If you want guests to choose from a platter, a biscuit selection is a good fit. Individual portions are more practical for handing out, while a large pack of one type works well if you’re filling a platter yourself. Then compare the number of biscuits or portions with the net weight. When buying, check the label for allergens and storage advice, especially if guests have different dietary requirements or you have biscuits left over.
If you want guests to choose from a selection with coffee, tea or dessert, an assortment of different biscuits is one option. Check which types are included and read the allergen information for the whole selection.
Individually wrapped portions are handy for handing round or giving to guests to take away. Check how many packets are in the pack, and read the label for these biscuits too if any guests have allergies.
If you want to fill a platter with one type of biscuit, compare packs by net weight and stated number of biscuits. Think about whether one flavour will suit your guests and how you’ll store an opened pack.
First, decide whether you’ll put the biscuits on a platter or hand them out in individual portions. Then use the pack information to assess the quantity and whether the biscuits are suitable for your guests.
Choose this: if you want guests to choose from several types of biscuit.
Bear in mind: the ingredients and allergens in every type in the selection.
Choose this: if you want to hand biscuits round or give them to guests to take away.
Bear in mind: the number of packets; individual wrapping doesn’t make a biscuit allergen-free.
Choose this: if you’re filling a platter yourself with a flavour your guests will enjoy.
Bear in mind: the storage advice for any biscuits left after the party.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and serving | Compare the net weight with the stated number of biscuits or packets; work out how many times you plan to serve them. | I want to hand out biscuits without running short halfway through the party. Around 31% of consumers prioritise having enough biscuits that are easy to share out. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens on the pack. | If a guest has a food allergy, I need to be able to check which biscuits are suitable before serving them. For around 31% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
| Variety of flavours | Check which types of biscuit are in a selection and how many of each you get. | I want guests to be able to choose from different biscuits at my party. This variety is the most important consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
| Storage and leftovers | Check whether the portions are individually wrapped and follow the storage advice after opening. | If there are biscuits left after the party, I want to know how to store them. Around 15% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
The weight doesn’t tell you how many biscuits you can hand out. For example, Jumbo lists ten packets of two biscuits each for Lotus Biscoff XL; ALDI lists around 22 of its 400 g Biscotto oat biscuits.
Compare the number of biscuits or portions and how they’re packed with your serving plan.
A statement about ingredients or dietary preferences doesn’t automatically tell you whether a biscuit is suitable for someone with a food allergy. Individually wrapped biscuits can contain allergens too.
Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the label of the product you buy.
Ingredients and allergen information can change when a product is updated. This matters if a guest needs to rely on that information.
Read the pack before serving and keep it available for guests who want to check for themselves.
Lidl’s biscuit offer reviewed here was available for a limited period in October and only in store. That doesn’t tell you whether the biscuits will be available around your Christmas party.
Check the current offer dates and availability shortly before buying, and choose a different biscuit if needed.
An option if you want to serve speculoos biscuits and choose between a standard pack and a multipack.
The own-brand range reviewed here shows how one selection can include several types of biscuit.
Worth considering when comparing biscuits of one type for a platter with individually portioned options.
The products reviewed offer two different ways to share: biscuits for a platter and biscuits packed in pairs.
A possible extra if you’re looking at temporary in-store biscuit offers shortly before the party.
This selection of Joybuy products includes biscuits for handing out, a platter of one type and a varied assortment. Choose a pack to suit how you plan to serve them, and check the information for the individual product before buying.
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A speculoos option if you want to serve biscuits with coffee or tea. The pack lists 8 pieces and 200 g; check how they’re portioned if you want to hand them out individually.
Joybuy’s product information lists wheat, milk and egg as allergens, and also warns of the possible presence of other allergens. Check the label when buying, for the guests you’ll be serving.
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An option if you’d like to serve milk chocolate biscuits with coffee. The pack contains 150 g; check how many biscuits or individual portions you’ll get for your gathering.
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A 250 g pack of speculoos biscuits if you want to fill a platter with one type yourself. Don’t confuse this pack with the Lotus Biscoff XL multipack, which contains individual packets.
If you have an allergy, check the current label carefully: the available product descriptions don’t provide consistent information about soya.
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A 403 g pack for anyone wanting to serve vanilla biscuits. Check the number of biscuits and whether they’re individually wrapped before deciding how many guests the pack will serve.
For allergies or dietary requirements, use the current label rather than relying solely on a general product claim.
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A 200 g selection if you want to put different biscuits on a platter. Check the pack to see which types and how many pieces it contains.
The available descriptions don’t provide consistent information about peanuts. If anyone has an allergy, check the label on the pack you buy before serving the biscuits.
It depends on the number of guests and when you plan to serve the biscuits. Think about whether you’re planning one biscuit with coffee, a platter for the evening or portions to give guests to take away. Then compare the stated number of biscuits or packets, not just the weight.
No, a selection is best when you want guests to choose from different types. If you’re handing out biscuits, look for individually portioned packs; for a platter with one flavour, you can choose a larger pack of that type.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack you’re going to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be listed on food labels; also check for any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
Follow the storage advice on the pack and reseal an opened pack as instructed. For the Jumbo chocolate biscuits reviewed here, Jumbo recommends closing the pack tightly after opening and using the rest within a few days.
Only count on an offer once you’ve checked the current offer dates and availability. The Lidl offer reviewed here ran for a limited period in October and doesn’t confirm that stock will be available at Christmas.
