Organisers who want to keep allergen information to hand
You want to choose a biscuit that meets the school's rules and keep the ingredients and allergen information available when you hand it out.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Buyers looking for a classic digestive for the group
You want a plain digestive in a larger pack, without a chocolate coating. The standard varieties reviewed contain wheat and gluten.
Buyers with a confirmed need for gluten-free biscuits
You want a separate variety to meet that specific need, and will also check the other allergens listed on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, agree with the school how the biscuits will be handed out. Then compare pack sizes and decide whether you need a chocolate or gluten-free variety.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| School rules and allergens | Ask whether biscuits are allowed and how ingredients and allergen information will be kept available when they are handed out. | If I’m handing out biscuits, I want to know whether the school allows them and make sure the allergen information isn’t lost; around 45% of consumers give this check the highest priority. |
| Pack size for the group | Compare the weight in grams and the stated number of portions, then work out how many packs you’ll need. | For a larger group, I want to be able to plan in advance how many packs to bring. Around 28% of consumers prioritise planning how to hand them out. |
| Specific variety | For chocolate or gluten-free varieties, check the full allergen information and the quantity in each pack. | If someone specifically wants chocolate or gluten-free biscuits, I want to choose a suitable variety without overlooking other allergens; around 27% of consumers put this preference first. |
Common mistakes when handing out biscuits
-
Assuming all digestives contain the same allergens
The McVitie's dark chocolate variety described by Jumbo contains milk, soya and wheat. Schär Digestive Landtaler gluten-free biscuits contain soya and may contain lupin and egg.
Check the allergen information on the current packaging of every variety you choose.
-
Unwrapping the biscuits and throwing away the product information
For food sold loose, information about any allergens present must be available, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
Keep the packaging or full allergen information where the biscuits are being offered.
-
Treating a chocolate variety like a plain digestive
The dark chocolate variety reviewed also contains milk and soya, which may affect what you’re allowed to offer the group.
Choose this variety only if chocolate is allowed and the full allergen information is suitable.
-
Choosing gluten-free without planning the quantity
The Schär Digestive Landtaler version reviewed is sold as 3 × 50 g and lists other allergens alongside its gluten-free claim.
Save this variety for a confirmed need, work out separately how much you’ll need and check the label.
Brands and product ranges to consider
McVitie's
The McVitie's Digestives Original reviewed, in a 400 g pack, is a classic wheat variety. A 266 g dark chocolate variety was also considered.
- Original suits anyone looking for a digestive without a chocolate coating.
- Original contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk. The dark chocolate variety reviewed also contains milk and soya.
Jumbo
Jumbo Krokante Digestive is a classic digestive in a 400 g pack.
- The pack reviewed states that it contains around 27 portions and advises resealing it after opening.
- This product contains gluten and wheat and may contain barley, oats and rye.
Schär
Digestive Landtaler in a 3 × 50 g pack is a separate gluten-free option for anyone with a confirmed need.
- The gluten-free label makes this variety relevant when gluten specifically needs to be avoided.
- The variety reviewed contains soya and may contain lupin and egg; its pack size needs to be factored into your plans for handing them out.
Digestives on Joybuy for the school fair
These two digestives offer a choice between a classic variety and one with milk chocolate. First, check the school's rules and the current allergen information for both.
Image unavailable
McVitie's Digestive Original 400 g
A classic digestive for anyone looking for a variety without a chocolate coating.
The pack contains 400 g. This product contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk; check that it meets the group's requirements.
Image unavailable
McVitie's Digestives Milk Chocolate 266 g
A milk chocolate digestive, if this variety meets the school's rules.
The pack contains 266 g. This product contains milk, soya, wheat and gluten; plan for the group based on this pack size.
Frequently asked questions
Can I simply pack digestives for a school fair?
Check the school's rules first. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, school policy may determine what can and cannot be given as a treat. Also ask how allergen information should be kept available.
What should I do with the allergen information if the biscuits are offered loose?
Keep information about any allergens present available where the biscuits are offered. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights this requirement for food sold loose, so keep the product information at the place where you’re handing them out.
Are plain digestives gluten-free?
The McVitie's Digestives Original and Jumbo Krokante Digestive reviewed are not: both contain wheat and gluten. Check the current label for each other variety separately.
Is a gluten-free digestive suitable for every allergy?
No. The Schär Digestive Landtaler reviewed is labelled gluten-free, but contains soya and may contain lupin and egg. Check the full allergen information against the specific requirements.
How should I store opened packs ready for the fair?
Reseal opened packs securely and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Keep the ingredients and allergen information with the biscuits when you hand them out.