An egg cake with a topping can be a small snack before exercise if the portion and timing work for you. Don’t choose based on chocolate flavour alone: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating a large portion just before exercise because it may cause stomach discomfort. And a milk topping isn’t the same as chocolate.
If there’s little time between eating and training, a modest portion matters more than choosing the largest egg cake you can find. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that a large portion just before exercise may cause stomach discomfort.
An individually wrapped egg cake is easy to take as a single portion. Albert Heijn says that Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek Melk is individually wrapped, but a cake like this isn’t automatically a meal replacement.
For them, it makes a difference whether the packaging says chocolate, cocoa decoration or a milk topping. You should also check the ingredients and allergens on the current label.
First, consider how long you have before your training and what portion you want to eat. Then compare the type of topping and check the label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and portion size | Compare the portion size and fat content per portion with the time until your training session. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating a large portion just before exercise. | If you’re training soon after a snack, it’s worth bearing in mind that it may cause stomach discomfort. This consideration comes first for around 46% of consumers. |
| Taking it with you and portion control | Check the weight per cake and whether they’re individually wrapped. Compare the nutritional values per portion, not just per 100 g. | When I’m out and about, I want to be able to take one clearly defined portion without having to prepare anything. Around 27% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Type of topping and label | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging: a milk topping and cocoa decoration aren’t the same as a chocolate coating. | If I’m choosing it specifically for the chocolate flavour, I want to know what the topping actually is and whether the ingredients are suitable for me. This need comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
Jumbo describes its Eierkoeken met Chocolade as egg cakes with cocoa-flavoured decoration, while Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoeken as having a milk topping. So the product names don’t mean the same thing when it comes to the topping.
If the type of coating is important to you, check the description and ingredients on the packaging.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre may cause stomach discomfort if eaten just before exercise. The time between eating and training matters.
Consider the portion size, and try an unfamiliar snack on a regular training day rather than just before an important event.
The Jumbo and Bolletje varieties mentioned contain ingredients including egg, wheat, milk and soya. The Bolletje variety also carries warnings about possible traces of other allergens.
Always check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the packaging you buy.
Jumbo’s product page says its Eierkoeken met Chocolade is no longer part of its online range. The nutritional information on that page doesn’t confirm that it’s currently available.
Check current availability before making a special trip for this particular variety, and check the label again if you choose an alternative.
Bolletje Brosse Eierkoeken met Melklaagje are small egg cakes with a milk topping, not a confirmed chocolate coating.
Jumbo Eierkoeken met Chocolade are described on the product page as egg cakes with cocoa-flavoured decoration.
Heerlijck Banket’s free-range egg cakes at ALDI offer a comparison within the same product category if you’re not looking for a topping.
A small portion may be a different choice from a large meal, but consider how long you have before training and how it affects you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a proper meal around two to three hours before exercise and advises against eating a large portion just beforehand because it may cause stomach discomfort.
No, one egg cake isn’t automatically a meal replacement. Consider the portion size and nutritional information alongside what else you eat and the duration and intensity of your training.
The Jumbo and Bolletje varieties mentioned list egg, wheat, milk and soya. For Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek Melk, Albert Heijn also lists possible traces of ingredients including nuts and sesame. Always check the label on the pack you’re actually buying.
Follow the instructions on the packaging. According to the product page, the Jumbo variety mentioned should be stored in a cool, dry place; the Bolletje variety should be protected from heat.
