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Batter and coating mixes are pantry shortcuts that transform ordinary ingredients into crispy, golden delights. Think pancake mixes, tempura batter, seasoned flour, panko crumbs, and fish batter mixes — each designed to deliver a specific texture and flavor without complicated prep. They’re the kitchen’s fast lane: pour, whisk, coat, and fry or bake. Simple, reliable, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want restaurant-style results at home.
Why bother with mixes when you can make batter from scratch? Because mixes save time, reduce waste, and often contain the right balance of leavening, seasoning, and texture agents so your results are consistent. They’re like having a sous-chef in a box. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a dinner party, a well-chosen mix gives you one less variable to worry about and more time to focus on sides, sauces, and presentation.
Pancake mixes are not just for breakfast — they can be the base for sweet treats or savory fritters. Available in light and fluffy blends, pancake mixes typically come in 8 oz to 16 oz packs and can be adapted with milk, eggs, or beer for different textures. Waffle mixes often include a touch more fat to produce a crisp outside and tender inside.
Tempura mixes are engineered to create an ultra-light, almost lace-like crust that clings to vegetables, prawns, and fish. Mixes often call for ice-cold water or sparkling water to maintain a delicate, crispy structure. A small packet goes a long way — many tempura mixes are sold in 10 oz bags that yield several portions.
Classic fish batter mixes combine flour, starch, and raising agents to create a crust that puffs and becomes airy when deep fried. They’re formulated to stay crisp even under a squeeze of lemon or a brush of tartar sauce. Expect common sizes around 12 oz to 1 lb, which are ideal for family-sized helpings of cod or haddock.
Seasoned coatings are a blend of flour with herbs, spices, and sometimes salt. They’re perfect for chicken, pork, and veggies. Use them dry for roasted coatings or wet-dredge then coat to achieve a crunchy bake or fry. Typical bags range from 8 oz snack-size packs to larger 1 lb economy tubs.
Panko offers a flaky, airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t match. It’s a staple for that extra-crisp finish on fishcakes, scotch eggs, and breaded chicken. Panko often comes in 7 oz to 14 oz cartons and stores well in a cool, dry pantry.
Gluten-free mixes use rice flour, chickpea flour, or cornmeal as a base to mimic traditional batters. Vegan mixes avoid egg powder and dairy, relying on starches and plant-based binders. These specialty mixes are increasingly available in mainstream supermarkets and health-food shops.
Tesco offers a wide range from economy own-brand mixes to well-known brands. You’ll find pancake mixes, tempura mixes, and breadcrumbs in most larger stores and online. Tesco’s Clubcard promotions often make bigger pack sizes very good value, especially if you’re stocking up for a household.
Sainsbury’s balances branded options with mid-range own-label mixes. Their Taste the Difference line sometimes includes specialty batters aimed at home cooks looking for an elevated finish without the fuss. Look for multipacks during seasonal promotions.
Asda tends to focus on budget-friendly choices and larger value packs. Their coated mix selections are ideal if you fry or bake regularly, and they frequently run price-cut deals on staple boxes that stretch to multiple meals.
Morrisons stocks a broad assortment of coating mixes and crumbs, including seasonal items and gluten-free alternatives. Their in-store bakeries and fish counters mean you can pair fresh produce with the right mix for an all-in-one shopping trip.
Waitrose is your go-to for premium mixes and niche flavors. If you want a craft tempura mix or a gourmet pancake blend, this is where higher-quality ingredients and unique blends show up. Expect slightly smaller packages but a focus on flavor and provenance.
These discounters are champions of value. Their private label batter and coating mixes often match or surpass the taste of branded alternatives at a fraction of the price. Keep an eye on limited-time “middle aisle” finds for interesting variations.
Shopping online at Ocado or Amazon UK opens up specialist brands, international mixes, and bulk sizes you might not find locally. Amazon is useful for hard-to-find gluten-free or vegan mixes, while Ocado partners with mainstream grocers to deliver premium and branded options straight to your door.
If you’re after professional-grade mixes or tools to perfect your batter (thermometers, sieves, tempura shakers), Lakeland and local culinary stores offer both products and advice. These shops are great for hobby cooks who treat frying like an art form rather than a chore.
