Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents planning several pancake-making sessions

A multipack of individual sachets may suit you if you’re making pancakes on different days or for more people. Check how many pancakes one pack makes before deciding how much you’ll need for a toddler’s breakfast.

Parents looking for an alternative breakfast

You want to vary your usual breakfast from time to time, so you’re comparing the flour type, fibre and sugars in the exact mix. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a wholemeal pancake as one possible breakfast option for children aged 1 to 3.

Parents packing food for school or childcare

Check which allergens the product contains or may contain, and whether it fits the individual arrangements and the rules on packing and sharing food at that setting.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how many pancake-making sessions and servings you’re planning. Then compare the ingredients and preparation method. If you’re packing food for school or childcare, allergen requirements come before the convenience of a mix.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Breakfast and variety Compare the flour type, fibre and sugars in the exact mix; check toppings separately. If I want to serve pancakes as an alternative, I’ll look for a mix whose nutritional information suits my choice. This breakfast option is a priority for around 33% of consumers.
Allergens and school policy Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack, and ask the school or childcare setting about its rules for packing and sharing food. If I want to send pancakes in, I need to know whether the ingredients fit the individual arrangements and the rules at the setting. Around 27% of consumers give this check top priority.
Sharing and stock Check whether the multipack contains individual packs and how many pancakes one pack makes. I like making pancakes for several people or on different days, but don’t want to open more packs than I need. For around 20% of consumers, this is their main consideration.
Ease of preparation Check what you need to add to the mix and what kitchen equipment you’ll need. On a busy morning, I want to know in advance what’s involved in making the batter. Ease of preparation comes first for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a multipack makes a smaller batch

    The Koopmans 3-pack sold by Albert Heijn contains three separate products. You can use the packs on different occasions, but each individual pack still makes a full batch.

    Only choose a multipack if you’re planning several pancake-making sessions or catering for more people; decide how many pancakes you want to make each time.

  • Relying on the words ‘wholemeal’ or ‘gluten-free’ alone

    The AH wholemeal mix reviewed contains wheat and gluten. The gluten-free Koopmans mix listed by Albert Heijn may contain egg and milk. The two labels therefore answer different questions.

    Compare the full allergen information on the pack you buy with the individual arrangements and the school or childcare setting’s policy.

  • Assuming easy preparation means it’s suitable

    The Koopmans complete mix listed by Albert Heijn only requires water, but contains wheat, milk, egg and rye, among other ingredients.

    Check the ingredients and allergens first, then compare how much preparation each mix requires.

  • Planning to buy a particular flavour as a regular item

    A particular flavour may not always be available, depending on the shop and when you visit. Don’t count on it being in stock without checking the current product listing.

    Plan your breakfast around a mix you can choose at the time, and check the ingredients and availability of any flavoured option separately.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

The Koopmans mixes reviewed include a complete mix and a gluten-free option. Check the exact pack, as preparation methods and allergens vary by product.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product listing, the 400 g complete mix only requires water and makes around 10 pancakes.
  • That complete mix contains wheat, milk, egg and rye; the separate gluten-free option may contain egg and milk.

AH

The 300 g AH wholemeal mix reviewed is an option to compare if you’re considering flour type and nutritional information.

  • Albert Heijn lists wholemeal wheat flour, 0 g added sugars per 100 g of dry mix and 2,9 g of fibre per 100 g of prepared product.
  • The mix contains wheat and gluten, and may contain other cereals and egg. Check the label if allergens are a concern.

Albona

ALDI Netherlands describes the Albona pancake mix reviewed as a 400 g multigrain baking mix.

  • The pack size and multigrain recipe give you specific points to compare with another mix.
  • Before deciding whether it’s suitable for your allergen requirements, read the full ingredients and allergen information on the pack.

Pancake mixes at Joybuy

These mixes are options for a single pancake-making session or for serving several people. Compare the pack size and preparation method with your plans; this selection is not a multipack comparison.

Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g

Koopmans Pancakes Complete, 210 g

For a pancake-making session where you want to make the batter with water. Check the instructions on the pack and, before packing anything, make sure the listed allergens fit the school or childcare setting’s requirements.

View at Joybuy
Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g

Koopmans Wholegrains Pancake Mix, 400 g

A mix to consider if you want to compare products made with several types of grain for a planned pancake-making session. Bear in mind that it contains gluten, and check what ingredients you need to add as well as the allergens listed on the pack.

View at Joybuy
Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g

Koopmans Shaker Pancakes, 175 g

The shaker pack is worth considering if you want to compare its preparation steps with those for a standard mix. You’ll need to add milk; also check the allergens and how much you’ll need for your pancake-making session.

View at Joybuy
Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g

Koopmans Original Pancake Mix, 400 g

A single pack to consider if you’re making pancakes for several people but don’t want a multipack. You’ll also need milk and eggs; before packing any pancakes, check the label and the setting’s requirements.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can pancakes be part of a toddler’s breakfast?

Yes, as an occasional alternative. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a small wholemeal pancake as a breakfast option for children aged 1 to 3. When choosing what to serve, consider the rest of the meal and any toppings too.

How do I check for gluten in a packaged pancake mix?

Read the ingredients list on the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of packaged foods, and the specific type of cereal must be identifiable when it contains gluten.

Is a gluten-free mix also free from milk and egg?

No, the label ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t mean that. The gluten-free Koopmans mix listed by Albert Heijn may contain egg and milk; check for every allergen that’s relevant to your situation.

Can I taste the batter raw or pack it to take with me?

No. The Koopmans product information reviewed says the batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw. Cook the pancakes thoroughly before serving or packing them.