When choosing dark chocolate biscuits for a birthday get-together, don’t rely on the word ‘dark’ alone: the proportion of chocolate in a biscuit doesn’t tell you how much cocoa solids that chocolate contains. If you’re specifically looking for a high cocoa content, compare the cocoa percentage on the current label. Also take the number of portions and the allergen information into account.
You’re looking for a biscuit with a noticeable chocolate flavour to serve at your get-together. If you specifically want a high cocoa content, check the percentage of cocoa solids on the label rather than relying on the word ‘dark’ alone.
You want to decide in advance how many biscuits to put out and whether individual biscuits or smaller packs would better suit the number of guests.
You’re mindful of guests with allergies and, before serving, check the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the pack you’re actually using.
Start by asking whether you’re looking for a clearly stated cocoa content or simply a biscuit made with dark chocolate. Then compare the quantity, allergen information and nutritional details on a like-for-like basis.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa and chocolate flavour | Look for a cocoa solids percentage on the label. Don’t confuse this with the proportion of chocolate in the whole biscuit. | If I’m looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour, I want to know what that expectation is based on. Around 36% of consumers put this cocoa question first. |
| Quantity and serving | Compare the net weight with the number of biscuits or stated portions, and check whether there are smaller inner packs. | For a platter I can replenish during the get-together, the number of biscuits I can serve matters. Ease of serving comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the pack you’re serving. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to be able to check the label of the product being served. This check takes priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Sugars and nutritional value | Compare sugars, saturated fat and fibre per 100 g, then check the portion size. | When I compare biscuits for a party table, I want to see the nutritional information on the same basis. Around 14% of consumers put this comparison first. |
A chocolate percentage on the pack may refer to the proportion of chocolate in the whole biscuit. That’s not the same as the percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate itself.
If cocoa content is a deciding factor, check the current label. If it doesn’t state a cocoa percentage, describe the product as a biscuit with dark chocolate rather than claiming it has a high cocoa content.
When serving biscuits, it matters how many pieces or portions a pack contains and whether they’re individually wrapped or packed in smaller groups.
Alongside the net weight, compare the number of biscuits or stated portions with the number of serving occasions you expect.
If the portion size doesn’t suit the number of guests, you may need extra packs.
Chocolate biscuits can contain different allergens, and product information can change. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
Before serving, check the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the current pack, and keep it available for guests to consult.
For the products described by Jumbo, the digestive biscuit contains 27.4 g of sugars and 4.1 g of fibre per 100 g, while Jumbo Dark Chocolate Biscuits contain 37.0 g of sugars and 3.5 g of fibre per 100 g. The word ‘dark’ is no substitute for making this comparison.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then check the portion size stated on the pack.
Jumbo describes both a chocolate biscuit and a digestive biscuit with dark chocolate.
AH Sugared Biscuits with Dark Chocolate are designed for sharing from a larger pack.
Lotus Biscoff pairs caramelised speculoos with a dark chocolate variety in small packs.
The Biscotto pack described by ALDI combines biscuits with dark, white and milk chocolate.
Lidl includes confectionery, chocolate and baked goods in its range.
No. ‘Dark’ doesn’t tell you what percentage of cocoa solids the chocolate contains. For the biscuits described, Jumbo, Albert Heijn and Lotus Biscoff do state the proportion of chocolate in the whole product. Check the current label to see whether it also gives a cocoa percentage.
Check the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on every pack you serve. The biscuits described list ingredients including wheat or gluten, milk and soya. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly stated on the label.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack of biscuits you’ve bought. For the products described, Jumbo recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place and sealing the pack well after opening.
Use the online description to compare products in advance, but check the pack you receive before serving. Albert Heijn notes that information such as ingredients and allergen details may change.
