If you’re specifically looking for sourdough
If sourdough is the focus of your get-together, the packaging must explicitly say so. A mix containing several grains isn’t confirmed as a sourdough mix unless it says so.
Which choice is right for you?
If you want to bake with minimal preparation
If you don’t want to get lots of separate ingredients ready, the preparation instructions matter more than the name of the mix. Koopmans says that you only need to add water to Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet; check the instructions for the specific variant.
If you’re buying for guests with food allergies
Before you buy, check which grains and other allergens the mix contains or may contain. Also check the ingredients that need to be added to the batter according to the preparation instructions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether sourdough is a must for your get-together. If not, choose a mix based on how it’s prepared and which ingredients are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Look for sourdough, a sourdough starter or a described fermentation process on the current packaging. Don’t rely on words such as multigrain or organic alone. | I want to use a mix that genuinely contains sourdough for my get-together, not just one made with different grains. For around 36% of consumers, confirmed sourdough is the top priority. |
| Preparation | Compare what you need to add yourself and whether the mixed batter needs to be used straight away. | When guests arrive, I want to keep the ingredients I need to get ready to a minimum and get started with the cooking quickly. Around 29% of consumers give top priority to easy preparation. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients list and any statements about allergens the product contains or may contain; also take into account any ingredients you need to add. | I first need to know whether the mix and preparation I choose are suitable for my guests’ allergies. This check is the main buying requirement for around 21% of consumers. |
| Grain content | Compare the grains listed and check whether the mix is labelled organic. Neither of these confirms that it contains sourdough. | For pancakes at a drinks get-together, I mainly look at which grains the mix contains and whether the ingredients are organic. This matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain or organic means sourdough
A mix can contain several grains or organic ingredients without being confirmed as containing sourdough or undergoing fermentation. If sourdough is the focus of your get-together, that changes what you’re serving.
Only describe a mix as sourdough if the current packaging or product description explicitly says so.
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Assuming a complete mix is suitable for every diet
Easy preparation doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone with a food allergy. For example, Jumbo lists milk and egg in the ingredients of Jumbo Mix voor Pannenkoeken Compleet.
Before buying, read the full ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant, even if you only need to add water.
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Assuming gluten-free means free from all allergens
A gluten-free label doesn’t rule out other relevant allergens. According to PLUS, the product information for Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij says that the product may contain egg and milk.
Choose according to the specific allergens that matter to your guests, and check any warnings about possible traces too.
Brands to consider
These product ranges show the differences in preparation and ingredients. A brand or product range name doesn’t, by itself, confirm that a mix contains sourdough.
Koopmans
Koopmans offers complete, multigrain and gluten-free pancake mixes, among other options.
- According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to Pannenkoeken Compleet.
- Check the exact variant: a multigrain or gluten-free label doesn’t mean it contains sourdough.
Albert Heijn
The AH multigrain mix is an option to compare if you’re interested in grain content.
- Albert Heijn lists wheat, barley and oats in the ingredients and describes the dry mix as vegan.
- Check the preparation instructions separately: information about the dry mix doesn’t automatically describe the prepared batter.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers plain, complete and organic pancake mixes with different ingredients.
- Jumbo Naturel lists wheat, buckwheat and oats; the organic mix lists wheat flour from organic sources.
- Jumbo Compleet lists milk and egg, so check which variant is suitable for your guests.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain mixes and shaker-bottle variants with different preparation instructions.
- The dry PLUS Naturel mix is labelled vegan; the standard preparation instructions call for milk and eggs.
- According to the product information, batter made with milk for the PLUS shaker bottle should be used straight away.
Consenza
In this comparison, Consenza represents a gluten-free pancake mix, not a sourdough variant.
- The mix described by Albert Heijn is labelled gluten-free and wheat-free.
- Mentioning this product type doesn’t confirm that this variant is currently available to buy.
A mix for an impromptu get-together
This complete pancake mix is an option if you’d like to serve pancakes at your get-together without making sourdough a requirement. Before you buy, check the preparation instructions and allergen information on this pack.
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Koopmans Pancakes Complete 210 g
A complete pancake mix for an impromptu get-together when you don’t need a confirmed sourdough variant. The pack contains 210 g; check what you need to add for this variant and read the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is a multigrain or organic pancake mix also a sourdough mix?
No, those labels don’t confirm that a mix contains sourdough. Before choosing one for a sourdough-themed get-together, check the current packaging for an explicit mention of sourdough, a sourdough starter or fermentation.
Can I use a complete mix if one of my guests is vegan?
Only if both the ingredients and the preparation you choose are suitable. According to Jumbo, Jumbo Mix voor Pannenkoeken Compleet contains milk and egg; check the label of each variant rather than relying on the word ‘complete’.
Is a gluten-free mix also suitable for people with other food allergies?
Not automatically. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority provides guidance on allergen labelling on food products, so read the ingredients list and warnings for the specific allergens your guest needs to avoid. According to PLUS, the product information for Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij says that the product may contain egg and milk.
Can I mix the batter in advance and use it later in the evening?
Follow the instructions for the exact mix. PLUS says that batter for its plain shaker bottle should be used straight away after mixing with milk; don’t assume the same applies to other products.