Who is this choice important to?

Christmas shopper with a strict Fairtrade requirement

You’re not just looking for chocolate on an egg cake: you want to be able to see on the packaging whether the cocoa or another ingredient is covered by a Fairtrade claim.

Host keeping allergens in mind

You’re buying egg cakes for several guests and want to check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the packaging.

Christmas shopper getting the table ready

You’re looking for a suitable flavour and enough cakes, but first you want to know whether your chosen variety is actually available to order or in store.

What should you look for?

If Fairtrade cocoa is a must, start with the label. Then check the ingredients, quantity and availability against your Christmas shopping needs.

What to look for What to check before buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade claim Check the mark on the packaging. For a composite product, read which ingredients it applies to. Fairtrade Netherlands explains what the different labels mean. If you specifically want Fairtrade cocoa, the egg cake you choose needs to carry a relevant claim; a general sustainability statement isn’t enough. This check is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, including for varieties with a chocolate or milk coating. If your guests need to avoid certain allergens, you’ll want to know what’s in each pack and what warnings apply. This is the main concern for around 29% of consumers.
Quantity and flavour Compare the number of cakes and the type: plain, chocolate-coated or with another topping. For a Christmas table, you’ll need enough egg cakes in a flavour that suits the occasion. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this combination.
Availability Just before buying, check that the specific variety is still stocked and available from your chosen retailer. If you’ve added a particular variety to your shopping list, you’ll want to avoid finding out it’s no longer available to order. Current availability is the top priority for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming chocolate means Fairtrade

    A chocolate coating says nothing about the cocoa’s certification. Jumbo’s Chocolate Egg Cakes were listed as containing UTZ Certified Cocoa, not Fairtrade cocoa.

    Look for the Fairtrade mark on the specific pack. For a composite product, check which ingredients the claim applies to.

  • Using an old product page as a shopping list

    Jumbo says its Chocolate Egg Cakes are no longer part of its online range. So just because a product page is still visible, it doesn’t mean you can order that variety.

    Check current availability before counting on these egg cakes for Christmas.

  • Overlooking allergens when choosing

    Egg cakes and varieties with an extra topping can contain different ingredients. If your guests need to avoid allergens, a flavour description alone isn’t enough.

    For the pack you choose, read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings.

Relevant brands and retailers to help you explore

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists its own-brand egg cakes and makes separate claims about certified cocoa in its own-brand products.

  • Albert Heijn says the cocoa in its own-brand products is Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified.
  • The ingredients shown for AH Egg Cakes don’t include cocoa. So the general cocoa claim doesn’t confirm that these egg cakes contain Fairtrade cocoa; check the packaging of any chocolate variety separately.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists several types of egg cakes, including varieties to consider if you’re looking for a different flavour for Christmas.

  • Jumbo’s product information lets you check the cocoa certification listed for its Chocolate Egg Cakes separately.
  • The chocolate variety listed UTZ Certified Cocoa, not Fairtrade. Jumbo also says the product is no longer part of its online range.

Bolletje

Bolletje describes its Cinnamon Soft Egg Cake with a milk coating as an alternative to a chocolate egg cake.

  • The variety described contains cinnamon and has a milk coating, making it easy to distinguish from a chocolate variety.
  • The ingredients shown don’t mention cocoa or Fairtrade. Bolletje also says the cinnamon variety isn’t a permanent part of its range.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can I consider a chocolate egg cake a Fairtrade choice?

When the packaging itself carries a Fairtrade claim and you can check what it means for the ingredients. Fairtrade Netherlands also recommends reading the information on the back of composite products: a Fairtrade mark with an arrow and the white Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient mark don’t mean the same thing.

Are Jumbo Chocolate Egg Cakes a Fairtrade option for Christmas?

The variety described by Jumbo doesn’t confirm that it contains Fairtrade cocoa: the product information lists UTZ Certified Cocoa. Jumbo also says the product is no longer part of its online range. Check the label and current availability of any alternative chocolate egg cake separately.

Which allergens should I check when buying egg cakes for guests?

Read the allergen information on every pack you choose, including any warnings. The egg cakes described contain ingredients such as egg, wheat or other gluten-containing cereals, and milk; ingredients vary by variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that allergens must be clearly listed on the label.

Is the online ingredients list enough to help me choose egg cakes?

Use the online list to compare varieties, but check the packaging of the product you actually buy too. Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional information and allergy information can change.