Who is this choice relevant to?

Organisers looking for a dark chocolate flavour

You want to offer a distinctive chocolate option with the coffee. It’s important not to mistake a dark-sounding product name for a confirmed cocoa percentage.

Organisers of self-service buffets

You want to serve portions quickly. If you offer the breakfast cake unwrapped, you also need to make sure guests can get allergen information before eating.

Caterers offering a choice of flavours

You want to offer a less pronounced option alongside a chocolate variety, such as wholemeal breakfast cake, without presenting it as a dark chocolate option.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether a dark flavour is enough or whether you need a verifiable cocoa percentage. Then choose packaging and serving options that suit the break and make allergen information accessible.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Dark flavour and cocoa Read the ingredients for the exact variant and check the cocoa percentage if you have a requirement. You want to offer a distinctive chocolate flavour without promising a particular cocoa content based on the product name; this flavour profile is the top priority for about 33% of consumers.
Portions and serving Compare the number and size of the portions, and check whether they are individually wrapped or need to be arranged on a platter. You want to serve portions with minimal effort during a short conference break; portion convenience is the top priority for about 27% of consumers.
Allergen information Check the current label and decide how guests can get information about allergens present before eating if you serve the cake unwrapped. If you put out unwrapped breakfast cake, you want to be able to answer questions about allergens before guests eat; this information is the main concern for about 27% of consumers.
An alternative to chocolate If needed, choose a separate plain or wholemeal variant and check the size of its packaging. You want to offer something on the buffet for guests who aren’t looking for a chocolate option; this extra choice is the top priority for about 13% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means a high cocoa content

    Peijnenburg uses the name Chocolade Dubbel Donker, but the name alone doesn’t tell you the cocoa percentage. A chocolate variety with caramel and sea salt is also a different flavour choice from a product you’re selecting solely for its cocoa content.

    Only set a minimum cocoa content as a purchasing requirement once the current label or manufacturer has confirmed it for the exact variant.

  • Setting up an open buffet without allergen information

    According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present must be available to consumers when food is offered unwrapped. For cereals containing gluten and nuts, the specific type must also be stated.

    Keep current information for each product and make it clear where guests can find or request it before eating.

    Keeping product information up to date and briefing staff both take time to prepare.

  • Assuming baker’s salt means a product contains iodine

    A rule about iodine in baker’s salt doesn’t confirm that the breakfast cake you’re serving was made with that salt.

    If iodine is relevant to your catering plans, check the information for the specific product or ask the manufacturer.

Brands to consider

Peijnenburg

Peijnenburg makes chocolate breakfast cake under the names Chocolade Dubbel Donker and Chocolade Karamel Zeezout.

  • Jumbo lists Chocolade Dubbel Donker in a pack of 4 × 34 g and Chocolade Karamel Zeezout as 320 g of sliced cake.
  • The dark product name doesn’t confirm a cocoa percentage. Also check the ingredients and allergens for the variant you choose; information about Peijnenburg plain breakfast cake doesn’t automatically apply to the chocolate varieties.

AH Bio

AH Bio chocolate breakfast cake is an organic chocolate variety in the Albert Heijn range.

  • The product name makes it clear which flavour you’re comparing with other breakfast cakes.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional information and allergen information may change. Use the current packaging or product specification when serving it.

Koek & Bakker

According to ALDI Netherlands, Koek & Bakker offers a 485 g sliced wholemeal breakfast cake as a separate option alongside chocolate breakfast cake.

  • The sliced format is worth considering for serving on a platter.
  • This wholemeal variety isn’t confirmed as a dark chocolate breakfast cake, so it doesn’t meet a requirement for cocoa content or chocolate flavour.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chocolade Dubbel Donker prove that the product has a high cocoa content?

No, the name of this Peijnenburg variety doesn’t state a cocoa percentage. Check the current packaging or ask the manufacturer for the specification of the exact variant before using a cocoa content as a purchasing requirement or making a claim on your buffet.

What allergen information do I need if I take the breakfast cake out of its packaging?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, guests must be able to get information about allergens present before eating when breakfast cake is offered unwrapped. For prepacked products, allergen information is on the label. For an open platter, make sure the information is available in writing or is clearly signposted as available verbally.

Do I need to name the type of cereal or nut on an open platter?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, if the product contains cereals containing gluten or nuts, the specific type must be clear. Check the current information for the breakfast cake you’re serving.

Does the rule about baker’s salt mean that every breakfast cake contains iodine?

No, the Dutch rule about iodine in baker’s salt doesn’t mean that a particular breakfast cake was made with it. Check the product information or ask the manufacturer for clarification if this matters to your catering plans.

How do I keep the product information for the buffet up to date?

Before ordering, and again before serving, compare the information on the exact packaging with your buffet card or allergen list. Albert Heijn warns that product details, including ingredients and allergen information, may change.