Solo traveller looking for one snack
Want one portion for a single journey without having to carry an opened large bar? Start by looking for an individual bar or a multipack that contains individually wrapped bars.
Which format is right for you?
Traveller checking allergens or ingredients
If you avoid certain ingredients, the current packaging for the exact product variant matters more than its flavour or dietary label. Check any ‘may contain’ warning too.
Planning ahead for several journeys
If you’re buying snacks for more than one journey, a multipack or larger pack can be practical. Check how many portions you can take individually and what will be left once the pack is opened.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want one portion for this journey or would like to stock up for later too. Then compare the packaging of the exact product variant with your preferences for ingredients and size.
Individual bar
Choose this format: if you want to take one defined portion with you and don’t want to store the remains of a large bar.
Check: make sure the product variant you choose is individually wrapped.
Multipack of individual bars
Choose this format: if you’re buying snacks for several journeys but only want to take one bar at a time.
Check: the number of bars on the outer packaging doesn’t tell you how they’re wrapped inside.
Large chocolate biscuit bar
Choose this format: if you want to share it or enjoy it over more than one occasion.
Check: you may have some left over once you’ve finished your snack.
Pack of chocolate biscuits
Choose this format: if you’d rather eat several small biscuits than one bar.
Check: decide how many to take and how you’ll store the rest.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| One portion | Check the number of items, the weight of each bar and whether it is individually wrapped. | If I want to eat one bar on the journey, I don’t want to take an opened remainder home; around 36% of consumers prioritise having one defined portion. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning on the current packaging. | If I have an allergy, I want to check the exact product variant before taking it with me; around 29% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Taking it with you and storing it | Check how the portions are wrapped and follow the product’s storage instructions. | For several journeys, I want to be able to take one portion without opening the whole pack; around 21% of consumers prioritise practical packaging. |
| Flavour and texture | Compare wafer bars, biscuit bars and chocolate biscuits, and check the net weight. | I want a biscuit or wafer texture I enjoy, without taking a larger pack than I need; for around 14% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a large bar for an individual portion
Albert Heijn lists chocolate biscuit bars in sizes including 180 g and 190 g. A bar like this is not the same as a single, individually wrapped snack portion.
Check the net weight and the number of individual pieces if you only want to open one portion during a single journey.
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Relying on ‘vegan’ or the flavour name to check allergens
The KitKat Vegan Single described by Albert Heijn contained wheat and stated that the product may contain milk. A dietary label is no substitute for checking the exact product variant.
Read the current label every time you buy, including highlighted allergens and any warnings about possible traces.
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Assuming a product listing guarantees availability before you set off
Product ranges and availability can vary by shop and over time. A product page you viewed earlier doesn’t tell you what you’ll be able to buy on your journey.
Before setting off, check whether the product variant you want to take is currently available.
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Forgetting about leftovers and packaging
You may have some of a larger bar or pack of biscuits left once opened. NS asks passengers to put their rubbish in a bin.
Choose a size that lets you store any leftovers, and put empty wrappers and packaging in a bin.
Brands and ranges to consider
Verkade
Verkade Tops is one option to consider if you’d prefer chocolate biscuits to a single bar. For the pack reviewed, Albert Heijn lists a weight of 100 g and around 14 portions of 7,1 g.
- Small biscuits offer a different way to snack from one large bar.
- The pack isn’t an individually wrapped single bar; check the allergens on the current packaging.
Lotus Biscoff
Jumbo describes a 180 g Lotus Biscoff chocolate bar with speculoos cream and crunchy speculoos pieces. This is a different format from one portioned travel snack.
- The filling and pieces mentioned give you a clear idea of this variant’s texture.
- The product information lists milk, soya and wheat, and possible traces of nuts; check the current label.
Albert Heijn
Here, Albert Heijn is a retailer and an own-brand option, not the manufacturer of every product in the category. The chocolate biscuit bars listed come in different types and sizes.
- The range gives you options for comparing bar types and net weights.
- Check whether your chosen product variant is a single bar and whether it’s currently available.
CHOCEUR
ALDI lists CHOCEUR Choco & Biscuit in a pack of 9 pieces weighing 300 g. It’s a multipiece pack, not a single individual bar.
- The number of pieces and total weight help you decide whether this size suits several journeys.
- Before setting off, check availability and how the pieces are individually wrapped on the packaging.
Way To Go
Lidl lists a chocolate bar with caramel and biscuit among its Way To Go products. If you’re looking for a bar for one journey, check the size of the specific product variant.
- The flavour listed gives you a useful point of comparison when choosing biscuit bars.
- A listing in the range doesn’t tell you whether the product is wrapped as an individual portion or stocked in a particular shop.
Chocolate wafers and biscuits on Joybuy
These products include smaller chocolate wafers, a pack with several small portions and a pack of chocolate biscuits. If you’re looking for exactly one bar for the train, focus on the contents per pack and check whether your chosen portion is individually wrapped.
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Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik Pistachio Paste Milk Chocolate 10 × 12,5 g
An option if you’re looking for small portions for several journeys. The product name lists ten pieces of 12,5 g; check the packaging to see whether they’re individually wrapped, and read the current allergen information.
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Meito Pukupukutai Chocolate Strawberry Wafer 16,5 g
A chocolate and strawberry wafer to consider if you’re looking for a small snack for one occasion. The product name lists 16,5 g per pack; check the ingredients and allergens for the current product variant.
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Meito Pukupukutai Chocolate Wafer 16,5 g
A chocolate wafer for anyone who prefers a smaller size to a large bar. The product name lists 16,5 g per pack; check the current label for ingredients and allergens before buying.
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Lu Scholiertje Milk Chocolate Biscuits 150 g
A pack of chocolate biscuits for anyone who’d rather take biscuits than a bar. The pack contains 150 g; decide how many you want to take for your journey and check the current allergen information.
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Sarelle Milk Chocolate Coated Hazelnut Wafer 33 g Turkish
A hazelnut wafer to consider if you’re looking for a 33 g bar. Check whether it comes individually wrapped and read the current allergen information, paying particular attention to nuts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat a chocolate biscuit on an NS train?
The NS house rules referred to here don’t mention a general ban on eating on trains. NS does ask passengers to put their rubbish in a bin, so bear that in mind when opening a bar or a pack of biscuits.
How do I check the allergens in a chocolate biscuit?
Read the current ingredient information on the exact product packaging, including highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the labelling of the 14 allergens on the EU list; don’t rely on the product name alone.
Is a vegan chocolate wafer automatically free from milk and gluten?
No, the vegan label doesn’t guarantee that. For the KitKat Vegan Single reviewed, Albert Heijn listed wheat and cereals containing gluten, and warned that the product may contain milk. Always check the label of the product variant you’re buying.