Who is this relevant to?

Bakers looking for a cocoa flavour

You want to add cocoa to your version of oliebollen. Check the stated cocoa content rather than relying on a name that includes ‘cocoa’ or ‘dark’.

Bakers who want to follow the basic recipe

You don’t want to stray from the usual ingredients for oliebollen batter without clear instructions: flour, yeast, sugar, salt and liquid, as described by Rutger Bakt.

Bakers who check ingredients carefully

You want to check which grains, allergens and sweeteners are in your chosen gingerbread before you start baking.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the oliebollen recipe: the gingerbread’s cocoa content and ingredients only matter once you know the recipe calls for it.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Cocoa content Check how much cocoa or cocoa powder is listed in the ingredients. Albert Heijn states that Peijnenburg Zero Cacao contains 1% cocoa powder; this doesn’t support claims that it has a high cocoa content. I’m looking for a clear cocoa flavour and don’t want to judge by the product name alone. For around 40% of consumers, cocoa flavour comes first.
Recipe and batter Check whether the recipe includes gingerbread and specifies how much to use. Don’t replace flour or yeast with gingerbread unless the recipe tells you to. I want to make oliebollen by following a recipe, without replacing a basic ingredient myself. For around 30% of consumers, having a reliable recipe comes first.
Ingredients and allergens Check the current label for grains, allergens and sweeteners; ingredients vary by product. If I’m baking for someone who avoids certain ingredients, I want to know exactly which gingerbread I’m adding. For around 20% of consumers, checking ingredients is the main concern.
Availability and packaging Check the product’s current availability and pack weight at the shop where you plan to buy it. I want to have the amount I need in time, rather than relying on an old product listing. For around 10% of consumers, availability matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘cocoa’ means a high cocoa content

    A name that includes cocoa doesn’t tell you how much cocoa the gingerbread contains. Albert Heijn states that Peijnenburg Zero Cacao contains 1% cocoa powder.

    Check the cocoa content on the packaging and make sure the recipe you choose is suitable for that gingerbread.

  • Adding gingerbread to the batter without a recipe

    According to Rutger Bakt, a typical oliebollen mix consists of flour, yeast, sugar, salt and liquid. Gingerbread isn’t a standard ingredient.

    For a version made with gingerbread, use a recipe that specifies how much to add and when.

  • Overlooking sweeteners and allergens

    According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Peijnenburg Zero Cacao contains rye, cereals containing gluten and xylitol. The product page also warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the label on the pack you’re actually using. Keep products containing xylitol out of reach of pets.

  • Assuming a product page means the item is available

    On its product page, Albert Heijn marks Peijnenburg Zero Cacao as ‘no longer in the range’. So, seeing a product page doesn’t mean you can buy the product there.

    Check the product’s current availability before including the gingerbread in your baking plans.

Brands to consider

Peijnenburg

Peijnenburg makes several types of gingerbread. Albert Heijn also lists a Zero Cacao variety, but marks it as ‘no longer in the range’ on its product page.

  • The Zero Cacao listing states that it contains 1% cocoa powder, and provides information you can use to check the ingredients and allergens.
  • The name Cacao doesn’t support claims that it has a high cocoa content. Check the allergens for each variety; Peijnenburg says its original variety may contain milk and nuts, among other things.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists its own gingerbread alongside branded products in its sliced gingerbread category.

  • The category includes original, wholemeal and zero varieties, which you can compare by packaging and ingredients.
  • The category itself doesn’t show an AH variety with a high cocoa content. Check the information on the current pack before choosing.

Bolletje

Albert Heijn lists Bolletje original sliced gingerbread in its sliced gingerbread category.

  • The listed original variety comes in a 500 g pack.
  • An original variety isn’t evidence that Bolletje makes a cocoa gingerbread suitable for the oliebollen recipe you have in mind.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will appear here soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘cocoa’ on gingerbread mean it has a pronounced dark flavour?

No, the name doesn’t tell you how much cocoa the gingerbread contains. Albert Heijn states that Peijnenburg Zero Cacao contains 1% cocoa powder; check the cocoa content of the product you want to use.

Can I replace flour or yeast in oliebollen batter with gingerbread?

Don’t do this unless you have a recipe that explains how to make the substitution. In the typical oliebollen mix described by Rutger Bakt, flour, yeast, sugar, salt and liquid are the basics; gingerbread isn’t a standard substitute.

What should I check on the label if I’m catering for dietary requirements?

Check the ingredients, allergens and sweeteners on the pack you’ve chosen. Albert Heijn states that Peijnenburg Zero Cacao contains rye, cereals containing gluten and xylitol; don’t assume that other gingerbread varieties have the same ingredients.

Can I rely on gingerbread that still has a product page?

No, check the product’s current availability at the shop where you plan to buy it. On its product page, Albert Heijn marks Peijnenburg Zero Cacao as ‘no longer in the range’.