Festive bakers short on time
If you want to make batter quickly and measure out as little as possible, look for a complete mix or shaker bottle. Check whether your chosen option needs water or milk, and what else you’ll need for baking.
Which mix might suit you?
Guests who want to bake together
If baking is part of your Sinterklaas evening, you could choose a classic, wholegrain or flavoured mix as a base for the toppings you plan to serve. Compare the ingredients you’ll need and the yield per pack too.
Hosts who need to consider allergens
If you’re baking for someone with a food allergy or who needs to eat gluten-free, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact mix, as well as for anything you add yourself. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of checking food labels when dealing with food allergies.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with any essential dietary requirements. Then decide how much preparation you want to do, and finally choose the mix and number of packs to suit your guests.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and washing up | Check whether you need to add water, milk or eggs, and whether the mix is made in a bottle. | I want to make batter quickly between other preparations and keep washing up to a minimum; convenience is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| A mix for the festive table | Compare the ingredients and the type of mix, such as plain, wholegrain or flavoured. | If baking is part of the evening, I want to choose a base that goes well with the toppings on the table. Around 30% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Gluten and allergens | Check the latest ingredient list, the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements, and anything you add yourself. | The mix needs to meet a specific dietary requirement for my guest; this check is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Enough portions | Compare the stated yield per pack with the number of pancakes you want to make. | I want to make enough for everyone without relying on the pack weight alone. Planning portions is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘gluten-free’ means ‘free from all allergens’
A gluten-free mix may still contain other allergens. For example, Albert Heijn states that Koopmans Gluten-Free Pancake Mix may contain egg and milk.
Read the latest allergen information on the exact pack, and check the ingredients you add yourself, including toppings.
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Assuming ‘just add water’ tells you everything you need to know
For a complete mix, that instruction applies to making the batter; you’ll still need cooking fat and a pan to make the pancakes.
Check the full instructions before buying, and make sure you have the required cooking fat ready too.
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Choosing a shaker bottle without checking the yield
The bottle can make preparing batter easier, but it doesn’t tell you how many pancakes you can make for the whole group.
Compare the yield of your chosen bottle with the number of portions you need. You may need several bottles for a larger group.
Brands to consider
Koopmans
The range includes classic, complete, wholegrain and gluten-free pancake mixes, as well as shaker bottles.
- You can choose a preparation method and mix to suit your baking plans.
- Allergens vary by product: Albert Heijn lists wheat, milk, egg and rye for Koopmans Complete; the gluten-free option may contain egg and milk.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes complete, spelt and organic wholegrain mixes.
- The options give you a choice of preparation methods and grain blends.
- Check which ingredients you need to add and which allergens are listed on the pack for each option.
PLUS
PLUS offers, among other options, a plain mix in a box, a complete mix and a plain mix in a bottle.
- According to PLUS, the complete 400 g mix needs 700 ml of water for the batter.
- PLUS says the plain mix in a bottle needs milk instead, so don’t rely on the packaging format alone.
Belbake
Lidl lists a 400 g pack of Belbake Original pancake mix, which makes around 12 pancakes.
- The stated yield can help you plan a baking session with several guests.
- Check the label on the exact pack for ingredients and allergen information.
Albona
ALDI lists plain and wholegrain pancake mixes from Albona.
- You can choose between a plain base and a wholegrain option.
- According to ALDI, the plain mix is made with milk and eggs. Check the pack for the instructions and allergens for your chosen option.
Pancake mixes on Joybuy
These mixes offer different options for your baking plans: a complete mix, wholegrain, shaker bottle, classic and a milk-flavoured option. Compare the instructions and yield on the exact pack before choosing one for your guests.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g
A complete option for anyone who wants to measure out fewer separate ingredients. The pack contains 210 g of mix; check what you need to add, the yield and the allergens before baking for your guests.
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Koopmans wholegrain pancake mix, 400 g
For anyone specifically looking for a wholegrain base. The pack contains 400 g of mix; check the instructions and label if you need to take all your guests’ ingredients into account.
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Koopmans pancake mix in a shaker bottle, 175 g
A shaker bottle is a handy option if you want to make batter without using a separate mixing bowl. This bottle contains 175 g of mix; check which liquid you need to add and whether the yield suits your group.
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Koopmans Original pancake mix, 400 g
A classic mix for baking together and adding your own choice of toppings. The pack contains 400 g of mix; before buying, check which ingredients you need to add for the batter and cooking.
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Xiaoyeqingzhu milk-flavoured pancake mix, 100 g
For anyone considering a milk-flavoured mix. The pack contains 100 g of mix; check the nutritional information, preparation instructions and yield if you’re baking for several guests.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really only need water for a complete pancake mix?
For the batter made with Koopmans Pancakes Complete, Albert Heijn lists 700 ml of water as an addition. You’ll also need butter or oil for cooking; check the instructions again if you’re using a different mix.
Is gluten-free pancake mix also free from milk and egg?
Not necessarily: according to Albert Heijn, Koopmans Gluten-Free Pancake Mix may contain egg and milk. Check the allergen information on the exact pack, and remember to check the ingredients you add yourself too.
How do I work out how much mix I need for Sinterklaas evening?
Use the stated yield for your chosen mix and decide how many pancakes you want to make. Koopmans says that Pancakes Original makes 11 to 13 pancakes per pack; Lidl lists around 12 per 400 g pack for Belbake Original. For other options, don’t rely on the pack weight alone.
How should I store an opened pack of pancake mix?
Store the mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack.