Who is this choice relevant to?

Consumers checking for allergens

You only choose speculoos biscuits after comparing the ingredients, listed allergens and warnings about possible cross-contamination with the allergens that affect you.

Looking for gluten-free speculoos biscuits

You’re looking for a product with a verifiable gluten-free label, and also check for other allergens, such as egg, and any warnings on the packaging.

Dark chocolate fans

You want the flavour of dark chocolate with your speculoos biscuits, but check whether the specific variety contains ingredients you need to avoid, including milk, soya or wheat.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check whether the current packaging is suitable for your allergens. Then compare a gluten-free variety with dark chocolate speculoos biscuits, based on what matters most to you: avoiding gluten or enjoying a chocolate flavour.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Personal allergens Read the ingredients list and check the current packaging for warnings about possible cross-contamination. If I react to a particular allergen, I want to know whether it’s in the biscuit or chocolate, and whether there’s a relevant warning. For around 42% of consumers, checking for allergens comes first.
Gluten-free options Check the gluten-free label and also read which other allergens may be present. I’m mainly looking for speculoos biscuits that suit my need to avoid gluten, without overlooking egg or other relevant allergens. Around 33% of consumers give this gluten-free option top priority.
Dark chocolate and cocoa Check what type of chocolate has been used and whether a cocoa percentage is explicitly stated. Dark chocolate flavour is the deciding factor for me, but I don’t assume that ‘dark’ means a high cocoa content. This flavour preference comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark chocolate’ means ‘dairy-free’

    The Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Koek Pure Chocolade described by Jumbo contains milk, wheat and soya.

    Read the ingredients for both the speculoos biscuit and the chocolate coating; don’t rely on the front of the packaging alone.

  • Checking only for ‘gluten-free’

    According to Jumbo, Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas contains egg and may also contain milk, nuts, lupin and sesame, among other allergens.

    Use the gluten-free label as a starting point, then check all allergens and warnings that are relevant to you.

  • Relying on outdated product information online

    Ingredients and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn notes in its product information.

    Compare the online description with the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.

  • Assuming a dark chocolate coating means a high cocoa content

    For the Lotus Biscoff variety, Jumbo states that chocolate makes up 30% of the product. This percentage refers to the amount of chocolate, not its cocoa content.

    If you want to choose based on cocoa content, look for an explicit cocoa percentage for the chocolate on the current packaging.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Lotus Biscoff

The dark chocolate speculoos variety is worth considering if you’re looking for a chocolate coating on your biscuit.

  • For this specific variety, Jumbo states that chocolate makes up 30% of the product.
  • The same Jumbo listing names wheat, milk and soya as allergens present. The proportion of chocolate tells you nothing about its cocoa content.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

The speculoos variety with a gluten-free label is a separate option for anyone avoiding gluten, not automatically a dark chocolate alternative.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists the Crossed Grain quality mark for these speculoos biscuits.
  • According to Jumbo, this variety contains egg and may contain almonds, hazelnuts, lupin, milk, gluten-free oats, sesame and walnuts, among other allergens.

Albert Heijn

AH Bakkers speculaas is a standard speculoos biscuit without the dark chocolate coating you’re looking for here.

  • Albert Heijn describes this specific variety as vegan and lactose-free.
  • The ingredients include wheat flour, and the allergen information says the product may contain almonds. So the vegan and lactose-free labels are no substitute for checking your personal allergens.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are dark chocolate speculoos biscuits automatically dairy-free?

No. The Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Koek Pure Chocolade described by Jumbo contains whey powder and butter oil from milk, as well as wheat and soya. Check the current packaging of the exact variety you want to buy.

Are gluten-free speculoos biscuits suitable for every food allergy?

No. According to Jumbo, Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas contains egg and may contain milk, nuts, lupin and sesame, among other allergens. Alongside the gluten-free label, always check for allergens that are relevant to you.

Where can I find allergens on a Dutch label?

Check the ingredients list: according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, regulated allergens must be clearly identifiable there. Also read any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the packaging.

What does ‘may contain’ mean on speculoos biscuits?

It’s a warning that a named allergen could accidentally end up in the product. Check whether the warning relates to your allergen; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the conditions for using such warnings on labels.