Parents looking specifically for Fairtrade
You want to check whether the cocoa in a biscuit is Fairtrade before comparing flavours or brands.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Parents who need to check for allergens
Cereals containing gluten, milk, soya, peanuts or the possible presence of nuts may all be important. A Fairtrade claim doesn’t replace checking the label.
Families looking for a lunchbox portion
If you’re packing a biscuit for one lunch occasion, a pack of two may be more convenient than an assortment you have to portion yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing a biscuit for school, check the certification, the label and any school rules. Then choose between a pack for one lunch occasion and an assortment for several occasions.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade cocoa | Look for the Fairtrade or Fairtrade Cocoa claim on the specific product. Rainforest Alliance is a different certification. | If Fairtrade is essential to my choice, I want to know whether the cocoa in this particular biscuit meets that requirement. Around 34% of consumers put this check first. |
| Allergens and school rules | Check both the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack. Also check the rules that apply in the classroom. | If there’s an allergy or a classroom rule to consider, I want to avoid sending in an unsuitable biscuit. Allergens and school rules are the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Individually wrapped portions | Check how many biscuits are wrapped together and whether the pack is suitable for one lunch occasion. | I want to be able to pack a lunch portion without having to take biscuits out of a larger pack each time. Around 20% of consumers give this convenience top priority. |
| Assortment | Check what’s included and the allergen information for each type of biscuit. | When packing for several lunch occasions, I want a choice of biscuits without losing sight of whether each type is suitable. Stocking up and variety matter most to around 13% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade
Lotus Bakeries Netherlands states that the cocoa in its Biscoff chocolate products is Rainforest Alliance Certified. This doesn’t confirm that the cocoa is Fairtrade.
If Fairtrade is a firm requirement for your choice, check the certification on the exact product.
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Skipping the allergen check once you’ve seen the certification
Verkade Lange Nekken contain cereals containing gluten, milk and soya; the PLUS assortment also contains peanuts. A Fairtrade claim says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Compare the ingredients and warnings on the pack with the child’s needs and the classroom rules.
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Choosing an assortment without checking each type
More variety also means checking each type of biscuit if they’re not all suitable for the same child.
Choose an assortment only if the relevant types meet your allergen requirements and the school rules.
Brands to consider
Verkade
Worth considering if you’re looking for a biscuit made with Fairtrade cocoa. Fairtrade Netherlands says that the cocoa in Verkade biscuits is Fairtrade.
- Albert Heijn says that Lange Nekken biscuits are packaged in pairs.
- Lange Nekken contain cereals containing gluten, milk and soya, and may contain egg and nuts.
PLUS
The PLUS Fairtrade biscuit assortment is a 300 g variety pack labelled Fairtrade Cocoa.
- An assortment offers different types of biscuits for several lunch occasions.
- The assortment reviewed contains wheat, egg, peanuts, soya and milk, among other ingredients, and may contain various nuts.
Lotus Biscoff
Worth considering if you’re also looking at other cocoa certifications. Lotus Bakeries Netherlands states that its Biscoff chocolate products are Rainforest Alliance Certified.
- The claim makes clear which cocoa certification Lotus lists for these chocolate products.
- Rainforest Alliance doesn’t confirm that the cocoa is Fairtrade. The products reviewed contain wheat, soya and milk.
Biscuits for one lunch occasion on Joybuy
This selection features Verkade Long Necks: biscuit sticks packaged in pairs for anyone looking for Fairtrade cocoa and an easy-to-pack portion. Check the label and school rules before packing them.
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Verkade Long Necks – 10 pcs
For anyone looking to pack biscuit sticks made with Fairtrade cocoa in pairs; according to Fairtrade Netherlands, the cocoa in Verkade biscuits is Fairtrade.
Contains cereals containing gluten, milk and soya; may contain egg and nuts. Check the current packaging for the child who’ll be taking the biscuit to school.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rainforest Alliance the same as Fairtrade on chocolate biscuits?
No, they’re different certifications. Lotus Bakeries Netherlands states that its Biscoff chocolate products are Rainforest Alliance Certified. If you specifically want Fairtrade cocoa, look for the Fairtrade or Fairtrade Cocoa claim on the product in question.
Can you pack any biscuit in a school lunchbox?
Don’t assume the rules are the same at every school or in every class. Check the school handbook and any classroom rules about lunches and allergens, or ask the teacher. Rules about treats don’t automatically apply to packed lunches.
Why should I read the label on a familiar biscuit too?
The packaging for the exact variety you’re sending in has the information you need to check the ingredients and allergens. Look for both listed allergens and warnings about possible traces.
Is a gluten-free chocolate biscuit suitable for every allergy?
No. The product information for Verkade GV Oaties Milk Chocolate describes the biscuit as gluten-free, but also lists milk, oats and soya, and says it may contain nuts. Check the current packaging for all allergens relevant to the child.