparation | Check whether a complete mix only requires water and read which ingredients are already included. | If you want to keep the number of separate ingredients to a minimum, a simple recipe may matter more than having a choice of additions; this is the main priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including warnings about possible traces, and check the ingredients you plan to add yourself. | If you need to account for allergens, wholemeal flour or a plant-based preparation, check what will go into the batter too. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A mix for American pancakes is intended for a different shape from a classic Dutch pancake that spreads across the pan. The small, fluffy pancakes described aren’t automatically suitable for lots of toppings or heavier ones.
Choose a mix that suits the style you want to serve, and follow the pack’s instructions for shaping and cooking the pancakes.
Koopmans says its Origineel mix needs milk, eggs and cooking fat. The product information for Koopmans Compleet at Albert Heijn lists water as the only addition. This affects what you’ll need to buy before you start.
Read the preparation instructions before working out how many packs and other ingredients you’ll need for your group.
According to Albert Heijn, the dry AH Volkorenmix has these qualities, but it contains wheat and gluten. Ingredients you add yourself can also change the final preparation.
Check the current packaging, including allergen warnings, and consider the additions you plan to use too.
According to the Voedingscentrum, raw eggs and flour can contain harmful bacteria. This is particularly important if young children are helping with the cooking.
Don’t taste raw batter. Wash your hands and utensils after they come into contact with it, and cook the pancakes thoroughly.
The mixes reviewed offer a choice between classic Dutch pancakes, where you add your own ingredients, and a complete mix that only needs water.
The AH Volkorenmix reviewed is a dry mix for anyone who values wholemeal flour and the flexibility to choose their own preparation ingredients.
The Jumbo Volkorenmix reviewed combines wholemeal wheat flour, oat flour and buckwheat flour.
The American-pancake mix reviewed is a good fit if you want to make small pancakes rather than large, classic Dutch ones.
A complete mix is one option. According to the product information at Albert Heijn, Koopmans Compleet needs 700 ml of water to make around 10 pancakes. Do check that the ingredients suit your needs: the mix contains, among other things, wheat, milk and egg ingredients.
For the AH Volkorenmix reviewed, Albert Heijn suggests preparing it with a plant-based drink and, if you like, an egg replacer. The dry mix still contains wheat and gluten, so preparing it without animal products doesn’t make it gluten-free.
It’s best not to eat raw batter. The Voedingscentrum warns that raw eggs and flour can contain harmful bacteria. Cook the pancakes thoroughly, and wash your hands and utensils after they come into contact with raw batter.
Check the current ingredients list for allergens that are relevant to you, and read any warnings about possible traces. The mixes discussed here include ingredients that need particular attention, such as cereals containing gluten, milk and egg. Also check the ingredients you plan to add yourself. According to the Voedingscentrum, the main allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
