For a school fair, choose a wholemeal pancake mix whose grains and allergens you can clearly identify. Then compare the stated yield with the ingredients you need to add: a stated number of portions does not always mean the same number of pancakes. AH’s plant-based preparation option does not change the wheat and gluten in the mix.
You’re serving homemade pancakes to pupils, parents or other visitors. You want to know which allergens are in the finished product and which cereals containing gluten have been used before you start selling. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of naming the specific cereals for non-prepacked foods.
You’re looking for a mix made with wholemeal flour and want to plan how much to bake for the fair. Check whether the pack gives a number of pancakes or simply a number of portions.
You want to be able to replace milk and eggs when preparing the pancakes. AH’s preparation option makes this possible, but the wheat and gluten in the dry mix still need to be included in the allergen information.
Start with the ingredients and allergens in the pancakes as you’ll actually serve them. Then work out how much batter you’ll need, and choose a preparation method that suits what you’re offering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen information | Read the mix’s label and keep a record of any added ingredients and toppings too. Make sure the information you provide when selling the pancakes follows the school’s allergen policy. | If I’m serving pancakes to visitors, I want to be able to tell them which allergens and cereals containing gluten they include. This is a top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Yield per pack | Don’t compare the number of pancakes directly with the number of portions. Before baking a large batch, test the mix using the same pan and portion size you plan to use. | For a busy school fair, I want to know how many pancakes I can make using my usual method, so I can prepare enough batter. Around 33% of consumers say this is their top priority when planning. |
| Flour and preparation | Check which types of wholemeal flour are listed and whether the preparation instructions suit the ingredients you want to use. | I want to choose a particular wholemeal mix or replace the milk and eggs during preparation. This is the key consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
The wholemeal mixes discussed here contain cereals with gluten. So the word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t mean a mix is suitable when a gluten-free option is required.
If you need a gluten-free option, check that the mix you choose is explicitly labelled gluten-free. Take care to avoid cross-contamination during storage, preparation and serving.
According to its product page, Koopmans says one pack makes 13 to 15 pancakes, while Jumbo states around 14 portions. These figures don’t necessarily indicate the same yield.
Before deciding how much mix to buy for the fair, make a test batch using your own pan and portion size.
Milk, eggs, cooking fat, toppings and changes between batches can all affect the allergen information for the finished pancake. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says information about allergens present must be available when non-prepacked foods are offered for sale.
Keep a record of the ingredients used for each batch, and make sure visitors can get the relevant allergen information before buying.
Koopmans Pannenkoeken Volkoren is a 400 g mix. Koopmans states that one pack makes 13 to 15 pancakes.
AH Mix voor pannenkoeken volkoren is a 300 g own-brand mix. Albert Heijn states that one pack makes around 10 pancakes.
Jumbo Mix voor Pannenkoeken Volkoren is a 400 g own-brand mix. Jumbo states that it makes around 14 portions, rather than giving a fixed number of pancakes.
PLUS Pannenkoekmix volkoren is a 400 g own-brand mix with stated proportions of wholemeal flour.
No. The Koopmans, AH, Jumbo and PLUS mixes discussed here contain cereals with gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, check that another product is explicitly labelled gluten-free and take care to avoid cross-contamination during preparation.
If you’re offering non-prepacked pancakes to consumers in the Netherlands, information about any allergens present must be available before purchase. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says you must also name the specific cereal when gluten-containing cereals are present. Include the mix, all added ingredients and any toppings.
It depends on the mix and preparation method you choose. For its standard preparation, Koopmans lists 900 ml milk, 4 eggs and butter or oil; PLUS lists 1.000 ml milk and 4 eggs. Check the instructions on the pack you’re using and keep a record of the ingredients you actually add for your allergen information.
For its wholemeal mix, Albert Heijn describes a preparation option using a plant-based drink and apple purée or egg replacer. Check the labels on those ingredients, and remember that the mix itself contains wheat and gluten.
