If you want guests to help themselves
Individually wrapped biscuits need very little preparation. For example, Albert Heijn describes a box of Lotus Speculoos containing 300 individually wrapped biscuits.
Which packs work best for different occasions?
If you’re hosting a mixed group
An assortment gives guests a choice of different biscuits. Keep the packaging handy so they can check the ingredients and allergens for the product they choose.
If you’re buying for a larger group
Compare the weight with the number of biscuits or servings, and think about how you’ll serve and store an opened pack.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want individual portions or a shared pack. Then consider the choice of flavours, allergens and the quantity that suits your guest list and the other snacks you’re serving.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to hand out | Check whether the biscuits are individually wrapped and how many the pack contains. | I want guests to be able to help themselves without taking biscuits from an opened bag. Easy serving is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Variety and allergens | Check which types are included in the assortment and read the allergen information on the current packaging. | If my guests want a choice of flavours, I also need to be able to check what the biscuits contain. Around 33% of consumers put both of these needs first. |
| Getting the right amount | Compare the net weight and, where stated, the number of biscuits, packets or servings. | For a larger group, I want to have enough to serve without relying on the size of the bag alone. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Choosing an assortment without reading the label
Jumbo’s 300 g Biscuit Mix lists egg, milk, peanuts, soya and wheat among its allergens. A range of flavours in one pack doesn’t mean every guest will be able to eat them.
Check the latest allergen information before buying, and keep the packaging available when you serve the biscuits.
-
Assuming the weight tells you how many servings there are
According to Jumbo, its 1,875 kg Lotus box contains 300 biscuits. Jumbo’s 300 g Biscuit Mix lists around 33 servings. So the weight alone won’t tell you how many portions you can serve.
Compare the number of biscuits or stated servings with your guest list and the other snacks.
-
Assuming a product page confirms that an item is in stock
A pack you’ve chosen in advance may not be available when you come to order.
Check current availability at your chosen retailer, and have another type of pack in mind as a back-up.
-
Serving biscuits and throwing away the packaging
Guests won’t be able to check the ingredients and allergens on the label.
Keep the original packaging beside the serving plate, especially if you’re putting out several types.
Brands to compare
Lotus Biscoff
Jumbo lists a 250 g pack of speculoos with around 32 biscuits. Albert Heijn also describes a box of 300 individually wrapped Lotus biscuits.
- The large box is an option if you want to hand out plenty of individual biscuits.
- These are different pack formats; check availability and the allergen label for each option.
AH huismerk
Albert Heijn offers a range of everyday biscuits in different own-brand varieties and pack sizes.
- You can compare quantities and types of biscuits within the same range.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by product, so always check the relevant label.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo describes its 300 g Biscuit Mix as a pack containing a variety of biscuits.
- An assortment gives you a choice of flavours without having to pick out several separate types.
- Check the allergens for the whole assortment and its current availability.
Sondey
Lidl uses the Sondey brand for a range of biscuits, cookies and other snack products.
- Compare the different product formats if you’re looking for a pack to share.
- Don’t assume the number of servings or dietary suitability from the brand name; check the product you choose.
Biscotto
ALDI Netherlands lists, among other Biscotto products, 500 g sandwich biscuits and Likkoekjes in six individual packets.
- The range includes both larger packs to share and smaller packets.
- Not every Biscotto pack is individually portioned, so compare the contents and packaging of each product.
Biscuits and multipacks at Joybuy
These biscuits and multipacks are options to put out at a get-together. Compare the stated contents with the number of guests, and check the packaging to see how the portions are packed and which allergens are listed.
Image unavailable
FESTIVAL Vanilla Flavour Cookies 403 gr
A pack to consider if you’re setting out biscuits for several guests. It contains 403 gr; check the number of biscuits and the allergen information on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Ulker Cream Biscuit 8x61g
A multipack to consider if you want to share the contents between guests. The pack lists 8 × 61 g; check how the portions are sealed and read the allergen label.
Image unavailable
Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas Cookies 8 pcs, 200 g
A size worth considering for a smaller group or alongside other snacks. The pack lists 8 biscuits and 200 g; check the allergen label before serving.
Image unavailable
Ulker Halley Mini Biscuit 3x77g
A smaller multipack to put out alongside other snacks. The pack lists 3 × 77 g; choose an amount to suit your guests and check the allergen label.
Image unavailable
Lotus Biscoff speculoos biscuits 250 g
A pack to compare for a smaller group or a get-together with several snacks. Jumbo says the 250 g version contains around 32 biscuits. Check whether the biscuits are individually wrapped if you want guests to be able to help themselves.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many biscuits I need?
Start with your guest list, the other snacks and how you plan to serve them. Jumbo lists around 32 biscuits for Lotus Biscoff 250 g and 300 biscuits for its box of individually wrapped Lotus biscuits. For other products, compare the number of biscuits or servings too, rather than looking at the weight alone.
Should I keep the allergen information with the biscuits?
Keep the original packaging handy if you’re putting biscuits out on a plate, so guests can check the information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for prepacked foods must appear on the label.
Are Lotus Biscoff biscuits 250 g suitable for vegan guests?
Jumbo describes its 250 g Lotus Biscoff speculoos as suitable for vegans. Check the current packaging for the version you choose; this description doesn’t mean the product is free from allergens such as wheat or soya.
How should I store biscuits left over after the get-together?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and seal it securely after opening. For its 300 g Biscuit Mix, Jumbo advises storing the product in a cool, dry, dark place.
Can I rely on an online product page for ingredient information?
Check the physical packaging when you buy the product and before serving it. Online information can help you choose, but a product’s ingredients and allergens may change.