Parents who want to take a single cake out and about
An individually wrapped cake is handy for a snack when you’re out. Check the packaging to make sure each cake is wrapped separately; the number of cakes in a pack doesn’t tell you this.
If you’re looking for a single wrapped egg cake for an occasional toddler treat, SPAR’s soft egg cake and Bolletje Brosse Eierkoeken met melklaagje are two different options that, according to their product information, are individually wrapped. A wrapper doesn’t make an egg cake an everyday snack: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products for toddlers. Also check the portion size and up-to-date allergen information, and if you’re packing one for school or childcare, check the setting’s policy.
An individually wrapped cake is handy for a snack when you’re out. Check the packaging to make sure each cake is wrapped separately; the number of cakes in a pack doesn’t tell you this.
Compare the weight and nutritional value per cake, not just per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products as snacks for toddlers.
Read the latest allergen information before packing anything. For school or childcare, also check the rules on snacks or treats brought in from home.
First decide whether you’re planning an everyday snack or an occasional cake treat. Then compare the portion size and packaging of the specific product, and check any allergen requirements.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday snack or occasional cake treat | Compare the portion size and nutritional value per cake; for an everyday snack, choose from the options the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends for toddlers. | When I plan a cake treat for a toddler, I want to keep it to a small, occasional portion. This is the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Individual wrapping | Look specifically for ‘individually wrapped’ on the current product page or packaging; choose between a soft and a crisp cake. | I want to take one wrapped cake with me without having to reseal an opened multipack. Individual wrapping is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergens and group policies | Read the latest allergen statement and ask the school or childcare setting about its group policy. | When I pack something for childcare, it needs to comply with the group’s allergen policy. This matters most to around 28% of consumers. |
Individual packaging doesn’t change what makes a good snack choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products for toddlers.
Save an egg cake for a considered, occasional treat.
According to Jumbo’s product information, one Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek met melklaagje contains 58 kcal. A regular Jumbo egg cake contains 221 kcal per 75 g portion, according to Jumbo; they are also different types of cake.
Check the weight and nutritional value of the cake you’re actually packing.
Having its own wrapper doesn’t change the ingredients. SPAR lists wheat, eggs, milk and soya as allergens in its individually wrapped egg cake.
Read the latest packaging and, if there’s an allergen policy, check with the school or childcare setting before packing anything.
Four cakes in a pack doesn’t automatically mean four individual wrappers.
If you need an individual wrapper, check that the chosen product is explicitly described as ‘individually wrapped’.
According to Jumbo’s product information, Bolletje Brosse Eierkoeken met melklaagje are individually wrapped. They’re crisp cakes, not regular soft egg cakes.
SPAR sells a soft egg cake whose product information explicitly states that it is individually wrapped.
Jumbo sells both regular egg cakes and Bolletje’s individually wrapped crisp variety. Check the product name before comparing these different types.
AH Eierkoeken are a useful point of comparison if an individual wrapper isn’t essential.
It’s better to save an egg cake for an occasional treat rather than make it a regular everyday snack. For babies and toddlers, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing snacks mainly from the Dutch Wheel of Five, such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread.
SPAR states that its soft egg cake is individually wrapped; Jumbo says the same of Bolletje Brosse Eierkoeken met melklaagje. The Bolletje variety is crisp, so it’s not the same as a soft egg cake. When you buy, check that the chosen product is still described this way.
No, a wrapper doesn’t change the ingredients or allergens. SPAR lists wheat, eggs, milk and soya in its individually wrapped egg cake; the Bolletje variety with a milk coating also contains several allergens. Read the latest packaging and follow the requirements for the child and the group.
Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the packaging of your chosen product. Albert Heijn advises storing AH Eierkoeken in a cool, dry place away from light and resealing the packaging securely after opening.
First check the policy of the school or childcare setting. The Dutch Association for Public Education explains that schools can set their own rules about what pupils may hand out as treats; an individual wrapper doesn’t tell you what those rules are.