Looking for a dark chocolate flavour
Wants a spritz biscuit for their gym bag with chocolate that’s clearly labelled as dark. If the cocoa content matters too, they check that separately.
If you’re looking for a dark chocolate flavour, choose a spritz biscuit with ‘dark chocolate’ clearly stated on the packaging: Jumbo lists 18% dark chocolate and Albert Heijn 15% for the varieties discussed below. These percentages show the proportion of chocolate in the biscuit, not the cocoa percentage of the chocolate itself. If a high cocoa content is essential for you, check that separately. For your gym bag, also consider portion size, packaging and allergens.
Wants a spritz biscuit for their gym bag with chocolate that’s clearly labelled as dark. If the cocoa content matters too, they check that separately.
Wants to decide in advance how many biscuits to take and is looking for packaging or a container that will protect the crumbly spritz biscuits while they’re on the move.
Compares the nutritional information and checks the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the current packaging before buying and eating the biscuits.
First, decide whether you’re mainly looking for a dark chocolate flavour, a handy portion or specific information on the label. Then check that your chosen spritz biscuit meets your other requirements too.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate and cocoa | Look for the words ‘dark chocolate’ and check separately whether a cocoa percentage is given for the chocolate itself. The proportion of chocolate in the spritz biscuit is a different figure. | If I specifically want dark chocolate, I don’t want the percentage of chocolate coating to determine whether I choose a particular cocoa content. This flavour is the main priority for around 45% of consumers. |
| Portion size and taking them with you | Compare the number of biscuits and the portion size. Choose a sturdy, sealable container and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | When I’m out and about, I want to be able to pack one suitable portion in advance without loose, crumbly biscuits rattling around in my bag. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this practical point. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Compare sugars and saturated fat per 100 g and per portion. Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the current packaging. | If I have dietary restrictions, I need to know what’s in the spritz biscuit; I also check the nutritional information when deciding on a portion. This label check is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Jumbo lists 18% dark chocolate in its Spritsen met Pure Chocolade; Albert Heijn lists 15% for AH Choco spritsen. Both figures show how much chocolate the biscuit contains, not how much cocoa is in that chocolate.
Use ‘dark chocolate’ as your first selection criterion. If you want a particular cocoa content, look for the specific percentage on the current packaging or ask the manufacturer.
Portion sizes vary: Jumbo lists 15 portions of 13.3 g, while Albert Heijn lists five biscuits at 36 g each. So the amount in a pack doesn’t tell you how much you’ll want to put in your own bag.
Choose your portion before you set off and compare the nutritional values per portion as well as per 100 g. A sturdy container will help protect the crumbly biscuits while you’re on the move.
A name such as ‘choco spritsen’ doesn’t tell you which allergens and warnings apply to a particular variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergens must be declared on the label.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, including any warnings about cross-contamination.
These brands provide a point of comparison for the spritz biscuit varieties discussed here; the type of chocolate and portion sizes vary by product.
Jumbo Spritsen met Pure Chocolade is a 200 g pack for anyone specifically looking for a variety with dark chocolate.
AH Choco spritsen are butter-rich spritz biscuits with dark chocolate, packed as five biscuits.
Verkade Nobo Sprits Original and Nobo Sprits Melk are options to consider if you’re looking for a classic spritz biscuit.
No, that label alone doesn’t confirm a particular cocoa percentage. The 18% listed by Jumbo and the 15% listed by Albert Heijn for the spritz biscuits discussed here refer to the proportion of chocolate in the biscuit. Check the current packaging or ask the manufacturer about the cocoa percentage if it will affect your purchase.
Check the allergens for each variety on the current packaging. For Spritsen met Pure Chocolade, Jumbo lists wheat, egg, milk and soya, among other ingredients. For AH Choco spritsen, Albert Heijn lists milk, cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat, among other ingredients, as well as warnings about the possible presence of other ingredients.
Pack a portion you’ve chosen in advance in a sturdy, well-sealed container and keep the biscuits dry. Jumbo recommends storing its Spritsen met Pure Chocolade in a cool, dark and dry place. For AH Choco spritsen, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark and dry place and sealing the packaging well after use.
No, the words ‘dark chocolate’ describe the type of chocolate, not whether the biscuit is suitable as sports food. Compare the portion size, ingredients and nutritional information when making your choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends checking the back of the label when choosing snacks.