Who are these points relevant to?

Parents who want to check the Fairtrade claim

You’re looking for a specific claim about the cocoa or chocolate in your chosen biscuit, rather than relying on a general promise from the brand or retailer.

Party organisers catering for allergies

You ask about dietary requirements in advance and compare them with the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging.

Parents who want to hand out small treats

You want to match the number of biscuits to the group and check that the treat fits any rules set by the school or after-school club.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the Fairtrade claim on the exact biscuit and ask about dietary requirements in the group before you buy. Then use the number of biscuits or portions shown on the packaging to plan your treats.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate Look for the Fairtrade claim on the packaging or current product page for the exact biscuit. Also read any information about traceability. If Fairtrade cocoa is my main requirement, I want to see that claim on the product I choose. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Allergens and dietary requirements Ask about dietary requirements and compare them with the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. When I’m handing out treats to children with different dietary requirements, the biscuit I choose needs to meet their needs. Around 33% of consumers say this is their top priority.
Small portions Check the number of biscuits or portions in the pack and ask about any rules for treats at the school or after-school club. I want to give each child a small treat without having lots of biscuits left over. For around 25% of consumers, planning the portions is their main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a brand’s policy for a Fairtrade claim on the biscuit

    A general sustainability claim doesn’t confirm that the cocoa in a specific biscuit meets Fairtrade requirements. Fairtrade International also explains that Fairtrade cocoa doesn’t automatically mean full physical traceability.

    Check the claim on the exact product and read any information about the cocoa’s traceability.

  • Assuming the Fairtrade mark means you don’t need to check allergens

    A Fairtrade claim tells you nothing about allergens. Albert Heijn’s product information for Verkade Chocorondjes melkchocolade lists milk and wheat, and also warns that other allergens may be present.

    Ask about dietary requirements in the group and compare them with the current packaging. If necessary, choose a suitable alternative for those children.

  • Treating an old product listing as a current buying option

    Jumbo describes the Fairtrade requirements for the chocolate and cane sugar in Bio+ Fair Chocolade Koekjes, but also says that the product is no longer part of its online range.

    When planning the party, check separately whether the biscuit you want is actually available to order.

  • Buying more biscuits than you plan to hand out

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing a small biscuit if you’re handing out biscuits or sweets, and suggests taking the number of children attending into account.

    Count the children, work out the portions and allow for any agreed alternatives and rules set by the school or after-school club.

Brands to consider

Verkade

For Verkade Chocorondjes melkchocolade, Albert Heijn mentions Fairtrade milk chocolate and FairTrade COCOA.

  • The Fairtrade claim applies to a specific chocolate biscuit.
  • The listed variety contains milk and wheat; check the current packaging for ‘may contain’ warnings too.

Bio+

For Bio+ Fair Chocolade Koekjes, Jumbo says that the dark chocolate and cane sugar are traded in accordance with Fairtrade requirements.

  • The product listing names the ingredients covered by the Fairtrade requirements.
  • Jumbo says that this product is no longer part of its online range.

Galler

For Galler Puur koekjes, Albert Heijn states that the cocoa is 100% Fairtrade-certified. This is a dark chocolate product with a biscuit filling, not a standard biscuit to hand out.

  • The product listing specifies the Fairtrade status of the cocoa.
  • Albert Heijn marks the product as discontinued; the product information lists hazelnuts, milk, wheat and barley, among other ingredients.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff is a speculoos biscuit. Lotus Bakeries mentions Rainforest Alliance certification for the cocoa or chocolate in certain products, but this doesn’t confirm Fairtrade status for a specific Biscoff biscuit.

  • It’s easy to distinguish this type of biscuit from one that explicitly states it contains Fairtrade chocolate.
  • If Fairtrade cocoa is a requirement, check for a claim on the exact Biscoff variety.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a chocolate biscuit contains Fairtrade cocoa?

Check the packaging or current product page for the exact biscuit for an explicit mention of Fairtrade cocoa, Fairtrade chocolate or the Fairtrade mark. A general sustainability claim from the retailer or brand isn’t a substitute.

Is Fairtrade cocoa always physically traceable in the biscuit?

No. Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa: Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade cocoa can be mixed during processing, while the volumes bought and sold are monitored. If this distinction matters to your choice, read any information about traceability alongside the Fairtrade mark.

Should I check allergens in individually wrapped biscuits for a children’s party?

Yes. Compare the allergen information on the current packaging with the dietary requirements of the children who’ll be eating them. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the label; also check for any ‘may contain’ warnings.

What should I check if I want to hand out biscuits at school or an after-school club?

Ask about the venue’s rules for treats, as well as any allergies or other dietary requirements in the group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing a small biscuit if you’re handing out biscuits or sweets.

How do I work out how many biscuits I need?

Count how many children are taking part and compare that number with the number of biscuits or portions in the pack. Also allow for any separate alternatives you’ve agreed for children with dietary requirements, so you don’t buy more than you need.