Party organiser looking to identify Fairtrade cocoa
You want to be able to see exactly what the Fairtrade claim applies to on the chocolate biscuit you choose for your Christmas party, rather than relying on the brand’s image.
Who is this guide for?
Party organiser with guests who need to check allergens
You’re serving several people and want to check the allergens in each biscuit, as well as any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging.
Organiser of a small gathering
You’re looking for a pack whose portion count or packaging will help you plan a plate of biscuits or individual treats.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check the Fairtrade claim for the specific biscuit. Then make sure the allergen information and serving size suit your guests and how you plan to serve the biscuits.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade cocoa | Look for a Fairtrade or FairTrade Cocoa claim on your chosen variant, and check that it refers to the cocoa. | I want to be able to show my guests what the Fairtrade claim is based on. For around 42% of consumers, a verifiable Fairtrade cocoa claim is the top priority. |
| Allergens | Check both the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. | If guests need to avoid certain allergens, I want to know whether the biscuit is suitable for them before serving it. Around 33% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Serving size | Compare the pack contents, number of portions and packaging with how you plan to serve the biscuits. | For a plate of biscuits or individual treats, I want to know in advance how many I can serve. This is the most important consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Taking a general sustainability claim as proof of Fairtrade certification
Albert Heijn says the cocoa in its own-brand products is certified by either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade. That doesn’t tell you which certification applies to an individual chocolate biscuit.
If Fairtrade cocoa is a requirement, check the claim on the product you’ve chosen or its current packaging.
-
Overlooking allergens because the biscuit seems suitable for your guests
The Verkade variants mentioned list allergens and warnings that differ by product. A Fairtrade cocoa claim doesn’t tell you whether a biscuit is suitable for a guest who needs to avoid an allergen.
Check every pack before serving, and check any alternatives separately too.
-
Assuming a product listing guarantees that it’s in stock
A product page may still be visible even when a biscuit is unavailable. So, when shopping for a party, the timing of your order matters.
Check current stock and delivery options before relying on that product.
Brands and retailers to consider
A brand or retailer can be a starting point when choosing, but you should still check the Fairtrade claim, ingredients and allergens for each biscuit.
Verkade
Albert Heijn’s product information lists Fairtrade cocoa or FairTrade Cocoa for Chocorondjes and Lange Nekken.
- For these specific chocolate biscuits, you can consider the cocoa claim alongside information about serving size.
- Check the current variant and packaging: the Fairtrade claim doesn’t automatically apply to every ingredient, and allergens vary by biscuit.
Albert Heijn
The retailer provides product information for the Verkade biscuits mentioned above, as well as details of its own-brand cocoa policy.
- Individual product pages make it easier to compare packaging, ingredients, allergens and cocoa claims.
- According to Albert Heijn, its own-brand cocoa is certified by either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade. If you’re buying an own-brand biscuit, check which certification actually applies.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Biscoff makes chocolate-coated speculoos for anyone who’s mainly looking for this type of biscuit.
- Lotus Bakeries Nederland lists chocolate as an ingredient in this variant and provides ingredient information.
- If you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade cocoa, check the packaging of your chosen product for the relevant claim.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a selection of chocolate biscuits, making it easy to browse different types and pack sizes.
- Browsing the range can help you find options for a plate of biscuits.
- Being listed in the chocolate biscuit category doesn’t confirm that a product contains Fairtrade cocoa; check the individual product label.
Lidl
Lidl explains its Fairtrade policy for its Way To Go chocolate range and also sells biscuits under the Sondey name.
- The Way To Go information is useful if you’re also considering chocolate products outside the biscuit category.
- A Fairtrade claim on chocolate bars doesn’t automatically apply to a Sondey chocolate biscuit.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify Fairtrade cocoa in a chocolate biscuit for my Christmas party?
Check the current packaging or product page for a Fairtrade or FairTrade Cocoa claim on the specific variant. Albert Heijn lists this for Verkade Chocorondjes and Lange Nekken; a general claim about the brand isn’t a substitute for checking.
Is an Albert Heijn own-brand chocolate biscuit automatically Fairtrade?
No, that doesn’t follow from Albert Heijn’s cocoa policy. The retailer says its own-brand cocoa is certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade, so if Fairtrade is essential to you, check the claim on the biscuit you want to buy.
Which allergens should I check before serving chocolate biscuits?
Check the current ingredients and warnings against the allergens relevant to your guests. The Verkade biscuits mentioned list, among other things, milk and cereals containing gluten, while other ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings vary by variant.
How should I store Verkade Chocorondjes after opening?
Follow the instructions on the Verkade Chocorondjes packaging. Albert Heijn’s product information says to store them in a cool, dry place and keep them in a sealed pack after opening.