Those who consciously choose Fairtrade cocoa
You want to put out biscuits for the film that state that the cocoa or chocolate in that specific product is Fairtrade. Check the packaging to see which ingredients the claim applies to.
Who might be interested in these biscuits?
Those who choose based on flavour and texture
You’re looking for biscuits to share and want to choose between options such as a crisp piped biscuit, one filled with milk cream or a coconut variety.
Those who check labels for their guests
You want to know which allergens and precautionary allergen warnings are on the packaging before serving. This is especially important if someone in your group has a food allergy.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the exact Fairtrade claim if the origin of the cocoa is a deciding factor for you. Then choose a biscuit style that suits your group and check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade cocoa | Check whether FairTrade Cocoa, Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate is mentioned, and which part of the biscuit the claim applies to. | If I consciously choose Fairtrade cocoa, I want to be able to find the claim on the specific biscuit. For around 42% of consumers, this check would be the most important purchase criterion. |
| Biscuit style and flavour | Compare crisp and filled options, and consider the flavour, net weight and size you want to share. | For a platter to enjoy during the film, I want to choose a texture and flavour that suit the group. For around 33% of consumers, biscuit style would be the main consideration. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Check the ingredients and any precautionary allergen warnings on the packaging; compare nutritional values per 100 g and, if stated, per serving. | If a guest has an allergy or I want to compare nutritional values, the label matters more than the flavour. For around 25% of consumers, this would be their first consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a Fairtrade cocoa claim applies to the whole biscuit
Fairtrade International describes its cocoa standard as applying to cocoa and processed cocoa. So a claim for Fairtrade cocoa or a chocolate coating does not automatically say anything about the other ingredients.
Check which cocoa or chocolate component is named for the specific product, and look for the same claim on the packaging.
-
Serving biscuits without checking for allergens
Ingredients and precautionary allergen warnings vary from one biscuit to another. Relying only on the product name or image could mean you miss information that matters to a guest.
Ask your guests about allergies in advance, and check the ingredients and warnings on the physical packaging before serving.
-
Confusing Fairtrade with nutritional value
A Fairtrade claim does not tell you about sugars, fats or energy. Albert Heijn’s product information lists Verkade Chocorondjes as containing 527 kcal and 17 g of saturated fat per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional information and serving size separately if they matter to your choice.
-
Assuming online availability will remain the same
A particular biscuit may not be available by the time you order it, even if it was when you started planning your film night.
Check shortly before buying whether your chosen variety is available to order and can be delivered in time.
Brands to consider
Verkade
Verkade says that the brand uses Fairtrade cocoa in the chocolate coatings on its biscuits. Product pages from Albert Heijn and Joybuy list FairTrade Cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate for specific varieties.
- There are varieties with different textures and flavours, including filled biscuits, piped biscuits and coconut biscuits.
- Check which part the Fairtrade claim applies to for each variety, and read the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Compare biscuits with a Fairtrade claim
This editorial selection puts a filled biscuit alongside a crisp piped biscuit and a coconut variety, each with a claim for Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate on the product page mentioned. The numbers are not an external quality ranking; choose the biscuit style you’d like to share.
| Number | Biscuit | Features | Why consider it? | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verkade Chocorondjes milk chocolate, 150 g | 25% milk cream filling; coated with 17% milk chocolate. | For anyone who wants a filled biscuit: Albert Heijn lists this composition and the FairTrade Cocoa claim for this variety. Check the packaging for allergens. | Albert Heijn |
| 2 | Verkade Nobo Spritzed Milk Chocolate, 150 g | Piped biscuit with a milk chocolate coating. | For anyone who’d rather share a crisp piped biscuit than a filled one. Joybuy’s product information mentions Fairtrade milk chocolate; check the current packaging. | Joybuy |
| 3 | Verkade Nizza coconut milk chocolate with sugar coating, 177 g | Coconut variety with milk chocolate and a sugar coating. | For anyone specifically looking for coconut. Joybuy’s product information lists Fairtrade chocolate for this variety; also check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging. | Joybuy |
Chocolate biscuits at Joybuy
This Oaties variety is an option if you’re looking for a chocolate biscuit to enjoy during the film. If Fairtrade cocoa is a must for you, check the exact claim on this variety’s packaging before choosing it.
No image available
Verkade Gv Oaties Milk Chocolate, 150 g
A milk chocolate biscuit to add to your film-night platter. The product name lists a 150 g pack; check the packaging for the Fairtrade claim, ingredients and allergens that matter to your group.
Frequently asked questions
Does FairTrade Cocoa mean the whole biscuit is Fairtrade-certified?
No, that does not automatically follow from the claim. Fairtrade International’s cocoa standard applies to cocoa and processed cocoa; check the packaging to see which part of the biscuit the claim applies to.
Which allergens should I check in chocolate biscuits for a film night?
Check the ingredients and any precautionary allergen warnings on the current packaging of each biscuit you choose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of clear allergen information; the allergens present vary from product to product.
Does Fairtrade tell me about the nutritional value of chocolate biscuits?
No, a Fairtrade claim for cocoa does not tell you how much energy, sugar or fat the biscuit contains. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and, if listed, per serving.
Should I compare the online product information with the packaging?
Yes, use the current packaging of the biscuits you’re going to serve to check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values. A product page can help you choose, but the information on the variety you receive should meet your guests’ needs.