Host with plenty of toppings
You want one pancake base that you can top with both savoury and sweet ingredients. With a classic mix, you choose what to add yourself, but you’ll need to make sure you have those ingredients in the house.
Which approach works best for you?
Planner with little time to prepare
If pancakes are just one part of the evening, you may want to measure out fewer ingredients or make only a small batch. Bear in mind that a complete mix and a shaker bottle don’t necessarily require the same additions.
Guest who needs to check allergens
You’ll need the latest ingredients and allergen information before choosing a mix. Even with a gluten-free option, eggs and milk may still be relevant.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what matters most at your table: a base for a range of toppings, less preparation, allergen information or a wholegrain option. Then compare the additions required and the number of pancakes listed on the pack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Base for toppings | Which ingredients you need to add yourself, and which savoury or sweet recipes the pack suggests. | If I’m serving lots of different toppings, I want one base that works with them, even if I need to get extra ingredients ready. For around 33% of consumers, this versatility would be the first thing to consider. |
| Convenience and portions | Whether the mix calls for water or milk, and how many pancakes the pack says it makes. | When pancakes are only part of the meal, I don’t want to measure out or make more than I need. Around 27% of consumers would focus mainly on how easy it is to prepare. |
| Allergens | The latest ingredients and allergen information, including for a gluten-free mix. | If I need to take gluten, eggs or milk into account, I want to know what I can serve my guests before I start cooking. This check would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain option | Which grains the mix contains and which allergens are listed. | If I specifically want a wholegrain base rather than a classic mix, I’m happy to choose a different ingredients list. For around 20% of consumers, this preference would be the main reason for their choice. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘complete’ means ready to eat
Adding water may be all you need to make the batter, but the pancakes still need to be cooked. PLUS also specifies butter or oil for cooking with its complete mix.
Read the full instructions before you shop, including what you’ll need for the pan.
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Stopping at the words ‘gluten-free’
A gluten-free pancake mix isn’t automatically free from eggs or milk. For the Koopmans option reviewed, Albert Heijn states that it may contain eggs and milk.
Check the current packaging for all allergens that matter to your guests.
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Offering raw batter as a taste test
Voedingscentrum warns that raw eggs and flour can contain harmful bacteria.
Don’t let guests taste raw batter, and make sure the pancakes are thoroughly cooked.
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Treating ‘thick cut’ as a guaranteed feature of the mix
A name or search term such as ‘thick cut’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you how thick or firm your cooked pancake will be.
Follow the instructions and, if you like, try cooking one pancake first before making a large batch.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a range of pancake mixes, including classic, complete, shaker, wholegrain and gluten-free options.
- For its Original mix, Koopmans says to add your own milk, eggs and butter; for Complete, the brand specifies water.
- Check the specific option carefully: according to the product information, the gluten-free mix may also contain eggs and milk.
PLUS
PLUS sells a range of own-brand pancake mixes, including complete and plain options.
- For the PLUS Complete mix, the retailer says to use water and butter or oil for cooking.
- This complete option contains wheat, milk and eggs; check the label on your chosen pack before buying.
Albona
Albona is an ALDI own-brand range that includes plain and wholegrain pancake mixes.
- ALDI lists a 400 g wholegrain mix.
- Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before choosing this option for your guests.
Belbake
Lidl’s range includes a 400 g Belbake Original pancake mix.
- Lidl says this pack makes around twelve pancakes.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and instructions on the pack in store.
Pancake mixes and a savoury option at Joybuy
This selection includes mixes that need less preparation, a shaker bottle for a smaller batch, a classic base and a wholegrain option. The Korean mix is intended for a savoury dish, so don’t assume it will work in the same way as a base for sweet toppings.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A complete mix for a world food night when you want to measure out as few separate ingredients as possible. Check the instructions, yield and allergen information on the pack before cooking for a group.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes 175 g
A shaker bottle is a good fit when pancakes are a small addition to other dishes. Check the pack to see how much milk to add and how many pancakes you can make.
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Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix 400 g
Choose this wholegrain mix if you want a different grain base for your toppings. Wholegrain doesn’t mean gluten-free, so check the grains, allergens and required additions on the label.
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Koopmans Original Pancake Mix 400 g
A classic mix is a good choice if you want to add the other ingredients yourself and serve pancakes with both savoury and sweet toppings. Check what else you’ll need and how many portions the pack makes.
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Chung Jung One Korean Crispy Pancake Flour Mix 500 g
This mix is suited to making savoury Korean pancakes for a world food night, rather than as an obvious choice for a table of sweet toppings. Check the instructions and yield on the pack before planning your portions.
Frequently asked questions
Which pancake mix needs the fewest extra ingredients?
According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet. You’ll still need to cook the pancakes; PLUS specifies butter or oil for cooking with its complete mix.
Is wholegrain pancake mix gluten-free?
No, ‘wholegrain’ doesn’t mean ‘gluten-free’. The Koopmans wholegrain mix described by Jumbo contains wheat, rye, oats and barley, among other ingredients. If you need a gluten-free mix, check the other allergens listed on your chosen pack too.
Where can I check the allergens in pancake mix?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that 14 allergens must be declared on the label; even with a gluten-free mix, check for information about eggs and milk.
Can I taste raw pancake batter?
It’s best not to eat raw batter. Voedingscentrum warns that raw eggs and flour may contain harmful bacteria; cook the pancakes thoroughly before serving.