Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents bringing treats to school

They’re looking for individually wrapped portions in a suitable quantity. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that school rules determine how birthdays are celebrated and whether treats can be handed out.

Parents checking allergens

They want to know which allergens are listed on the chosen pack before filling the bags, and whether a suitable alternative is needed for a particular child.

Parents looking for a small portion

They compare the number of bags, the number of biscuits in each bag and the size of the biscuits before choosing a treat.

What should you look for?

First, ask what’s allowed at school or the after-school club and which allergens need to be avoided. Then count the treat bags and check what’s in one bag to assess the portion size.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this most important for?
School rules and allergens Ask about the current rules for treats and read the allergen information on the exact pack. If I want to hand out treats in the classroom, I first want to know whether biscuits are allowed and whether every child can have the chosen treat. For around 46% of consumers, this check comes first.
Number of portions to hand out Count the individual bags and check how many biscuits each one contains. I want to have one sealed portion ready for each child, without confusing the biscuits with the bags. For around 36% of consumers, the number of portions to hand out is their first concern.
Portion size Compare the size and nutritional value of each treat bag, not just the figures per 100 g. For young children, I want a modest treat and to know in advance what’s in each bag. Around 18% of consumers would consider portion size their main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming one bag means one biscuit

    The Lotus Biscoff Snack Pack described by Albert Heijn contains two biscuits per bag; Jumbo also lists two biscuits per portion for Verkade Trouwe Vriendjes. So the number of biscuits doesn’t tell you how many children you can give a sealed portion to.

    Count the individual bags and allow for any extra portions that fit within the agreed rules.

  • Confusing ‘suitable for vegans’ with ‘allergen-free’

    Albert Heijn describes the Lotus Biscoff Snack Pack as suitable for vegans, but also lists wheat and soya for this variety. These labels answer different questions.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re buying, and agree on an alternative with the school and parents if needed.

  • Buying biscuits before checking the rules for treats

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a school policy can set out what can and can’t be given as a treat; a school may also celebrate birthdays without edible treats.

    Before buying, ask the school or after-school club what rules apply.

  • Assuming an XL biscuit is a small portion

    Jumbo describes the Lotus Biscoff XL pack as containing bags with two XL biscuits. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small treat portions for young children.

    Compare the contents and nutritional value of each bag with the portion you want to hand out.

Brands to consider

Lotus Biscoff

For the speculoos packs reviewed, Albert Heijn lists eight bags containing two biscuits each for the Snack Pack; Jumbo lists ten bags containing two XL biscuits each for the XL version.

  • The bags make it easy to count portions to hand out. Albert Heijn describes the Snack Pack as suitable for vegans.
  • Wheat and soya are listed for the versions reviewed. Suitable for vegans doesn’t mean gluten-free or soya-free.

Smoeltjes (Hellema)

Jumbo sells the mini speculoos biscuits reviewed in a pack of eight bags and categorises this product as suitable for giving as a treat.

  • You can count the individual bags before filling your treat bags.
  • Jumbo lists egg, gluten, milk and wheat, and warns that the product may also contain peanuts and nuts, among other allergens. Check whether this variety is suitable for your group’s requirements.

Verkade

Jumbo describes the Trouwe Vriendjes reviewed as children’s biscuits with a vanilla flavour, packed in nine portions of two biscuits.

  • You can count the individual portions in advance.
  • For this product, Jumbo lists cereals containing gluten, lactose, milk and wheat, and warns that it may also contain egg, nuts and soya.

Biscuits on Joybuy

These biscuits are worth considering for treat bags. For each pack, check how many individual portions it contains, what’s in each portion and which allergens are listed on the label.

Hellema Smoeltjes speculoos biscuits, 8 pieces, 200 g

Hellema Smoeltjes speculoos biscuits, 8 pieces, 200 g

An option if you’re looking to add speculoos biscuits to treat bags. The product name lists 8 pieces and 200 g; check how many individual bags it contains and read the allergen information on the pack.

View on Joybuy
LU Scholiertje milk chocolate biscuits, 150 g

LU Scholiertje milk chocolate biscuits, 150 g

An option if you’re looking for milk chocolate biscuits for treat bags. The pack is labelled 150 g; before buying, check how many individual portions it contains and read the allergen information on the label.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring biscuits in as a school treat?

First, ask about your school or after-school club’s rules for treats. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, school policy can determine how birthdays are celebrated and whether treats can be handed out.

Is Lotus Biscoff Snack Pack gluten-free?

No. The Snack Pack described by Albert Heijn lists wheat and cereals containing gluten. When buying, also check the label on the current pack.

Does individually wrapped mean each child gets one biscuit?

No, an individual bag may contain more than one biscuit. Albert Heijn lists two biscuits per bag for Lotus Biscoff Snack Pack. So, for a class, count the bags and check what each one contains too.

Which allergen information should I use for a pre-packed treat?

Use the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be listed on the label of pre-packed foods; for cereals containing gluten, the specific type of cereal also matters.

Is an XL biscuit suitable as a treat for young children?

Compare everything in one XL treat bag with the portion you want to give and the rules at your school or after-school club. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small treat portions for young children; in the Lotus Biscoff XL version described by Jumbo, each bag contains two XL biscuits.