For an everyday packed lunch, a Dutch egg cake might work as a small sweet snack alongside lunch; a box of chocolates is better suited to saying thank you or celebrating. In either case, check the allergens on the current packaging and follow the school’s rules, especially if you’re sharing something with a group.
You might be looking for a small sweet snack, rather than something to replace lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends including foods such as vegetables or fruit and wholegrain products in lunches for primary school children.
If you’re sharing food, you’ll need to consider the school’s rules and the needs of the other children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking in advance about allergies and other reasons why children may avoid certain foods.
If you’re buying a gift, you’ll be comparing a box of chocolates with Dutch egg cakes for a different purpose from everyday lunch. If you’re sharing them, check the allergens in the specific chocolate product too.
First decide whether you need something for an everyday lunch, a group or a thank-you gift. Then check the number of portions, the label and the school’s rules.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Place in the lunch | Decide whether you’re looking for a snack or putting the lunch together yourself. Don’t let a Dutch egg cake or chocolate replace the usual parts of the lunch. | For an everyday packed lunch, I want to be able to include an optional sweet snack alongside the lunch. Around 36% of consumers put this role of the lunch first. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the allergen information on the exact packaging and ask what rules apply to the class, especially before sharing anything. | If I’m taking something in for several children, I want to know whether it fits with their allergy requirements and the school’s policy. This is the first concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and packaging | Compare the number of items and check whether they’re individually wrapped; the total weight of the pack doesn’t tell you how many portions you can share. | If I’m buying for a group or for several packed lunches, I want to know in advance how many portions I’ll have and how I can take them with me. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Gift or snack | Choose a gift box only for a thank-you or celebration, and check the contents of each product if you’re sharing it. | For a thank-you gift, I’m looking for presentation that suits the occasion, not something to replace a school lunch. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this purpose. |
Albert Heijn lists wheat and gluten-containing cereals among the ingredients in AH Eierkoeken. Jumbo also lists gluten and several types of grain in its wholemeal egg cakes.
Read the ingredients and allergen list for the exact variety you’re buying. Don’t judge by its appearance or product name alone.
A gift box has a different purpose from a packed lunch. Mixed chocolates also mean checking each product: Albert Heijn lists hazelnuts, milk, soya and wheat among the ingredients in Ferrero Rocher.
For an ordinary school day, start with the lunch. If it’s a thank-you gift or a treat to share, check what the school allows first, then check the box you’ve chosen.
Ingredients and allergens can vary between products and packaging. Albert Heijn warns that product information can change; Lidl advises customers to check the packaging of its food products.
Check the label before packing or sharing anything. If the allergen information is unclear, ask the shop or manufacturer to clarify.
Bolletje offers several crisp Dutch egg cake varieties, including a cinnamon version and one with a milk coating.
The AH Eierkoeken reviewed are a standard variety for anyone looking to compare portion sizes.
Jumbo offers both regular and wholemeal Dutch egg cakes, so you can compare varieties within the same product category.
ALDI describes a 12-pack of Heerlijck Banket Scharreleierkoeken.
Lidl has listed Dutch egg cakes in a 12-pack.
Verkade offers chocolate and biscuits. This may be relevant if you’re looking for a gift or something to celebrate, rather than an everyday school lunch.
Not necessarily: Albert Heijn lists gluten-containing cereals and wheat in AH Eierkoeken, while Jumbo lists gluten, wheat, barley and oats in its wholemeal Dutch egg cakes. Always check the current label for the variety you choose.
Yes, if you’re taking in treats to share, ask about the rules for the class. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends taking allergies into account, as well as children who avoid certain foods for other reasons.
A box of chocolates isn’t a substitute for an everyday school lunch; it’s better suited to saying thank you or celebrating. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends including foods such as vegetables or fruit and wholegrain products in lunches for primary school children. If you’re sharing treats, check the school’s policy and the allergens too.
Ask how the school makes allergen information available for the food it provides and how it handles food safety. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre specifically discusses both of these points in relation to food served at school.
