If you want to serve biscuits
For a plate to share, the number of biscuits and the net weight matter more than individual wrappers. ALDI, for example, lists around 20 biscuits in a pack of Biscotto jode or coffee biscuits.
Which format is right for you?
If you want to take biscuits with you
Sealed portions are handy for a lunchbox or when you’re out and about: there’s no need to portion biscuits out of a large pack just before you leave. According to Jumbo, Lotus Biscoff XL 10x2 contains ten packs, each with two biscuits.
If you need to check ingredients
Compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact variants, not just the pack sizes. For example, a vegan label doesn’t tell you whether the biscuits contain cereals containing gluten.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need sealed portions or biscuits to serve on a plate. Then compare the quantity and check that the ingredients are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individually wrapped portions | Count the individual packs and check how many biscuits each one contains. | If I’m putting biscuits in a lunchbox, I want to take them with me without having to portion them out again. For around 31% of consumers, having portions ready in advance is the top priority. |
| Enough to share | Check the number of biscuits and the net weight, and see whether they’re loose or individually portioned. | When I’m serving biscuits on a plate, I want to put out enough without having to keep opening packs. Around 31% of consumers say sharing with a group is their top priority. |
| Quantity per pack | Compare the net weight and the number of biscuits or usable portions. | When choosing between different packs, I want to know how many biscuits or portions I’ll actually get. For around 23% of consumers, quantity is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and, where listed, per portion. | If someone eating them needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check the exact variant before serving it. For around 15% of consumers, this is their top priority when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a multipack contains individual portions
Having several biscuits in one pack doesn’t mean that each biscuit or portion is individually wrapped. This matters most when you want to take them in a lunchbox.
Look for a clear description on the pack, such as ten packs of two biscuits or biscuits wrapped in pairs.
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Comparing only the number of biscuits
The biscuit count doesn’t tell you how many are in each portion or the total net weight. So a pack of loose biscuits and a pack of sealed pairs won’t necessarily serve the same purpose.
Before choosing biscuits to serve or take with you, check the number of biscuits, net weight and pack format together.
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Treating a front-of-pack claim as a full ingredients check
Being vegan or organic doesn’t, in itself, tell you whether a product contains cereals containing gluten. Albert Heijn lists BioToday Spelt speculoos as vegan, even though its ingredients include several cereals containing gluten.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack, even if a claim on the front matches your preferences.
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Relying on an old product description
Ingredients can change, and a pack shown by a retailer may not be available every time you shop. This is especially important if you’re buying for someone else or need a particular format.
Before buying, check the current packaging. When you receive the product or see it in store, read the label for ingredients, allergens and storage information.
Brands to compare
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Bakeries Nederland lists both larger packs and formats with two-biscuit portions, including XL 10x2.
- According to Jumbo, XL 10x2 contains ten packs of two biscuits, making it handy if you want to hand out sealed portions.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the variant you choose; the portion format alone won’t tell you anything about these.
BioToday
Albert Heijn describes its Spelt speculoos as an organic and vegan biscuit multipack.
- Albert Heijn lists 6 g of fibre per 100 g for this variant.
- This variant contains cereals containing gluten and may contain nuts and sesame. Check the label if these ingredients are relevant to you.
Biscotto
ALDI lists both biscuits for serving on a plate and chocolate biscuits wrapped in pairs under this brand.
- The jode or coffee biscuits mentioned contain around 20 biscuits per pack; according to ALDI, the chocolate biscuits are wrapped in pairs.
- For each pack you’re considering, check the number of portions and the full ingredients and allergen information.
Sondey
Lidl offers various types of biscuits and cookies under the Sondey brand.
- The range includes different types to compare by packaging and ingredients.
- Check the current product information and the label for the specific variant. Lidl only stocks some biscuits in store for a limited time.
Biscuit multipacks on Joybuy
These products may suit you if you want to portion out biscuits or take them with you. Check how many individual portions each pack contains: the stated total weight doesn’t tell you how many biscuits are in each portion.
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Ulker Halley Mini Biscuit 3x77g
The three-part format may be handy if you want to spread the biscuits over several occasions. The product name states 3x77g; check the number of biscuits and the ingredients on the pack if these are important to your choice.
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Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas Cookies, 8 pcs, 200 g
If you’re serving biscuits to share, the number of biscuits and how they’re packed are important. The product name states 8 pcs and 200 g; check the pack to see how the biscuits are arranged inside.
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Lu Scholiertje Milk Chocolate Biscuits, 150 g
Consider this pack if you want to share milk chocolate biscuits. The stated net weight is 150 g; check the number of biscuits and how they’re packed before counting on a particular number of portions.
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Oreo Raspberry & Blueberry Flavor Sandwich Cookies, 97g, two individual packs
Two individual packs are a good option if you want to split the biscuits between two occasions or people. The total weight is 97g; check how many biscuits each pack contains if portion size matters.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose sealed portions instead of a large pack of biscuits?
Sealed portions are handy for taking with you or handing out in advance; a large pack of loose biscuits is better for serving on a plate. In either case, check the number of biscuits and how they’re packed, as a multipack doesn’t necessarily contain individual portions.
Are vegan biscuits also gluten-free?
No, vegan doesn’t mean gluten-free. Albert Heijn sells BioToday Spelt speculoos as vegan, but the listed ingredients include cereals containing gluten. So always read the label on the exact pack.
Where can I check the allergens in pre-packed biscuits?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that 14 allergens must be declared on the label.
Can I rely on the ingredients listed in an online product description?
Use the online description to compare variants, but check the label on the pack you buy. Albert Heijn notes that ingredients and nutritional information may change when products are updated.
How should I store biscuits once the pack is open?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and reseal an opened pack as directed. For the Lotus Biscoff pack described, Joybuy advises storing it in a cool, dry place and closing it securely after opening. Check the instructions for your own variant.