Buying biscuits: how to choose smarter from Dutch and international snacks

If you’re looking to buy biscuits, you’ll quickly see a huge selection: from stroopwafels and speculaas to biscuits, crackers and Japanese snacks. A low price or eye-catching packaging doesn’t always tell you what you’re actually getting. So pay close attention to the contents, allergens and when you plan to eat the biscuits.

Common pitfalls when buying biscuits

1. A large pack can seem like a bargain

A bag of 450 or 600 grams may look attractively priced, but always check the price per 100 grams first. A large pack isn’t always practical either if you’re only serving biscuits with coffee. For on-the-go or in a lunchbox, a smaller portion can be more convenient.

2. The front of the pack doesn’t tell you everything about the contents

Words like “premium”, “delicious” or “fruit flavour” are no substitute for the ingredients list. A fruit-flavoured biscuit may, for example, contain mostly sugar, oil and flavouring. So look at the first ingredients and check whether the product actually contains fruit pieces, cocoa, butter or nuts.

3. Allergen information is often overlooked

Many biscuits contain wheat and gluten. Other common allergens include milk, soya, egg, nuts and sesame. With international biscuits, the information may be presented differently or the packaging may carry additional warnings. Always check the physical label before consuming the product, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance.

Important points to check

Weight, number of pieces and when you’ll eat them

Choose the size based on your situation:

• Small packs are suitable for school, work, travel or a one-off snack.
• Multiple portions are practical for families and visitors.
• Individually wrapped biscuits are handy for sharing out, but may use more packaging.
• For biscuits with coffee, a pack of 150 to 250 grams is often more manageable than a large family pack.

When buying biscuits for a party, it’s also useful to combine different textures: soft cake-like snacks, crunchy biscuits and savoury crackers.

Ingredients and allergens

Don’t just compare the flavour – compare the composition too. Here are a few examples from the range:

• Van Delft Likkoekjes contain wheat flour and beef gelatine, among other ingredients.
• Kanjers Stroopwafels contain wheat, milk and soya, and may contain traces of hazelnuts, among other things.
• Tuc Original Crackers contain wheat, sulphites and egg; milk and soya may be present.
• Glico Pocky Strawberry contains wheat, milk and soya.

The composition can change. Use the online product information as an initial guide, and always read the label on the packaging you receive before consuming.

Nutritional values per 100 grams

The nutritional information helps you compare products more fairly. Pay particular attention to:

• Energy for comparing total calorie content.
• Sugars in sweet snacks, chocolate biscuits and filled biscuits.
• Saturated fats in butter biscuits, waffles and chocolate products.
• Salt in crackers and savoury rice cakes.
• Fibre when comparing different rice cakes or grain products.

A lower number in one area doesn’t automatically mean a product is better for everyone. Flavour, portion size and allergens remain equally important.

Recommended choices by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Van Delft Likkoekjes - 200 g

Why this suits the profile: A straightforward 200-gram bag with colourful fruit icing and a crunchy base. Ideal for a coffee break or sharing at home without opening a large pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight is clearly stated and the product information mentions wheat and possible traces of rye, barley and oats. Check the actual packaging before purchase.

Key benefit & highlights

200 grams, crunchy texture, fruity icing layer and 417 kcal per 100 grams according to the stated product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Royal Ballet Wonderful Copenhagen Danish Butter Cookies - 150 g

Why this suits the profile: A compact choice for those who value a buttery composition and a classic Danish biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list states 26% butter and the pack contains 150 grams. Allergen information mentions wheat and possible traces of soya and nuts, among others.

Key benefit & highlights

150 grams, 26% butter according to the product information and a classic biscuit texture for serving with hot drinks.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users

Parle Rusk Premium with Cardamom 600G

Why this suits the profile: The large pack is aimed at families and regular tea or coffee breaks. The firm rusk can be dunked, making it different from ordinary sweet biscuits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight of 600 grams and its use with tea or coffee are clearly stated. The pack must be sealed well after opening to maintain its crunchy texture.

Key benefit & highlights

600 grams, lightly sweetened according to the product description and suitable for dunking. Contains wheat and milk.

From Dutch biscuits to international snacks

For a varied selection, you can combine different flavour directions. Dutch stroopwafels and speculaas go well with coffee, while rice cakes and crackers offer a more savoury alternative. If you fancy trying something different, you could choose Japanese snacks such as Tokimeki Panda Cookies, Glico Pocky or KitKat Strawberry Short Cake.

Korean snacks, like Orion Choco Pie, are also handy for sharing. For a sweet, nutty flavour, Turkish snacks such as Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik with pistachio are an option. With international products, pay extra attention to the language on the packaging, import information, best-before dates and allergens.

Frequently asked questions about ordering biscuits online

What should I look for when ordering biscuits online?

Check the weight, number of pieces, price per 100 grams, ingredients and allergen information. Also look at the best-before date and storage instructions. The information on the packaging is the deciding factor if it differs from the online product page.

Which biscuits are suitable for having with coffee?

That depends on your preference. Stroopwafels, speculaas, butter biscuits and rusk are obvious choices for coffee. If you want to offer several flavours, combine a spiced biscuit with a fruity or chocolate biscuit.

How should I store biscuits after opening?

Generally, store biscuits in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the packaging well to prevent moisture and loss of crunchiness. Always follow the specific storage instructions on the label.