Cooking for a crowd
If you’re making pancakes for family or guests, you’ll want to know how many the pack says it makes and which ingredients you’ll need to add yourself.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Planning a savoury Sunday meal
You’re looking for a base for pancakes with savoury toppings, rather than trying to recreate a traditional Sunday roast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists vegetables and pulses among the possible toppings.
Paying attention to grains and ingredients
You want a wholemeal base, or need to check which ingredients and allergens are in your chosen mix before you start cooking.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many people you’re cooking for and what you already have at home. Then compare the grain type, preparation method and ingredients of the mixes that suit your meal.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Extra ingredients to buy | Check the stated yield and whether you need to add your own milk, eggs or cooking fat. | If I’m cooking for several people, I want to know in advance what I’ll need in addition to the pack. This shopping plan is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Grain type and ingredients | Read the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen declaration on the pack. | Anyone looking for a wholemeal base or needing to avoid certain ingredients will want to check what’s in the mix before cooking. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether the mix calls for water or milk, and whether you mix it in a bowl or in the pack. | I want to make the batter with as few separate steps as possible, but still need to know what to add. Around 20% of consumers put convenience first. |
| Savoury meal | Make enough batter for everyone at the table, and plan toppings or side dishes separately. | For a savoury Sunday meal, I want to serve pancakes as the main meal, not as a roast substitute. This kind of meal planning is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Only looking at the pack of mix
A standard mix may require milk, eggs and cooking fat. If you only pick up the pack, you could end up without some of the ingredients you need for the batter.
Read the preparation instructions and add any extra ingredients to your shopping list.
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Assuming a shaker bottle contains a complete mix
A shaker bottle means less mixing up, but the Koopmans variety mentioned still requires you to add milk.
Check what each pack calls for and whether the stated yield will be enough for your group.
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Assuming wholemeal means allergen-free
The AH Wholemeal Mix mentioned contains wholemeal wheat flour and wheat gluten. So the wholemeal label doesn’t mean it’s suitable for anyone with a wheat or gluten allergy.
When you buy it, check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
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Thinking pancake mix is a substitute for a roast
The mix provides a base for batter, not a roast or a complete savoury meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists vegetables, pulses, meat alternatives, meat and fish as possible toppings for savoury pancakes.
Choose a pancake-based meal deliberately, and plan your preferred toppings or side dishes separately.
Brands to consider
PLUS
PLUS stocks standard, wholemeal and complete pancake mixes.
- According to PLUS, you make the batter for its complete variety with water; you’ll still need cooking fat or oil for frying.
- The standard and wholemeal varieties mentioned also require milk and eggs.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes a plain and a wholemeal pancake mix.
- The 400 g plain variety states that it makes around 12 pancakes.
- The wholemeal variety contains wheat; also check the pack for any information about other allergens.
Albona
Albona is the brand of the multigrain pancake mix listed by ALDI.
- The pack mentioned contains 400 g of mix.
- Check the ingredients and preparation instructions in store before choosing this variety.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers a standard pancake mix as well as a shaker bottle variety.
- The shaker bottle is designed for mixing the batter inside the pack.
- You’ll still need to add milk to the shaker bottle variety mentioned; check the allergens for each variety too.
Belbake
Lidl lists a 400 g pack of Belbake Original Pancake Mix.
- The product information says it makes around 12 pancakes.
- Check the pack to see which ingredients you need to add to the batter.
Pancake mixes at Joybuy
These mixes offer different bases and preparation methods for a planned pancake meal. Choose a variety based on how much you want to make, the ingredients you’ll need to add and the information on the current pack.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix, 400 g
A good choice if you’re looking for a standard pancake base to share. Allow for milk, eggs and cooking fat when preparing the batter, and check the allergens on the pack.
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Koopmans Wholegrains pancake mix, 400 g
An option if you specifically want a wholegrain base for your Sunday meal. Allow for milk, eggs and cooking fat when preparing the batter, and read the ingredients if allergens are a factor in your choice.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
For a smaller pancake meal when you’d rather measure out fewer separate ingredients for the batter. Before cooking, check the amount of water needed, the yield and the allergens on the pack.
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Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g
For a small serving when you want to mix the batter in the pack. This shaker bottle still requires milk, so check that the stated yield is right for your group too.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix, 100 g
A small pack to consider if you want to make a limited amount of batter. Before buying, check the preparation instructions, serving yield and ingredients; this variety contains wheat.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to add to a standard pancake mix?
It varies by pack; the PLUS Plain Mix mentioned requires milk, eggs and butter or oil. Read the preparation instructions before you finalise your shopping for the meal.
When is a complete pancake mix useful?
A complete mix is a good choice if you want to use fewer separate ingredients for the batter. The PLUS Complete mix mentioned requires water and cooking butter or oil; check the instructions for the variety you choose.
Is wholemeal pancake mix gluten-free too?
No, these are different properties: the AH Wholemeal Mix mentioned contains wholemeal wheat flour and wheat gluten. If you have allergies, always check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
Are pancakes suitable for a savoury Sunday meal?
Yes, if you’re deliberately choosing savoury pancakes instead of a traditional Sunday roast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists vegetables, pulses, meat alternatives, meat and fish among the possible toppings.
How should I store an opened pack of pancake mix?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. Albert Heijn and PLUS recommend storing the mixes discussed in a cool, dry place; seal an opened pack as directed on the label.