Shoppers who look for certification
You want to know whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the cocoa, chocolate or several ingredients in the biscuit.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers with a food allergy or intolerance
As well as checking the Fairtrade claim, you should check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings in the latest product details and on the packaging.
Online grocery shoppers
You’re looking for a biscuit you can actually have delivered or collect, so check availability for your postcode.
What should you look for when choosing?
Biscuit made with Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate
A good fit if: the Fairtrade origin of the cocoa or chocolate is what matters most to you.
Bear in mind: this claim alone doesn’t mean the other ingredients are Fairtrade. Check the allergen information too.
Biscuit with several named Fairtrade ingredients
A good fit if: you want to see which individual ingredients are covered by the Fairtrade claim.
Bear in mind: according to Albert Heijn, the Handmade Bio Brazil nut and date biscuit lists four Fairtrade ingredients, making up 46% of the product. However, it is listed as no longer in the range. Use this information to compare claims, not as confirmation that you can order the biscuit now.
If you’re choosing biscuits online and considering Fairtrade, a few different factors may influence your decision:
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| What the Fairtrade claim covers | Check whether the claim applies to cocoa, chocolate or several named ingredients. Look for a stated overall percentage. | I want to know whether the Fairtrade claim matches what I consider a suitable choice. For around 36% of consumers, this is the most important factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings in the latest product details and on the packaging. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the Fairtrade claim can’t determine my choice until I’ve checked the ingredients. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Delivery or collection | Check current availability and the delivery or collection options for your postcode. | I need a biscuit I can actually have delivered or collect with my online grocery shopping. Around 21% of consumers put availability to order first. |
| Packaging and portions | Compare the net weight, number of biscuits and type of packaging. | For sharing or eating on the go, I want packaging that suits the occasion. This is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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Assuming a Fairtrade cocoa claim applies to the whole biscuit
A biscuit contains more than cocoa. Fairtrade International distinguishes between a claim for a specific ingredient and information about the Fairtrade ingredients in a composite product.
Read the exact claim and check which ingredients are named on the packaging or in the full product information.
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Confusing a Fairtrade claim with allergen information
The biscuit examples reviewed contain ingredients such as milk and wheat. Other allergens or ‘may contain’ warnings may also apply to individual varieties.
Check the allergen information for your chosen variety before you check out. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label.
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Assuming a product page confirms delivery
A product listing may remain online even if the item is no longer in the range, or it may only be shown for in-store shopping. Delivery and collection options can also vary by location.
Just before checking out, make sure this particular variety is available for your postcode. If you choose an alternative, check its Fairtrade claim and ingredients again.
Relevant brands to compare
Verkade
For the Verkade chocolate biscuits reviewed, Albert Heijn mentions Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate in the product information.
- For Chocorondjes and Lange Nekken, you can compare the claim for your chosen variety with the ingredients list.
- A claim about cocoa or chocolate doesn’t automatically apply to every ingredient. Check the allergens for each variety too.
Handmade Bio / Banketbakkerij van Strien
The Brazil nut and date biscuit is an example of a product for which Albert Heijn names the Fairtrade ingredients individually.
- According to Albert Heijn, these are cane sugar, dates, Brazil nuts and vanilla, making up 46% of the product.
- Albert Heijn lists the product as no longer in the range. It contains milk, wheat and Brazil nuts.
ALDI Winterkoeken
ALDI mentions Fairtrade cocoa in its Winter Kransen with chocolate flavour.
- The product information explicitly identifies the cocoa as covered by the Fairtrade claim.
- The page refers to in-store shopping and presents it as a winter product. Check current availability and how to order it separately.
Biscuits on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does Fairtrade cocoa mean the whole biscuit is Fairtrade?
No, not necessarily: the claim may apply to the cocoa alone. Fairtrade International distinguishes between claims for a specific ingredient and information about Fairtrade ingredients in a composite product, so read the explanation on the packaging.
Which allergens should I check before ordering biscuits online?
Check the latest product details and packaging for any allergens relevant to you. According to Albert Heijn, the Verkade examples mentioned contain milk and wheat. Lange Nekken also lists soya, and may contain egg and nuts. Don’t rely on the Fairtrade logo or product photo alone.
Can I have a biscuit delivered just because it has an online product page?
A product page doesn’t confirm that delivery is available to your address. When you check out, check stock and the delivery or collection options for your postcode, even if you’ve seen the product online before.
Is a biscuit with Fairtrade ingredients automatically organic, vegan or gluten-free?
No, these are separate characteristics that you need to check for each product. According to Albert Heijn, the Handmade Bio Brazil nut and date biscuit lists Fairtrade ingredients, but also contains milk and wheat. The Fairtrade claim alone therefore doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for those dietary requirements.