Who is this relevant to?

Students who check certification labels

You want a caramel waffle with a Fairtrade claim you can verify. A standard caramel waffle or another biscuit labelled only as containing Fairtrade cocoa won’t necessarily meet that need.

Snackers who want to manage their portions

For a study session, you want to know how many to take and what the nutritional value is per portion, rather than judging by the size of the pack alone.

Shoppers who need to check allergens

You’re buying for yourself or someone else who needs to avoid certain ingredients. In that case, the label on the pack you actually buy is what matters.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the Fairtrade claim if it’s a must-have for you. Then compare portions, and if you have allergies or intolerances, always read the current label.

What to check What should you check? Who is this important for?
Fairtrade claim Read the exact claim on the current packaging. Does it apply to sugar, for example, or another ingredient? If Fairtrade is the main reason I’m choosing this caramel waffle, I want to know exactly what the claim applies to. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this.
Portion and nutritional value Compare the portion size and the energy and sugars listed per portion. For a study break, I want to decide in advance how many caramel waffles I’ll have. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re buying, including any warnings about cross-contamination. If I need to avoid an allergen, I don’t want to rely on a general product name or out-of-date online information. Around 25% of consumers give this check the highest priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a Fairtrade cocoa claim applies to every ingredient

    According to Fairtrade International, under the Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient model, the other ingredients in a composite product don’t have to be Fairtrade.

    As well as checking the certification label, see which ingredient is named. For example, PLUS describes its Choco Fairtrade waffle as containing Fairtrade cocoa. It’s also an egg waffle with hazelnut-flavoured filling, not a caramel waffle.

  • Assuming a product listing means it’s currently available

    The Jumbo page for Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels mentions Fairtrade sugar ingredients, but also says the product is no longer in the online range.

    Before buying, check availability and the information on the current packaging.

  • Confusing Fairtrade with nutritional value

    A Fairtrade claim doesn’t tell you how much energy or sugar a caramel waffle contains. The Voedingscentrum lists 189 kcal for an average extra-large caramel waffle weighing 40 g; the exact product may differ.

    Decide on your portion in advance and check the nutritional information for the caramel waffles you buy.

  • Relying on the product name alone if you have allergies

    Caramel waffles and other waffles can contain different allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.

    Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the packaging itself.

Relevant brands and retailers

Fair Trade Original

The Jumbo listing for Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels names cane sugar and invert sugar syrup traded under Fairtrade terms.

  • The claim specifies the sugar ingredients it applies to.
  • Jumbo says this pack is no longer in its online range.

Daelmans

Albert Heijn lists a 290 g pack of Daelmans caramel waffles containing ten pieces.

  • The product page provides information about portions, ingredients and allergens.
  • The mention of RSPO-certified palm oil is not a Fairtrade claim.

Jumbo

Jumbo has a caramel waffle category and a product listing for Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels.

  • The listing for these mini caramel waffles specifies which sugar ingredients are covered by the Fairtrade claim.
  • The product listing says this pack is no longer in the online range.

PLUS

PLUS describes its Choco Fairtrade waffle as containing Fairtrade cocoa.

  • The product claim identifies cocoa as the Fairtrade ingredient.
  • The product is described as egg waffles with hazelnut-flavoured filling, so it isn’t a caramel waffle.

Lidl

Lidl lists Sondey butter caramel waffles and mini butter caramel waffles.

  • The product listings distinguish between the standard and mini versions.
  • Lidl’s general Fairtrade programme doesn’t in itself mean these caramel waffles carry a Fairtrade claim; check the label on the specific product.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘Fairtrade cocoa’ mean all the ingredients are Fairtrade?

No. Fairtrade International explains that under the Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient model, the claim applies to the selected Fairtrade ingredient; the other ingredients don’t have to be Fairtrade. So check which ingredient the packaging names in the claim.

Can I order Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels online from Jumbo?

The Jumbo product page says this pack is no longer in the online range. So the Fairtrade claim for the sugar ingredients doesn’t tell you whether it’s currently available; check again before buying.

Where can I check the allergens in caramel waffles?

Read the label on the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that legally specified allergens must be listed on prepacked foods; also look for any warnings about cross-contamination.

Does a Fairtrade claim tell me anything about the nutritional value of a caramel waffle?

No. The claim concerns the trading terms for the product or an ingredient, not its energy or sugar content. For a study snack, compare the portion and nutritional information on the packaging; values vary by product and size.