Travellers who want to buy something before security
Schiphol lists Albert Heijn as a grocery shop before security at several locations. If you want to take a pack with you before going through security, check which biscuits are available in store.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Travellers who need to check allergens
A gluten-free digestive biscuit may still contain other allergens. For example, Jumbo’s gluten-free milk chocolate variety lists milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts.
Travellers who specifically want a chocolate variety
Uncoated digestive biscuits, a dark chocolate variety and a milk chocolate variety are all different options. Compare the ingredients and net weight of the packs available to buy.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with what’s on the shelf when you’re ready to buy. Then check the label if the ingredients matter to you, and only after that choose the biscuit style and pack size.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Check which varieties are on the shelves before security if you want to buy them there; check the pack and use-by date. | I want to pick up a pack without going out of my way, and can’t rely on one particular brand. Availability is the top priority for around 34% of consumers. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Check both the allergen list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the pack you choose. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the label determines whether I can choose this pack. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Biscuit and chocolate | Distinguish between uncoated digestive biscuits, digestives with dark or milk chocolate, and other types of biscuit. | I’m specifically looking for a chocolate digestive, or an uncoated biscuit. This preference is the first thing around 20% of consumers consider when choosing. |
| Quantity | Compare the net weight with how much you want to eat or take with you on your trip. | I don’t want to take more biscuits than I can use on a single trip. Quantity is the main consideration for around 13% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the online range is available at Schiphol
Schiphol lists Albert Heijn before security, but an Albert Heijn product listing doesn’t confirm that the same pack is on sale at the airport.
Compare the varieties online, but be ready to choose a suitable alternative in store if your preferred pack isn’t available.
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Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free
According to Jumbo, its gluten-free milk chocolate digestive contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts.
As well as checking the gluten-free label, read the full allergen information on the pack you buy.
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Assuming every biscuit for coffee is a digestive
Lotus describes Biscoff as a caramelised biscuit, while Albert Heijn describes Verkade Tops as a filled biscuit with milk chocolate. These are different types of product from a digestive.
Decide whether you’re looking for a digestive, a biscuit to have with your coffee or a filled chocolate biscuit before comparing the options.
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Only considering a large pack
Jumbo lists its dark chocolate digestive at 300 g and its gluten-free milk chocolate variety at 165 g. The difference in quantity matters if you’re only buying for one trip.
Check the net weight and think about how many you’ll want to eat or have left over during your journey.
Brands compared
Verkade
Albert Heijn lists Verkade Digestive Original and a dark chocolate variety in 400 g packs.
- According to Albert Heijn, the dark chocolate variety contains 30% dark chocolate.
- The dark chocolate variety contains milk, soya and wheat. Albert Heijn marks its Original listing as ‘Discontinued’; don’t rely on that online listing when buying.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has its own 400 g uncoated Digestive biscuits. Schiphol lists Albert Heijn as a grocery shop before security.
- The product page describes AH Digestive as vegan and lactose-free.
- The product contains wheat and may contain barley, oats and rye. Check in store whether this variety is available.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a dark chocolate digestive and a separate gluten-free milk chocolate digestive.
- According to Jumbo, the dark chocolate variety contains 30% dark chocolate; the gluten-free variety displays the crossed-grain symbol.
- The gluten-free variety contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts. These product listings say nothing about availability at Schiphol.
McVitie's
Jumbo’s catalogue lists McVitie's Digestives Original, as well as dark and milk chocolate varieties.
- These varieties offer a useful way to compare uncoated and chocolate digestives.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on your chosen pack; a catalogue listing doesn’t confirm availability at Schiphol.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crunchy, caramelised biscuit, ideal with coffee among other occasions.
- A different style of biscuit for anyone who isn’t specifically looking for a digestive.
- Don’t treat Biscoff as a digestive, and check the ingredients and availability of the pack you want to buy.
Chocolate digestive biscuits at Joybuy
These two McVitie's products are digestive biscuits with milk chocolate and dark chocolate respectively. If you want to buy a pack at Schiphol, check which varieties are actually available there.
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McVitie's Digestives with milk chocolate, 266 g
An option if you’re specifically looking for a milk chocolate digestive.
Check the allergen information on the pack you choose: the product information lists milk, soya and wheat.
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McVitie's Digestives with dark chocolate, 266 g
An option if you’re looking for a dark chocolate digestive rather than a milk chocolate one.
Check the allergen information on the pack you choose: the product information lists milk, soya and wheat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a pack of digestive biscuits in my hand luggage?
A standard pack of solid biscuits isn’t covered by the liquid limits described by the Dutch government. Schiphol also refers to restrictions on dangerous or prohibited items. Before you travel, check your airline’s conditions and any import rules for your destination too.
Where can I buy a pack of biscuits before security at Schiphol?
Schiphol lists Albert Heijn as a grocery shop before security at several locations. Check in store to see which digestive biscuits or other varieties are on the shelves.
Is a gluten-free digestive also free from other allergens?
No, the gluten-free label doesn’t mean that. According to Jumbo’s product page, its gluten-free milk chocolate digestive contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts. So always read the label on the pack you choose.
Is online allergen information enough to choose a pack?
Check the packaging of the product you actually buy too. Albert Heijn warns that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change.