Who are these considerations important for?

Readers of Fairtrade labels

You want to know whether the claim applies to the finished biscuit or to an ingredient such as cocoa. Fairtrade International and Keurmerkenwijzer distinguish between these uses of the label.

Commuters who want to take a small portion with them

You’re looking for packaging you can take along for one coffee break without opening a large pack. Albert Heijn describes Verkade Lange Nekken milk chocolate biscuits as individually wrapped in pairs.

Coffee drinkers who also read the label

As well as the Fairtrade claim, you want to be able to check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. A label covering trading terms doesn’t replace this product information.

What should you look for when choosing?

Decide which Fairtrade claim you’re looking for, then compare the packaging and label for your coffee break on the go.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Scope of the Fairtrade claim Look at the logo and read whether the explanation refers to the finished biscuit or just an ingredient such as cocoa. Fairtrade International and Keurmerkenwijzer distinguish between these claims. If I specifically want to choose Fairtrade, I want to know what the claim applies to. For around 40% of consumers, this clarity comes first.
Portion and packaging Check how many biscuits are wrapped together and whether that portion will fit in your bag. For one coffee on the go, I want to be able to take a small portion without opening the rest of a pack. This convenience is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and check the allergens highlighted on the current packaging. If I need to avoid an ingredient, I must be able to check the label before eating a biscuit. Around 20% of consumers put this check first.
Nutritional information Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and, if provided, per portion; pay particular attention to sugars and saturated fat. With my coffee, I want to take the nutritional value of the portion into account, separately from the Fairtrade label. For around 10% of consumers, this matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking another sustainability claim for Fairtrade

    Organic certification or Rainforest Alliance certification isn’t the same as a Fairtrade claim. If you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade cocoa, you can’t infer that from a different logo.

    Look for the Fairtrade logo or an explicit Fairtrade statement, and check which ingredient or product the claim covers.

  • Going by the front of the pack alone

    A Fairtrade statement, or a reference to coffee, won’t tell you which allergens the biscuit contains or what its nutritional value is.

    Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information on the pack you’re buying. If possible, check the portion you plan to take with you too.

Brands to consider

Verkade

Albert Heijn describes Verkade Lange Nekken milk chocolate biscuits as biscuits made with Fairtrade cocoa and wrapped in pairs.

  • The small pack is a practical option to consider for coffee on the go.
  • The Fairtrade cocoa statement doesn’t prove that all the biscuit’s ingredients are Fairtrade. Check the current label for allergens too.

Bio+

Jumbo describes Bio+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits as organic chocolate biscuits with a specific Fairtrade claim.

  • According to Jumbo’s product information, the dark chocolate and cane sugar are traded on Fairtrade terms and together make up 47%.
  • Consider the stated ingredient claim separately from the organic certification, and check the current packaging before choosing.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Bakeries presents Lotus Biscoff speculoos biscuits as a coffee accompaniment.

  • The coffee pairing makes the brand relevant when you’re comparing biscuits for this purpose.
  • The Rainforest Alliance certification mentioned by Lotus Bakeries applies to cocoa in certain other product ranges; it isn’t a Fairtrade claim for a Biscoff biscuit.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Fairtrade logo on a biscuit mean that every ingredient is Fairtrade?

No. According to Fairtrade International, the label for composite products applies to ingredients available on Fairtrade terms. Keurmerkenwijzer explains that a logo with a white background can refer specifically to a Fairtrade-certified ingredient, so read the explanation on the packaging.

Where can I find allergen information on a packaged biscuit?

Check the ingredients list on the packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that, by law, allergens must be clearly identified there on prepacked foods.

Does Fairtrade tell me anything about the nutritional value of a chocolate biscuit?

No. A Fairtrade claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar, fat or fibre the biscuit contains. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and, if available, per portion.

Can I rely on a product page for ingredient and allergen information?

Use a product page to shortlist products, but check the pack you buy as well. Ingredients and allergen information can change; Albert Heijn makes this clear in its information about Verkade Lange Nekken milk chocolate biscuits too.