For a get-together, choose a chocolate biscuit whose packaging clearly states what the Fairtrade claim covers; a general promise from a brand or supermarket isn’t enough. Then check that the portions work for serving, and read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, especially if you’re buying for guests.
You want to be able to find the Fairtrade claim on the biscuit you’ve chosen, not just in a general statement about the brand. Check the packaging to see which ingredients or sourcing method the claim covers. Fairtrade International also advises checking the explanation on the back when a FAIRTRADE mark with an arrow is used.
You’re looking for biscuits that are easy to put out when you’re entertaining. Small portions are handy for sharing, while you can arrange loose biscuits on a plate yourself. Check the pack size and packaging before you choose.
If your guests need to avoid certain ingredients, read the label on the exact product and check for any warnings about possible traces. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
Start with the Fairtrade information on the specific pack. Then compare how the biscuits are presented for serving and check the ingredients for everyone who’ll be sharing them.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade claim | Look for clear information on the pack. If there’s a FAIRTRADE mark with an arrow, also read the explanation on the back. | I want to know whether the claim applies to this biscuit and exactly what it covers. This is the top priority for an estimated 40% of consumers. |
| Portions and presentation | Compare the number of biscuits and check whether they’re individually wrapped, packed in small portions or loose. | When I’m entertaining, I want biscuits I can serve or arrange on a plate without much preparation. Around 30% of consumers say ease of sharing matters most to them. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any relevant warnings about possible traces. | If a guest has a food allergy, I need to check which ingredients and warnings are listed on the pack. An estimated 20% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Shop and range | Check the Fairtrade information for each product and make sure your chosen item is available before your get-together. | I want to choose something from the shop where I do my food shopping, without mistaking a general shop-wide claim for a claim about a specific product. For around 10% of consumers, choosing where to shop is the first consideration. |
A shop may use different certifications for different products or ingredients. So a statement about its range won’t tell you which claim appears on a pack of chocolate biscuits.
Use the shop’s policy to guide your search, then check the information on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen.
A Fairtrade claim doesn’t tell you anything about allergens. Product information for Verkade Lange Nekken and Nobo Sprits Melkchocolade lists milk, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other ingredients.
Before serving, read the label on the specific pack, including any warnings about possible traces of other allergens.
For biscuits made with several ingredients, a Fairtrade claim may apply to certain ingredients or a particular sourcing method. For products with a FAIRTRADE mark and arrow, Fairtrade International points to the explanation on the back.
Read that explanation and distinguish, for example, between a claim about Fairtrade cocoa and one about the whole product.
The biscuit you’ve chosen may not be available when you do your shopping.
Check availability at your chosen shop shortly before your get-together and, if needed, have another product with a clear, suitable Fairtrade claim as a back-up.
A brand to explore if you’re looking for a Fairtrade claim on a specific chocolate biscuit.
A shop to explore, where the claim on each individual own-brand product remains key.
An option to compare for biscuit type and portion packaging if you want to serve chocolate-covered speculoos.
A shop where you can compare different types and packs of chocolate biscuits.
A shop to explore where it’s important to distinguish between different types of certification.
A shop where you can check whether each product’s Fairtrade information suits your choice for a get-together.
Look for the FAIRTRADE mark or a clear Fairtrade statement on the biscuit packaging. For a mark with an arrow, Fairtrade International advises reading the back for an explanation of which ingredients or sourcing method the claim covers.
No. A cocoa policy may cover different certifications or only certain product ranges. So check the Fairtrade information on the pack of chocolate biscuits you want to buy.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product, even if it carries a Fairtrade claim. Check for warnings about possible traces of other allergens if they’re relevant to your guests; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be labelled on prepacked foods.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen. Product information for Verkade Nobo Sprits Melkchocolade recommends storing it in a cool, dry place; seal an opened pack securely.
Check availability again when you’re ready to do your shopping, as it can change. You could also choose a second biscuit in advance and check its Fairtrade information and ingredients too.
