Who is this choice relevant to?

If Fairtrade is a must-have

You want to see that the cocoa in your chosen biscuit variety is Fairtrade, or that the specified ingredients have been traded under Fairtrade terms. A general sustainability claim isn’t enough for you.

If you’re filling small calendar compartments

You’re looking for biscuits that you can divide across several days. The number of portions, the packaging and the space in each compartment all determine whether a product is practical.

If you need to check allergens for the recipient

You need the ingredients list and allergen warnings from the actual pack you choose before putting a biscuit in the calendar.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the Fairtrade claim for the exact biscuit variety. Then check whether the portions will fit, which allergens are listed on the pack and how many packs you’ll need for the calendar.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade claim Check whether the current packaging mentions Fairtrade cocoa or states which ingredients have been traded under Fairtrade terms. If Fairtrade is a firm requirement for me, I want to know that the claim applies to this biscuit variety. Around 31% of consumers prioritise a product-specific claim.
Portions and fit Count the compartments and compare their dimensions with the packaged portions and the number of biscuits. For small compartments, I want to be able to divide up the treats without damaging a portion. Around 25% of consumers consider a practical fit the most important factor.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the pack of the variety you choose. If I’m filling the calendar for someone with a relevant allergy, the information on the pack needs to guide my choice. This check is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.
Quantity and availability Work out how many packs you need and check current availability and the best-before date. I want to have enough suitable portions when I fill the calendar. Around 19% of consumers give this planning the highest priority.

Common mistakes when choosing advent calendar treats

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    Albert Heijn lists both certifications for cocoa in its own-brand products; Lotus Bakeries mentions Rainforest Alliance for cocoa ingredients in specific product ranges. Neither confirms the Fairtrade status of an individual biscuit.

    If Fairtrade is a condition of your purchase, look for an explicit claim on the exact variety you want to buy.

  • Relying on the product photo for allergen information

    According to the product information, Verkade Lange Nekken milk chocolate contains milk, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other ingredients; it may also contain egg and nuts. A photo doesn’t necessarily show the information on the pack you’ll receive.

    Read the ingredients and warnings on the physical packaging before putting the biscuits in the calendar.

  • Assuming packs with the same product name are identical

    Albert Heijn describes a 150 g pack of Verkade Lange Nekken, while Joybuy describes a pack of 10. These descriptions alone don’t show that the contents and product format are the same.

    Compare the full product name, contents, ingredients and allergen information on the pack you actually choose.

Brands to consider

Verkade

Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade cocoa for Verkade Lange Nekken milk chocolate and describes it as individually wrapped in pairs.

  • The twin portions could be handy for dividing biscuits between calendar compartments, as long as they fit.
  • The variety listed contains several allergens and may contain egg and nuts; check the current packaging for the recipient.

Albert Heijn eigen merk

According to Albert Heijn, the cocoa in its own-brand products is Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified.

  • The product information can help you check the certification of a specific own-brand variety.
  • This general statement doesn’t automatically make an individual own-brand biscuit a Fairtrade choice.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Bakeries mentions Rainforest Alliance certification for cocoa ingredients in some products, including its Biscoff chocolate bars. This claim doesn’t relate to the Fairtrade status of regular Lotus Biscoff biscuits.

  • If you’re also considering another cocoa certification, check which ingredients the claim applies to for each product.
  • Don’t use the claim about chocolate bars as proof that the biscuits are Fairtrade.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Matching products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether a biscuit meets my Fairtrade requirement?

Look for an explicit Fairtrade claim on the current packaging or product page, covering the cocoa or clearly specified ingredients. A general sustainability claim or Rainforest Alliance certification alone won’t meet a strict Fairtrade requirement.

Is an organic biscuit automatically Fairtrade?

No. Organic and Fairtrade are separate claims. Jumbo states that the dark chocolate and cane sugar in Bio+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits have been traded under Fairtrade terms, accounting for 47% combined. For any product, check which ingredients each claim applies to.

Which allergens should I check in Verkade Lange Nekken?

Check the full allergen information on the pack of the variety you choose. The product information for Verkade Lange Nekken milk chocolate lists milk, barley, oats, wheat and soya, among other ingredients, and states that it may contain egg and nuts.

What should I check if I’m putting the biscuits in the calendar before December?

Follow the best-before date and storage instructions on the actual packaging. Also check that the portions fit in the calendar compartments while still sealed and undamaged.