Choose a Fairtrade chocolate biscuit as a planned snack away from your run, rather than relying on it as a regular source of fuel during a long run. A large portion or a high-fat product may not feel comfortable just before running, so consider portion size, timing and how well you tolerate it separately. Check the Fairtrade statement on the pack too: it tells you about the sourcing conditions for the ingredients, not whether the biscuit is suitable as sports nutrition.
For longer training sessions, you’ll want to know whether a chocolate biscuit is practical before, during or after your run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises considering portion size and fat content when eating shortly before exercise; what you can tolerate during a training session is a separate consideration.
You want to see a product-specific certification mark rather than relying on a general brand claim. Fairtrade International says that mass balance may be used for cocoa; the explanation on the pack can help you understand the claim.
You’re looking for a chocolate biscuit to enjoy at a relaxed moment around your training, without automatically using it in place of the food and drink you rely on for a long run.
Distinguish between a chocolate biscuit as a planned snack and food or drink for a long run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise; on longer runs, carbohydrates and fluids need separate consideration.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and stomach comfort | Check the fat content per 100 g and per portion. Consider how soon before your run you want to eat the biscuit. | If I’m running shortly after a snack, I want to avoid a large or high-fat portion sitting uncomfortably. Around 42% of consumers put timing and stomach comfort first. |
| Fairtrade cocoa | Check the FAIRTRADE mark and claim on the pack. If there’s an arrow next to the mark, read the explanation on the back too. | If you want to choose cocoa produced under Fairtrade conditions, you need to see the claim on the product you’ve chosen. For around 33% of consumers, checking this is the first priority. |
| A portion to take with you | Compare the weight of each biscuit or portion with the nutrition information per portion, and check whether the packaging suits your plans. | If I want to take a snack with me, it’s not just the amount per 100 g that matters, but also how much I’ll actually eat and whether solid food will be comfortable on the go. For around 25% of consumers, portion size is the main concern. |
A certification mark on another product from the same brand tells you nothing about the chocolate biscuit you’re choosing. Fairtrade International also says that mass balance may be used for cocoa: Fairtrade volumes are then tracked through the supply chain, without the cocoa having to remain physically separate at every stage.
Check the claim and certification mark on the pack itself. If there’s an arrow next to the FAIRTRADE mark, read the accompanying explanation about the ingredients and their origin.
A biscuit contains carbohydrates, but its fat content, portion size and whether you’re comfortable eating solid food while running all affect whether it’s a practical choice. For longer runs, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also highlights fluids and, if eating is difficult, isotonic sports drinks.
It’s better to plan a chocolate biscuit as a separate snack. If you do want to take one with you on a run, try the timing and amount during a regular training session first.
A figure per 100 g doesn’t tell you how much carbohydrate you’ll get from one biscuit. Nor does it tell you the fat content of your portion or how easy it will be to eat during a training session.
Check the weight per portion and compare the nutrition information on the same basis. Take the packaging and when you plan to eat it into account too.
Ingredients and allergen information are important when choosing a particular pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information again when you buy it, even if you’ve eaten the product before.
A brand can be a useful starting point, but always check the Fairtrade claims and nutrition information for the specific chocolate biscuit you’re considering.
Verkade describes Choco Wolken as a biscuit with a chocolate filling and Fairtrade cocoa.
Lotus Speculoos met Chocolade is a separate chocolate biscuit to assess based on its ingredients and portion size.
Albert Heijn is one place to look for chocolate biscuits and individual Fairtrade chocolate products.
Jumbo has a chocolate biscuits category that can be a starting point for comparing products.
Lidl describes its cocoa sourcing policy for own-brand products as using various certifications.
ALDI mentions Fairtrade chocolate in its product information, alongside other products carrying a Fairtrade claim.
These Verkade biscuits may suit you if you’re planning a chocolate snack away from your run. If you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade chocolate, check the certification mark on the pack. If you’re planning to eat one around a training session, consider your portion size and timing too.
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Worth considering as a planned chocolate snack away from your run.
177 g pack. Check the Fairtrade claim and nutrition information per portion on the pack before planning to eat the biscuit around a training session.
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Worth considering as a planned chocolate snack away from your run.
150 g pack. Check the Fairtrade claim and nutrition information per portion on the pack before planning to eat the biscuit around a training session.
A small portion may work for you, but don’t automatically make a chocolate biscuit your snack just before setting off. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise; try your chosen amount during a regular training session first.
That depends, among other things, on the portion size and whether you’re comfortable eating solid food while running. For longer runs, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses topping up carbohydrates and fluids, and mentions isotonic sports drinks as an option if eating on the go is difficult. Try your choice during training first.
Look for the FAIRTRADE mark and accompanying claim on the biscuit’s packaging. Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa: Fairtrade volumes are tracked, but the cocoa doesn’t have to remain physically separate at every stage. An arrow next to the mark points to further information on the pack.
Yes, read the allergen information on the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; don’t rely solely on a previous purchase or an online product description.
No, assess the certification mark and how you’ll use the product around training separately. A Fairtrade claim relates to the applicable trading and sourcing conditions; for your snack choice, portion size, nutrition information, timing and your own experience during training also matter.
