Hosts specifically looking for Fairtrade
You want to be able to check the Fairtrade label on the chocolate itself, or on the chocolate egg cakes. Choosing plain egg cakes and separate chocolate lets you make that choice for each pack.
Who is this option for?
Hosts who want to serve guests quickly
You want to know how many egg cakes you’ll need and whether there’s time to decorate them and let them cool. Check shortly before the party that your chosen products are still available.
Hosts who need to take allergens into account
You want to be able to tell guests which allergens are in the treat. If you decorate the egg cakes yourself, you’ll need to check the ingredients and warnings on both the egg cake and chocolate packs.
What should you look for?
Add the chocolate yourself
Best if: you want to check the Fairtrade label on a chocolate product you’ve chosen separately.
Trade-off: you’ll need to finish decorating the egg cakes and check the labels on both products.
Ready-made chocolate egg cakes
Best if: you want to serve them without any preparation and the current packaging meets your requirements.
Trade-off: check the certification of the exact product. The UTZ Certified cocoa mentioned by Jumbo is not a Fairtrade label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade label | Check the current packaging of the chocolate or chocolate egg cake for an explicit Fairtrade label. If mass balance information matters to your choice, read any explanation provided. | If Fairtrade is my main requirement, I want to see the label on the product itself. Around 40% of consumers put this check first. |
| Serving and availability | Compare the number of pieces in each pack and check availability shortly before buying. If you’re decorating them yourself, allow time for preparation and cooling. | Anyone short on time before the party wants to serve the treats without any last-minute changes. This is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients lists, allergen information and warnings on both packs. Use the current labels when serving. | If guests ask about ingredients, I want to be able to explain what’s in the combination. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a general cocoa policy means a product is Fairtrade
ALDI and Lidl mention various certifications in their information about cocoa. A general policy doesn’t tell you which certification appears on the chocolate in a specific egg cake.
Check the current packaging or product page for an explicit Fairtrade label on the product you want to use.
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Planning your party around an outdated product listing
A Jumbo chocolate egg cake page we checked said the product was no longer part of its online range. So the page alone doesn’t confirm that you can buy it.
Check availability shortly before buying and, if necessary, choose plain egg cakes with chocolate selected separately.
A replacement option may mean extra preparation on the day of the party.
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Checking only one pack for allergens
If you decorate them yourself, both the egg cakes and the chocolate may contain allergens. The information on one pack won’t cover the whole treat.
Read both labels and let guests know which allergens are listed on the packs you’ve used.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
A shopping option for plain egg cakes and separately selected chocolate.
- Albert Heijn labels its AH Biologisch Reep extra puur as Fairtrade; plain AH egg cakes are a separate product.
- The bar’s Fairtrade label doesn’t automatically apply to the egg cakes. Check both products for allergens too.
Jumbo
An example of why you should check the certification and availability of each chocolate egg cake individually.
- Jumbo’s range includes plain egg cakes as well as chocolate varieties.
- One chocolate variety we checked mentioned UTZ Certified cocoa, not Fairtrade; another product listing we checked was no longer part of the online range.
ALDI
A possible shopping option for egg cakes and chocolate you choose separately.
- ALDI lists Heerlijck Banket free-range egg cakes in packs of 12.
- ALDI mentions several certifications in its cocoa policy. That doesn’t automatically make these egg cakes Fairtrade.
Lidl
A shopping option where the egg cake listing should be considered separately from claims about cocoa.
- Lidl lists egg cakes and describes its sourcing policy for own-brand cocoa.
- The egg cake listing doesn’t confirm that the chocolate is Fairtrade. Check the specific chocolate product and current in-store availability.
Chocolate for the DIY option
This Joybuy pick is chocolate to add to plain egg cakes yourself. You’ll need to choose the egg cakes separately; before using them, check the current packaging for the Fairtrade label and allergen information.
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Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel, 180 g
A chocolate topping for decorating plain egg cakes yourself. The product description mentions Fairtrade, but check the label on the current packaging.
Milk chocolate with pecans, caramel and biscuit pieces. The product description lists milk, soya, nuts and wheat, among other ingredients, and warns that it may contain eggs and peanuts. Check the egg cake label too.
Frequently asked questions
Is sustainably certified cocoa always Fairtrade?
No. In their cocoa policies, ALDI and Lidl mention certifications other than Fairtrade too. If you specifically want Fairtrade chocolate, check the label on the product you’re buying.
Can I decorate plain egg cakes with Fairtrade chocolate?
Yes, as long as you choose chocolate with a current, explicit Fairtrade label. You’ll need time to decorate the egg cakes and should check both packs for allergens.
Which allergens should I check in chocolate egg cakes?
Check the labels on the exact egg cakes and chocolate you’re serving. The AH egg cakes we checked list egg, milk, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other allergens. If you’re combining them with chocolate, check the chocolate label too.
Can I rely on an older product page for the party?
No. Check availability again shortly before buying. A Jumbo chocolate egg cake page we checked said the product was no longer part of the online range. When buying, check the current label for certification and allergen information too.