Who are these biscuits for?

The host who cares about Fairtrade cocoa

You want to share biscuits and check whether the packaging for the product you choose mentions Fairtrade cocoa. A general statement about a brand isn’t enough.

The host who checks allergens

You’re serving several guests and want to check the ingredients and allergens listed on the current packaging beforehand, so you can share the information when serving.

The shopper looking at seasonal ranges

You browse the changing selection around St Nicholas’ Eve and check each pack to see whether the product you’ve found actually mentions Fairtrade cocoa.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check the Fairtrade wording on the specific product. Then compare how it can be served and read the allergen information for your guests before buying.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa Look for the certification mark or an explicit mention of Fairtrade cocoa for this product on the current packaging. I want to know whether this particular biscuit mentions Fairtrade cocoa, rather than relying on a general promise from the brand. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this product information.
Sharing Compare the number of biscuits and pack size; a bar with biscuit filling is served differently from individual biscuits. If I’m putting together a plate for guests, I want to know in advance how many biscuits I can hand out. Around 27% of consumers prioritise shareability.
Allergens Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warning that the product may contain other allergens on the current packaging. If I’m serving guests with allergies, I need to be able to give them accurate information from the packaging. Allergens are the main concern when buying for around 27% of consumers.
Texture and nutritional information Compare the product type and nutritional values per 100 g; also consider the portion you plan to serve. I like having a choice between, for example, an oat biscuit and a filled biscuit, and want to know what I’m serving per portion. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this preference.

Common mistakes

  • Taking a brand name or a different certification as proof of Fairtrade

    Labelling can vary from one product to another. Jumbo’s product information lists UTZ Certified cocoa for Chocolade Biscuits Puur, while Albert Heijn mentions Fairtrade cocoa for the Verkade biscuits listed above.

    If Fairtrade cocoa is a must for you, check the wording on the specific product you’re buying.

  • Assuming a seasonal page means a product is available

    Albert Heijn marks Galler Puur koekjes as no longer in its range. A mention of seasonal biscuits or chocolate also doesn’t tell you whether they’ll be available on the day you want them.

    Check the current range shortly before buying and read the packaging of the product you find.

  • Leaving allergen checks until the biscuits are on the table

    The biscuits and chocolate products described contain various allergens or state that they may contain them. A Fairtrade label doesn’t tell you anything about this.

    Ask guests in advance which allergens are relevant, check the current packaging and keep it available when serving.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Verkade

Albert Heijn mentions Fairtrade cocoa for Verkade Chocorondjes with milk chocolate and Crunchy Haverkoek with a milk chocolate coating.

  • Both examples are biscuit products that can be served individually.
  • Check the current packaging for milk, cereals containing gluten and any other listed allergens; this label doesn’t automatically apply to other Verkade products.

Galler

According to Albert Heijn, Galler Puur koekjes is a dark chocolate bar with a filling and biscuit pieces, not a traditional chocolate biscuit.

  • An alternative if a bar with biscuit pieces suits your serving plans; Galler describes the Fairtrade label on its packaging.
  • Albert Heijn marks this product as no longer in its range. If you find a pack, check both the current labelling and the allergens.

ALDI

ALDI Netherlands mentions Fairtrade cocoa for Winter Kransen with chocolate flavour.

  • A specific seasonal biscuit to look out for if you’re shopping the winter range.
  • Check whether the product is available and read the labelling and allergen information on the current packaging.

Lidl / Favorina

Lidl Netherlands says that Favorina seasonal chocolate, including St Nicholas’ products, meets the Fairtrade Sourcing Program requirements for cocoa.

  • An option to consider if seasonal chocolate will do instead of chocolate biscuits.
  • This information doesn’t confirm that a specific chocolate biscuit is Fairtrade. Check the product you choose separately.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can Fairtrade cocoa always be physically traced to the cocoa in my biscuit?

No, not always. Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa: an equivalent quantity of Fairtrade cocoa can be linked administratively, without physically tracing every cocoa bean in the finished product. Read the explanation on the packaging if this distinction matters to you.

Are all biscuits from a brand Fairtrade if it says so on one biscuit?

No. The Fairtrade mention for the Verkade Chocorondjes and Crunchy Haverkoek described by Albert Heijn doesn’t automatically apply to other products from the brand. Check the packaging of the variety you’re buying.

Which allergens should I check for guests on St Nicholas’ Eve?

Read the current ingredients list, the highlighted allergens and any warnings that the product may contain other allergens. Depending on the product, relevant allergens in the products described include milk, cereals containing gluten, soya, nuts or peanuts. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the label of prepacked foods.

Can I count on Fairtrade chocolate biscuits being available in the seasonal range every year?

No, don’t assume the range will stay the same. ALDI Netherlands lists Winter Kransen with Fairtrade cocoa; Lidl describes Fairtrade Sourcing Program requirements for Favorina seasonal chocolate, but that doesn’t confirm a specific biscuit or that it’ll be in stock on the day you shop. Check the current range and the packaging.

Is UTZ Certified cocoa enough if I want Fairtrade cocoa?

No, don’t automatically treat UTZ Certified as a Fairtrade label. Jumbo lists UTZ Certified cocoa for Chocolade Biscuits Puur. If Fairtrade cocoa is a requirement for your purchase, look for an explicit Fairtrade mention on the product you choose.