Who is this choice relevant to?

Families who want to check the Fairtrade cocoa claim

You want to be able to see what the Fairtrade wording means on the specific product, rather than relying on the overall look of the packaging.

Families who want to share or take biscuits with them

You compare the pack weight, number of portions and any individual packaging to decide which format suits your family’s eating occasions.

Families who need to check allergens

You check the ingredients and warnings every time you buy, as these can vary between product variants.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing chocolate biscuits for a large family that values Fairtrade cocoa, the exact claim, pack size and allergen information are separate considerations.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade wording Check whether the wording specifically refers to cocoa, and read the explanation accompanying a FAIRTRADE mark. Fairtrade International points out that, for composite products, it is important to know which ingredients the information applies to. I want to be able to find the claim on the pack without assuming it applies to every ingredient; for around 42% of consumers shopping for a large family, a verifiable Fairtrade claim comes first.
Packaging and portions Compare the net weight and the stated number of portions or individually wrapped units. When we share biscuits, I want to know how many portions are in a pack; around 33% of these consumers give pack size the highest priority.
Allergens Read the current ingredients list and any warnings on the packaging about the possible presence of allergens. If someone in the family needs to avoid an allergen, I want to check the warnings first; for around 25% of these consumers, allergen information takes priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Fairtrade cocoa means all the ingredients are Fairtrade

    For a composite product such as a biscuit, a claim about Fairtrade cocoa does not automatically tell you where the other ingredients come from.

    Read the exact wording and explanation on the packaging. Fairtrade International advises checking which ingredients the Fairtrade information applies to in composite products.

  • Choosing a family pack without checking allergens

    The Verkade variants mentioned contain, among other things, milk and wheat; other ingredients and warnings vary by variant. A pack size that suits your family does not automatically make a product suitable for everyone in it.

    Check the ingredients list and any warning about the possible presence of allergens on the pack you buy, even if you have bought the product before.

  • Relying on an earlier listing

    The Albert Heijn and Jumbo product pages consulted listed Verkade Choco Wolken and Bio+ Fair Chocolade Koekjes respectively as no longer available in their online ranges.

    Check that your chosen variant is available through the retailer or delivery option you plan to use shortly before buying.

Relevant brands and retailers

Verkade

Verkade is relevant because Chocorondjes milk chocolate and Choco Wolken have product-specific Fairtrade cocoa claims.

  • Albert Heijn lists Chocorondjes as 150 g with nine portions; Choco Wolken is described as three individually wrapped 35 g portions.
  • The Fairtrade claim applies to these product variants and their cocoa, not automatically to all ingredients or other Verkade products. Check the allergens for each variant too.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s product pages provide information about the packaging, ingredients and allergens of the Verkade variants mentioned.

  • The page for Verkade Chocorondjes lists nine portions and states that it contains Fairtrade cocoa.
  • The page consulted for Verkade Choco Wolken stated that the product was no longer in the online range. A category for chocolate biscuits also says nothing about the Fairtrade claim of any individual product.

Jumbo

Jumbo has separate categories for chocolate biscuits and Fairtrade products, which can be useful starting points for your search.

  • The product page for Bio+ Fair Chocolade Koekjes describes the Fairtrade criteria for the dark chocolate and cane sugar in that specific product.
  • The same product page stated that the item was no longer in the online range. Always check the individual product listing for other biscuits.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are all the ingredients in a chocolate biscuit Fairtrade if it contains Fairtrade cocoa?

No. A Fairtrade cocoa claim refers to the cocoa. Fairtrade International explains that, for composite products, you should check the mark and the information on the packaging to see which ingredients it applies to.

Which of the products mentioned has portions for sharing with the family?

Albert Heijn lists a 150 g pack of Verkade Chocorondjes milk chocolate with nine portions. When buying, check whether this particular variant suits the number of people who will be sharing it, and check the current packaging.

How do I check allergens in chocolate biscuits?

Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the packaging of the product you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be declared on labels; also consider any warnings about possible traces that are relevant to your family.

Can I rely on the information on an earlier pack?

Check the packaging again each time you buy. Albert Heijn notes that information such as ingredients and allergens can change for the products mentioned, so a pack you bought previously is no substitute for checking the label on the current product.