For pancakes around Flag Day, choose a mix that is explicitly labelled wholemeal and check the types of flour on the label: ‘multigrain’ does not automatically mean the same thing. Then compare the fibre per 100 g of prepared product, the allergens and the stated yield, and check which ingredients you’ll still need to make the batter.
If you want to make wholemeal pancakes for a special occasion, check the types of flour rather than relying on the colour or the ‘multigrain’ label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white grain products.
The stated yield helps you work out how many packs you’ll need. Albert Heijn says its wholemeal mix makes around 10 pancakes, while Koopmans says each pack makes 13 to 15. Bear in mind that the size of your pancakes will affect the actual yield.
Check the current packaging for cereals containing gluten, other allergens and preparation instructions. Albert Heijn’s wholemeal mix also includes a suggestion for plant-based preparation; make sure to check the ingredients you add separately.
Start by checking whether the mix is genuinely wholemeal. Then decide whether allergens, the quantity you need for your group or the preparation steps will determine your choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that the flours are listed as wholemeal in the ingredients. Compare fibre per 100 g of prepared product if both packs provide this information. | I want to choose a wholemeal mix, not just one described as multigrain. For around 40% of consumers, checking for wholemeal ingredients and fibre comes first. |
| Allergens and preparation | Check the exact pack to see which allergens may be present. Also check which ingredients are needed for your chosen method of preparation. | If I need to account for allergens or want to cook without milk and eggs, both the mix and the way I prepare it need to be suitable. Around 30% of consumers say this is their main consideration. |
| Quantity for your group | Compare the pack size and stated yield; the number of portions is not necessarily the same as the number of pancakes. | When cooking for a group, I want to know whether the pack I choose will make enough batter. This is the main question for around 20% of consumers. |
| Making them yourself | Check the preparation steps and what ingredients and kitchen equipment you’ll need. | For a special family occasion, I want to know how much work making the pancakes will involve. This practical preparation is a priority for around 10% of consumers. |
The word ‘multigrain’ alone doesn’t tell you whether the flour used is wholemeal. That distinction matters if you want to check the types of flour and the fibre content.
Look for a mix that is explicitly labelled wholemeal, and check the ingredients list on the pack you buy.
The wholemeal mixes mentioned contain cereals with gluten; depending on the product, other allergens may also be relevant. The wholemeal label doesn’t replace this information.
Read the allergen information and preparation instructions on the current pack, and check the ingredients you add yourself too.
Koopmans Pannenkoeken Volkoren is a mix made with wholemeal oat flour, wholemeal wheat flour and buckwheat flour.
According to Albert Heijn, AH Mix voor pannenkoeken volkoren contains wholemeal wheat flour; a 300 g pack is designed to make around 10 pancakes.
According to the ingredients list, Jumbo’s wholemeal pancake mix contains wholemeal wheat, oat and buckwheat flour.
According to the ingredients list, PLUS’s wholemeal pancake mix contains 75% wholemeal wheat flour and 20% wholemeal oat flour.
No, the label ‘multigrain’ alone doesn’t mean the flour is wholemeal. If you’re looking for wholemeal pancake mix, check the product description and the types of flour in the ingredients list.
No, the mixes mentioned from Koopmans, Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS contain cereals with gluten, including wheat and/or oats. Always check the current packaging for the exact mix for information about other allergens and warnings.
Albert Heijn’s wholemeal mix suggests using a plant-based drink with apple purée or an egg replacer. Check the instructions for your chosen mix and the ingredients you add; plant-based preparation is different from the standard recipe with milk and eggs.
Use the stated yield as a guide and allow for the size of the pancakes you’re making. Albert Heijn says each pack makes around 10 pancakes and Koopmans says each pack makes 13 to 15; Jumbo states around 14 portions, which shouldn’t automatically be read as 14 pancakes.
