Choose a plain digestive if you want to share a classic biscuit, or opt for a chocolate version if you fancy a different flavour. If the biscuit needs to be gluten-free, choose a product that is explicitly labelled as gluten-free and check the current label for other allergens too. Speculoos can also be served with drinks, but it isn’t a digestive biscuit.
Whether you’re serving coffee, tea or a drinks spread with something sweet, look for a plain digestive in a pack that suits the number of guests. It’s also worth thinking about what you’ll do with any biscuits left over.
The name ‘digestive’ doesn’t tell you whether a biscuit is suitable for your diet. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, even if the product is labelled gluten-free.
A chocolate digestive or caramelised speculoos offers something different from a plain digestive. Speculoos is a different type of biscuit, not a digestive variation.
First, decide which biscuit you want to serve and whether anyone at the table needs to avoid particular allergens. Then check the pack size and the nutritional information that matters for your choice.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A classic biscuit to share | Check the type of biscuit, the pack size and the storage advice once opened. | If I’m serving a plain biscuit with coffee or tea, I want a pack that’s easy to share. This classic choice is the priority for around 37% of consumers. |
| A suitable quantity | Compare the net weight with the number of guests and consider whether you can store any leftover biscuits properly. | For a small get-together, I don’t want to open more than I can use or store. The right pack size matters most to around 27% of consumers. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you’re choosing a gluten-free digestive, check which other allergens it may contain too. | If someone at the table needs to avoid gluten or another allergen, checking the label comes before choosing a flavour. This is the main concern for around 18% of consumers. |
| A different flavour | Choose deliberately between plain, chocolate and speculoos; compare the nutritional information per 100 g if needed. | For this get-together, I specifically want a chocolate digestive or the caramelised flavour of speculoos. This flavour preference is the deciding factor for around 18% of consumers. |
The Consumentenbond points out that biscuits can carry a fibre claim too. On its own, this claim doesn’t tell you how much fibre a serving contains or what the rest of its nutritional profile looks like.
Voedingscentrum advice is to compare the nutritional information per 100 g. For the portion you plan to serve, also check the fibre, sugars, fat and salt content.
The plain digestives described from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and McVitie's contain wheat or gluten. The gluten-free Schär Digestive Landtaler described here contains soya and may contain egg and lupin.
Check the current label every time you buy, for any allergens that are relevant to you or your guests.
If you have biscuits left over, sealing the pack properly is important to help maintain their quality after opening.
Choose a pack size that suits your get-together and follow the storage advice on the packaging. Seal an opened pack tightly or use an airtight tin.
AH Digestive 400 g is a plain option for anyone looking to serve a classic biscuit.
Jumbo Krokante Digestive is a 400 g plain option, while chocolate digestives are a separate flavour choice.
Digestives Original is the brand’s plain option, and chocolate versions are also available.
Digestive Landtaler is a separate option if you need a biscuit that is explicitly labelled gluten-free.
Biscotto Digestive Biscuits is a plain digestive in a 400 g pack.
Lotus Biscoff Speculoos is a caramelised alternative to serve with coffee or tea, but it isn’t a digestive.
These two McVitie's products suit different tastes for a get-together: a plain digestive to share and a milk chocolate version.
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A plain digestive for anyone who wants to share a classic biscuit with drinks.
400 g pack. The Original described contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk; check the current label if allergens are relevant to your choice.
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A milk chocolate digestive for anyone who wants to serve a chocolate version rather than a plain one with drinks.
266 g pack. Check the current ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details if you want to compare this version with the plain one.
No. A fibre claim doesn’t tell you the biscuit’s full nutritional value. Voedingscentrum recommends comparing products per 100 g; also consider the portion you plan to serve and the listed sugars, fat and salt.
Don’t assume so: the plain digestives described from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and McVitie's contain wheat or gluten. Schär Digestive Landtaler is explicitly labelled gluten-free, but contains soya and may contain egg and lupin. Always check the current label.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and seal the opened pack tightly. The plain digestives described should be stored in a dry place; an airtight tin is useful if you won’t serve the rest at the same get-together.
Read the current ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be listed on labels. Check for any allergens relevant to the person at the table, even if the biscuit is labelled gluten-free.
