Who is this choice relevant to?

For shoppers checking for Fairtrade cocoa

You’re looking for a chocolate biscuit to enjoy on the go and want to be able to find the Fairtrade claim on the packaging or product page for that exact variant.

For portion planners

You’d rather take a small pack or individually portioned biscuits than a large pack that’s been opened. The packaging and the amount you take with you will determine what’s practical.

For label readers

You want to check the ingredients and allergens, or compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving before taking a biscuit with you.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the Fairtrade claim for the specific biscuit. Then compare the packaging and read the label for portion size, nutritional information and allergens.

What to look for What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Fairtrade cocoa Look for a Fairtrade cocoa claim on the packaging or product page for the exact variant. A general cocoa sourcing policy isn’t enough. I want to know whether the cocoa in this particular biscuit is covered by a Fairtrade claim, not just whether the retailer sources sustainable cocoa. For around 42% of consumers, checking the specific product comes first.
Packaging and portion size Compare the net weight and check whether the biscuits are individually wrapped or packed in pairs. I find it inconvenient to take a large, opened pack with me; I’m looking for packaging that makes it easy to take the portion I have in mind. This convenience is the deciding factor for around 33% of consumers.
Allergens and nutritional information Read the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current label. Compare sugars, saturated fat and energy per 100 g and per serving. Before packing a chocolate biscuit, I want to be able to decide whether its ingredients and my portion suit my needs. Around 25% of consumers make this check their first priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a sustainability policy means every biscuit is Fairtrade

    Lidl lists several certification schemes for its own-brand cocoa, including Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and organic certification. That doesn’t tell you which claim appears on an individual chocolate biscuit.

    Check the packaging or product page for the flavour and variant you’re buying for a Fairtrade claim.

  • Thinking of a Fairtrade biscuit as sports nutrition

    A Fairtrade cocoa claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar, saturated fat or energy is in your portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that many snacks are worth checking for these factors.

    Check the nutritional information per serving if you want to see how the biscuit fits into your diet.

  • Reading only the front of the pack

    Ingredients and allergens vary between chocolate biscuits. Albert Heijn’s product information lists milk and gluten-containing cereals, among other things, for the Verkade variants discussed here.

    If you have an allergy, read the label on the pack you’re actually using, including any relevant ‘may contain’ warnings.

  • Assuming a product listing means it’s currently in stock

    Jumbo’s product page states that the ingredients in Bio+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits meet Fairtrade conditions, but also says the product is no longer part of its online range.

    Before choosing this variant, check whether the exact pack is available.

Brands and retailers to consider

Verkade

Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade cocoa for specific Verkade chocolate biscuits, including Choco s'mores, Lange Nekken and Chocorondjes.

  • For these variants, you can weigh up the Fairtrade claim alongside the packaging: compact, packed in pairs or in a larger pack.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each variant on the current packaging.

Lotus

Lotus provides product information for Biscoff Chocolade. Chocolate with Biscoff isn’t necessarily the same as a Fairtrade chocolate biscuit.

  • For a Lotus product you’re considering, you can check the ingredients and nutritional information for that variant.
  • Only consider a Lotus product a Fairtrade option for this choice if the claim appears on the exact chocolate biscuit.

Albert Heijn

Product pages for several Verkade biscuits list Fairtrade cocoa and details that can help you compare the packaging and ingredients.

  • The information relates to individual products rather than just a general brand policy.
  • If you have allergies, the label on the pack you receive is still important, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo states that the dark chocolate and cane sugar in Bio+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits have been traded under Fairtrade conditions.

  • This claim relates to a specific 140 g biscuit product.
  • According to the product page, this product is no longer part of the online range. Check availability before counting on it.

Lidl

Lidl says its own-brand cocoa is sourced from certified sustainable agriculture, with several possible certifications.

  • The policy gives you a starting point for checking individual products.
  • Fairtrade isn’t the only certification mentioned, so check each chocolate biscuit individually.

ALDI

ALDI lists both a Fairtrade range and individual Biscotto chocolate biscuits, packed in pairs.

  • The twin-pack is a practical detail to consider when choosing a snack for your gym bag.
  • A Fairtrade claim for the range doesn’t confirm that individual Biscotto biscuits have the same status.

Joybuy products

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify a Fairtrade option when choosing chocolate biscuits?

Check for a Fairtrade cocoa claim or the relevant certification mark on the packaging or product page for the exact variant. A retailer’s general sustainability claim doesn’t prove that every biscuit is Fairtrade.

Is a Fairtrade chocolate biscuit also sports nutrition?

No. A Fairtrade claim doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable as sports nutrition. Compare the portion size and nutritional information if you want to decide whether to take the biscuit as a treat.

Which allergens should I check in a chocolate biscuit?

Read the allergen information for the exact variant on the current label. The Verkade biscuits discussed here list milk and gluten-containing cereals, among other things. Other ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings can vary by product.

How should I take chocolate biscuits in a gym bag?

Take the portion you want to eat and keep the packaging sealed and dry. The product information for the Verkade biscuits discussed here recommends storing them in a cool, dry place, so be mindful of heat in your bag or car too.