Start by matching texture and purpose: want a light, almost hollow shell? Reach for tempura. Crave a thick, puffy crust? Go fish batter. Need a crispy breadcrumb finish? Panko or coarse crumbs win the race. Consider dietary needs — gluten-free, low-salt, or vegan — and check the pack size so you don’t waste half a bag. Finally, think about cooking method: some mixes are better for deep frying, others for oven-baking or shallow-frying.
Prices vary widely: single-serve pancake mixes can start from a few pounds, while branded tempura or specialty mixes may be pricier. Expect most household packs to fall between 2.00 and 6.00 pounds, while premium or gluten-free blends can cost more. For best value, buy bulk packs if you use mixes often, or shop promotions and multipack deals from supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s.
Oil that’s too cool soaks batter; oil that’s too hot burns the exterior before the inside cooks. Aim for frying oil around 350°F to 375°F for most batters. Use a thermometer or test with a small breadcrumb to ensure a rapid, steady sizzle.
Batter should coat but not drip like water. For tempura, a thinner, slightly lumpy batter often performs best; for fish and chips, a thicker batter gives a hearty crust. If a mix instructs to use soda water or beer, trust it — the carbonation adds lift and crunch.
Pat proteins and vegetables dry before coating; moisture is a crispness killer. For more adhesion, chill coated items briefly before frying. That quiet minute in the fridge helps the coating set and reduces splatter when the food meets hot oil.
One of the most common mistakes is trying to fry too much at once. Crowding drops the oil temperature and produces greasy results. Fry in small batches so each piece gets even heat and a golden finish.
Gluten-free mixes now include rice flour, cornmeal, and chickpea blends that mimic the texture of traditional batters. Vegan mixes replace egg powder with starches and gums to bind. If you or a guest has dietary constraints, look for clear labelling in supermarkets and online. Many high street stores now have dedicated free-from sections stocked with reliable mixes.
Most unopened mixes keep for several months in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent clumping. Properly stored, opened mixes generally last several weeks to a few months; always trust the best-before date and use sensory checks — smell and appearance — if you’re unsure.
Batter mixes aren’t just for frying. Pancake mix can thicken batters for dumplings, tempura mix can add crunch to baked vegetables, and breadcrumbs make excellent gratins or a crispy topping for casseroles. Think of mixes as multipurpose powders that can add texture, absorb moisture, and deliver consistent flavours across a range of dishes.
Keep an eye on supermarket loyalty apps and seasonal promotions for special flavors and limited-time offers. Discounters like Aldi and Lidl often rotate interesting mixes, while bigger supermarkets run seasonal deals around bank holidays and sporting events when fried foods fly off the shelves. Online marketplaces can also list quirky global mixes that bring new textures to familiar dishes.
If sustainability matters to you, look for mixes in recyclable cardboard cartons or tubs, and avoid single-use plastic where possible. Some brands now offer refill pouches or larger economy tubs that reduce packaging waste per serving. Buying higher-quality mixes that stretch further can also cut down on food waste.
Short on time? Mix tempura batter with sparkling water and coat asparagus for a fast starter, or use pancake mix plus a little cheese to make savoury drop scones. For a family dinner, dredge chicken in seasoned coating and bake at 400°F for a crunchy, lower-fat alternative to frying. These shortcuts turn mix packets into flexible foundation ingredients.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned batter enthusiast, the right mix makes a big difference. Choose mixes that suit your taste and cooking method, learn a few temperature and consistency tricks, and shop across supermarkets and online retailers to find the best price and variety. With the right approach, a humble packet can produce consistently impressive results that keep dinner simple and satisfyingly crunchy.
Conclusion: Batter and coating mixes are versatile, time-saving, and widely available across UK stores, from budget discounters to premium supermarkets. Armed with the right mix and a few practical tips, you can confidently create crispy, delicious dishes that rival takeout — all from your own kitchen.
| Batter & Coating Mixes | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Samlip Tempurako Frying Batter Mix 1 Kg. - Panko Breadcrumbs Past, The Laws Tempura Flour | kr. 52,- |
