Hosts who want to be able to explain the Fairtrade statement
You want to check before buying whether the statement on the exact packaging refers to cocoa or chocolate, rather than relying on a general claim about the brand or shop.
Who might this choice be relevant to?
Hosts considering a chocolate snack as well as canoe pastries
You’re looking for something sweet to share and are happy to choose a different snack shape if it carries a Fairtrade Cocoa statement. Verkade describes its Chocowafel Karamel 3-pack as a product to share, but it isn’t a canoe pastry.
Hosts who need to consider allergens
You want to check the information on the current packaging before putting snacks out for guests. You’ll still need to do this for chocolate or wafer snacks, even if they carry a Fairtrade statement.
What should you look for when choosing?
Canoe pastries with butter and almond paste filling
A good fit if: you specifically want to serve the classic canoe shape and filling.
The trade-off: Jumbo describes its butter canoe pastries as butter biscuits with 38% almond paste filling. This description doesn’t confirm Fairtrade status for cocoa or chocolate.
Chocolate snack with a Fairtrade Cocoa statement
A good fit if: an explicit cocoa statement matters more than the canoe shape. Verkade lists Fairtrade Cocoa on its Chocowafel Karamel 3-pack.
The trade-off: a chocolate wafer isn’t a canoe pastry, and the statement doesn’t remove the need to check for allergens.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade statement | Check the exact packaging for a Fairtrade Cocoa statement or certification mark. Fairtrade International advises you to read the back of the pack if the logo has an arrow. | I want to be able to explain what the Fairtrade statement applies to before serving the snack. For around 42% of consumers, being able to verify this would be the main condition for their choice. |
| Shape and suitability for sharing | Compare the canoe shape with a chocolate or wafer snack, and check how many pieces are in the pack you choose. | For my drinks gathering, I mainly want a snack that suits how I’m serving it. Shape and suitability for sharing would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements before putting the product out for guests. | If guests with food allergies are joining us, I want to know what the packaging says. For around 33% of consumers, allergen information would be their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a shop’s Fairtrade range means its canoe pastries are certified
The fact that Albert Heijn or Jumbo also sells Fairtrade products says nothing about the certification of a specific canoe pastry. Jumbo describes its butter canoe pastries as butter biscuits with almond paste filling.
Check the packaging of the product you’re buying before labelling canoe pastries as Fairtrade on a menu for your drinks gathering.
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Assuming a Fairtrade cocoa statement applies to every ingredient
For a product made with several ingredients, the statement may apply to specific ingredients. Fairtrade International directs you to the explanation on the back of the packaging when the logo has an arrow.
Read the explanation and only state what you can verify about the product—for example, that its cocoa is Fairtrade if there’s an explicit statement to that effect.
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Skipping the allergen information once you’ve chosen a Fairtrade product
A Fairtrade statement doesn’t tell you whether a snack is suitable for guests with food allergies. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority emphasises the importance of clear allergen information on labels.
Keep the packaging to hand and check any ‘may contain’ statements before serving the snack.
Brands to consider
Verkade
Worth considering if you’re thinking of serving chocolate wafers alongside or instead of canoe pastries.
- Verkade lists Fairtrade Cocoa on its Chocowafel Karamel 3-pack and describes it as suitable for sharing.
- This product-specific statement says nothing about canoe pastries or other Verkade products. Check the packaging for allergen information before serving it to guests.
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you’re thinking of serving AH butter canoe pastries at your drinks gathering.
- Albert Heijn provides product information for its AH butter canoe pastries.
- The product name doesn’t confirm Fairtrade status for cocoa or chocolate. Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging for the latest product information.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you’re looking for a canoe pastry made with butter and almond paste filling.
- Jumbo describes its butter canoe pastries as butter biscuits with 38% almond paste filling.
- This product description doesn’t confirm Fairtrade status. Check the packaging before presenting this product as a Fairtrade chocolate option.
A chocolate alternative on Joybuy
This chocolate bar is an alternative for anyone who doesn’t need to stick to the canoe shape for Friday afternoon drinks. Check the current packaging to see exactly what the Fairtrade statement covers and which allergens are listed.
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Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel Chocolate Bar, 180 g
For anyone who’d rather serve a chocolate bar than canoe pastries. This 180 g bar is made with milk chocolate, pecan and caramel. Check the Fairtrade statement and allergen information on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Are butter canoe pastries automatically Fairtrade if the supermarket also sells Fairtrade products?
No. A supermarket’s Fairtrade range doesn’t confirm the status of every canoe pastry. Check the certification mark and explanation on the packaging of the exact product, especially if you want to know whether the statement applies to cocoa or chocolate.
What does the Fairtrade logo with an arrow mean on a chocolate snack?
The arrow points you to additional information on the back of the packaging. According to Fairtrade International, the logo is used on products with several ingredients. Read the explanation to see which ingredients and sourcing practices the statement applies to.
What should I check before serving a chocolate snack to guests?
Read the allergen information on the current packaging, including any ‘may contain’ statements. Verkade lists milk, wheat, soya and egg among the ingredients in its Chocowafel Karamel 3-pack, and warns that it may contain peanuts and nuts. Always check the label on the pack you’re serving.