Who is this choice relevant to?

Organisers looking for a sweet cracker

If the catering menu specifically needs to include crackers, the product description matters more than simply whether it has a chocolate coating. Albert Heijn describes its Havercracker chocolade as a cracker.

Teams managing allergen information at the buffet

When snacks are served unpackaged, guests need to be able to check the allergen information before choosing. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that providers must give information about the relevant allergens.

Planners arranging a coffee break with a little something sweet

If the brief doesn’t specifically call for crackers, a chocolate-coated biscuit could also be suitable for a coffee break. Jumbo describes Verkade Chocorondjes Karamel as filled biscuits, not crackers.

What should you consider when choosing?

First, decide whether the snack really needs to be a cracker or whether a biscuit will do. Then plan the portions and allergen information for the way you’ll be serving it.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Product type and serving Check whether the product is described as a cracker or a biscuit, and how many pieces are in each pack. Albert Heijn lists four pieces per pack for AH Havercracker chocolade. If I promise crackers on the catering menu, I don’t want to hand out biscuits, and I need to be able to plan portions in advance. For around 40% of consumers, product type is the most important consideration.
Allergens at an open buffet Use the up-to-date label to provide information at each serving point. Check which allergens are present and which potential traces are listed on the label. When I serve snacks unpackaged, guests need to be able to check the information before taking anything. For around 30% of consumers, allergen management is the top priority.
Cracker or biscuit to go with coffee Decide whether a biscuit with coffee meets the catering brief, and clearly identify the product type on the menu. For a short coffee break, a small sweet biscuit is enough for me, as long as it isn’t advertised as a cracker. That’s the most important consideration for around 30% of consumers.

Common purchasing mistakes

  • Buying a chocolate-coated biscuit as a cracker

    A chocolate coating doesn’t change the product type. Jumbo describes Verkade Chocorondjes Karamel as filled biscuits, so they don’t meet a brief that specifically calls for crackers.

    Check the product description and use the correct name on the catering menu.

  • Leaving allergen information on the discarded packaging

    When serving food unpackaged, guests need access to allergen information before choosing. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that providers must give information about the relevant allergens.

    Keep the up-to-date information available at every serving point, in writing or electronically, or provide it verbally in accordance with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority’s requirements.

  • Counting one pack as one event portion

    Albert Heijn lists four AH Havercracker chocolade crackers per pack. So the number of packs you need depends on how many individual crackers you want to serve.

    Work out the number of pieces needed for each break before calculating how many packs to buy.

  • Leaving an opened pack of biscuits unprotected

    According to the storage instructions listed by Jumbo, Verkade Chocorondjes Karamel should be kept in a cool, dry place, and the pack should be resealed after opening.

    Only open what you need for the planned break, and follow the pack instructions for any remaining stock.

Brands to consider

These brands illustrate different product types; a biscuit or plain cracker isn’t automatically a chocolate-coated cracker.

Albert Heijn (AH)

Albert Heijn describes AH Havercracker chocolade as an oat cracker with chocolate, seeds and kernels.

  • The product information lists 40% chocolate and four pieces per pack.
  • Albert Heijn lists cereals containing gluten, soya and oats as allergens present, and also notes the possible presence of other allergens. Use the up-to-date label for buffet information.

Verkade

According to the product description on Jumbo, Verkade Chocorondjes Karamel are biscuits filled with caramel and coated in milk chocolate.

  • An option if a chocolate-coated biscuit with coffee meets the catering brief.
  • This product isn’t a cracker. Check the up-to-date allergen and storage information before serving.

Bolletje

Bolletje’s range includes crackers and crispbreads. These products may be suitable if plain crackers with separate toppings also meet the catering brief.

  • A starting point if you want to choose the cracker and sweet topping separately.
  • Check each product to see whether it has the chocolate coating you want; a plain cracker served with a separate topping is a different way to serve it.

Browse crackers at Joybuy

This cracker is one product to consider for a sweet break. Before buying, check that the up-to-date product information confirms the required chocolate coating and portion details.

Aji Black Cracker 88 g

Aji Black Cracker 88 g

A cracker to consider if the catering brief calls for this product type; check whether this variety also has the chocolate coating you want.

Pack weight: 88 g. Check the number of pieces when planning portions, and use the up-to-date label for allergen information if serving unpackaged.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What allergen information is needed at a conference buffet?

For products served unpackaged, guests must be able to get information about the relevant allergens before choosing. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists 14 allergens that providers must give information about. For cereals containing gluten and nuts, it must also be clear which cereal or nut is involved. Information can be provided in writing or electronically; additional requirements apply to verbal information.

Can I describe AH Havercracker chocolade as vegan?

Albert Heijn describes AH Havercracker chocolade as vegan, but check the up-to-date label before using that description at your event. The product information lists allergens present, including cereals containing gluten, soya and oats, and also notes the possible presence of, among other things, milk. A product described as vegan isn’t a guarantee that it’s free from all allergens.

When can a chocolate biscuit replace a chocolate cracker?

A chocolate biscuit is suitable only if the catering brief allows a small sweet treat and doesn’t specifically require a cracker. Albert Heijn describes its Havercracker chocolade as a cracker with 40% chocolate; Jumbo describes Verkade Chocorondjes Karamel as biscuits filled with caramel and coated in milk chocolate. Name the product in line with its product description.