For Sunday lunch, start by choosing a mix whose ingredients list clearly includes wholegrain cereals. Then compare the fibre per 100 g on the same basis of preparation, the stated yield and what you need to add to the batter. A multigrain mix is not automatically a comparable wholemeal alternative, so always check the allergens on the packaging too.
You want to choose a pancake mix made with wholegrain cereals for Sunday lunch, without relying solely on the front of the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products using the nutritional information per 100 g; also check which cereals are listed in the ingredients.
You want to know how many pancakes a pack is said to make and which ingredients you’ll need to add. This helps you plan if you’re serving both savoury and sweet pancakes.
You want to check which cereals the mix contains and whether egg or milk is listed on the label. Preparing it with plant-based ingredients doesn’t change the allergens in the mix itself.
Start with the wholegrain cereals, and only compare fibre values on the same basis of preparation. Then check whether the yield and preparation instructions suit your meal.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal base and fibre | Check which cereals are wholegrain and compare fibre per 100 g on the same basis of preparation. The stated values for Koopmans, Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS are per 100 g of prepared product. | I’m mainly looking for a mix with recognisable wholegrain ingredients and want to be able to compare fibre values. For around 45% of consumers, a wholemeal base is the top priority. |
| Yield and preparation | Check the stated number of pancakes or servings, and read which extra ingredients the pack calls for. | If I’m cooking for several people, I want to know how much batter I can make and what I need to buy. For around 33% of consumers, meal planning is the biggest consideration. |
| Allergens and preparation options | Check the current label to see which cereals are included and which allergens the product may contain. Check any plant-based preparation method separately. | I need to know whether the mix itself is suitable for what I can or want to eat, even if I prepare the batter differently. This is the main concern for around 22% of consumers. |
A mix containing several types of cereal doesn’t necessarily tell you how much wholegrain or fibre it contains. So if you’re specifically looking for a wholemeal base, you can’t rely on the name alone.
Read the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g on the same basis of preparation, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
The preparation instructions may also call for milk, eggs and cooking fat. The extra ingredients you need vary from product to product.
Read the instructions on the pack before buying, and make a note of the ingredients you’ll need for your chosen preparation method.
A plant-based version may call for different ingredients from the standard recipe.
A mix that can be prepared with a plant-based drink may still contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals. The label may also warn that egg or milk could be present.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack, not just the suggested preparation method.
The product ranges below offer different things to compare, including ingredients, yield and preparation. A multigrain mix is not necessarily a wholemeal mix.
Koopmans says its 400 g wholemeal pancake mix contains wholemeal oat flour, wholemeal wheat flour and buckwheat flour.
According to the product information, Albert Heijn’s wholemeal pancake mix contains, among other ingredients, wholemeal wheat flour and wheat gluten.
Jumbo says its 400 g wholemeal pancake mix contains wholemeal wheat, oat and buckwheat flour.
According to the product information, PLUS wholemeal pancake mix contains wholemeal wheat and oat flour, as well as buckwheat flour.
ALDI lists a 400 g Albona multigrain pancake baking mix. This is a different product description from wholemeal pancake mix.
Check the ingredients list to see which cereals are specifically labelled as wholegrain. To compare fibre content, also check the nutritional information per 100 g on the same basis of preparation; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products this way. The term ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell you how much wholegrain the product contains.
Yes, you can choose savoury toppings to suit your menu. Koopmans offers suggestions for both savoury and sweet recipes, but this doesn’t tell you anything about the nutritional value of the complete meal.
Check the preparation instructions on the specific pack. For example, Albert Heijn says its 300 g mix needs 700 ml of milk and 2 eggs, while PLUS lists 1,000 ml of milk and 4 eggs for its 400 g mix. Also check which cooking fat you’ll need for your chosen preparation method.
Not automatically: changing the preparation method doesn’t change the ingredients in the mix. The wholemeal mixes described contain wheat and/or oats, and some labels warn that egg or milk could be present. If you have an allergy, always check the current allergen information on the packaging.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS say to store the mixes described in a cool, dry place; check your pack for instructions once it’s been opened.
