Organisers looking for wholemeal options
They want to choose a pancake mix that can be verified as wholemeal, rather than relying on a ‘multi-grain’ label alone. The product name and ingredients list offer a more reliable guide.
Start with a mix whose current packaging and ingredients list confirm the wholemeal base you want. Then calculate how many packs you need using the stated yield, and factor in any ingredients you’ll need to add yourself. If you’re serving pancakes unpackaged, make sure guests can access allergen information before choosing, as advised by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority for catering.
They want to choose a pancake mix that can be verified as wholemeal, rather than relying on a ‘multi-grain’ label alone. The product name and ingredients list offer a more reliable guide.
They need to estimate in advance how many packs, how much milk and how many eggs they’ll need, as well as the cooking capacity required. Both the yield per pack and the preparation instructions for the chosen mix matter.
They serve pancakes unpackaged and need to be able to tell guests which ingredients they contain. Wheat and oats are important considerations in the wholemeal mixes from PLUS and Jumbo; check the current packaging for details of any other allergens, too.
First, check that the mix is suitable for the wholemeal option you plan to serve. Then work out how you’ll prepare it and provide allergen information at the serving point.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal base | Read the product name and check which wholemeal grains are listed in the ingredients. Don’t treat ‘multi-grain’ as another word for ‘wholemeal’. | If I’m presenting a wholemeal option on the buffet, I want to be sure the mix I choose genuinely fits the bill. For around 42% of consumers, the wholemeal base is the most important factor. |
| Yield and preparation | Check how many pancakes or portions each pack makes, and how much milk, how many eggs and how much cooking fat or oil are needed per pack. | When planning a large batch, I want to know that my supplies and kitchen arrangements will meet the needs of the number of guests. Ease of preparation comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Check the current allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements, and decide how guests will access it before choosing. | When guests are choosing their own pancakes, I want to be able to clearly explain what they contain and whether a separate alternative is needed. Around 25% of consumers give allergen management the highest priority. |
A ‘multi-grain’ label alone doesn’t confirm that the mix has the wholemeal base you want to offer at the buffet. For example, ALDI describes its Albona baking mix as a multi-grain mix.
Before ordering, check both the current product name and the ingredients list.
A box of mix isn’t all you need to prepare the pancakes: the product instructions may also call for milk, eggs and cooking fat or oil.
For each mix you choose, note the yield, additional ingredients and equipment needed on a single production sheet.
Missing ingredients could mean an extra trip to buy supplies or changes to the preparation process on site.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged catering must be available before purchase. The wholemeal mixes from PLUS and Jumbo also contain wheat and oats.
Use the current packaging to create an approved allergen information card, and make it clear how guests can access the information before choosing. Only plan a separate gluten-free option if you can also organise its preparation and serving separately.
A title containing ‘wholemeal’ isn’t enough if the accompanying description or ingredients list indicates a different composition.
Compare the title with the ingredients, nutritional information and packaging image. Ask for clarification if the details don’t match.
For Pannenkoeken Volkoren, Koopmans lists finely milled wholemeal flours and a yield of 13 to 15 pancakes per pack.
Albert Heijn describes its 300 g wholemeal pancake mix as making around 10 pancakes.
For its 400 g wholemeal pancake mix, PLUS lists ingredients including 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour.
For its 400 g wholemeal pancake mix, Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat, oat and buckwheat flour, with around 14 portions per pack.
ALDI describes Albona pancake baking mix as a multi-grain baking mix.
Lidl states that its 400 g Belbake Original Pancake Mix makes around 12 pancakes.
No. The wholemeal mixes from PLUS and Jumbo contain wheat and oats. If you’re catering for guests who need to eat gluten-free, check the current packaging of a separate gluten-free mix, and organise its preparation and serving separately.
If you’re serving unpackaged pancakes, make sure guests can access allergen information before buying. For catering, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority gives examples of alternatives to a label on the product, such as displaying information alongside the food or providing it verbally, with a visible notice telling guests they can ask for details.
Divide the number of pancakes or portions you plan to serve by the yield of your chosen pack, then adjust for portion size and the other dishes on offer. Koopmans states 13 to 15 pancakes per pack, Albert Heijn around 10 pancakes, and Jumbo around 14 portions per pack; these figures don’t all use the same unit.
Not on the basis of the word ‘multi-grain’ alone. Check the current packaging to see which flours have been used, then decide whether the mix is suitable for the wholemeal option you want to serve.