If you’re committed to choosing Fairtrade, look for an explicit Fairtrade statement for the specific product and read the explanation on the packaging. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade chocolate for Verkade Lange Nekken and Chocorondjes; a retailer’s general claim about cocoa or a different certification does not confirm that every biscuit is Fairtrade. Then choose a pack size that suits your move, and check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack.
You’re looking for biscuits for your first food shop after moving, and want to check the Fairtrade statement on the specific product. Read the explanation on the packaging too: Fairtrade International points out that this can matter for products with multiple ingredients.
Choose an amount that suits eating on the go, keeping a stash for yourself or sharing with housemates. Check how many biscuits are in the pack and whether you can reseal it once opened.
In a shared kitchen, you’ll want to know which allergens are listed on the current pack before you buy. Check the ingredients list and any warnings for each variety, even if you already know the brand.
If Fairtrade is a must for you, start with the exact product. Then choose a pack that suits how you plan to use it, and check the label before buying.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade statement | Look for the Fairtrade mark or an explicit statement about Fairtrade cocoa on the exact pack. If there’s a logo with an arrow, read the explanation on the back. | If Fairtrade is the deciding factor for me, I want to know exactly what the claim applies to on these biscuits. Around 42% of consumers give this assurance their highest priority. |
| Packaging and use | Check the net weight, the number of biscuits and whether you can reseal the pack after opening. | On moving day, I want to be able to take biscuits with me, or share a pack with housemates at home without leaving it open for long. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current pack; follow the storage instructions once opened. | In a shared kitchen, I want to take into account the ingredients my housemates need to avoid and store the pack properly. For around 25% of consumers, this check matters most. |
Albert Heijn and Lidl refer to different certification routes for their own-brand cocoa. Lotus Bakeries names Rainforest Alliance for certain product ranges; this is not a Fairtrade statement for regular Biscoff biscuits.
Check whether Fairtrade is explicitly mentioned on the pack of the chocolate biscuits you’ve chosen, and what the statement applies to.
Fairtrade status does not tell you whether biscuits are suitable for someone with an allergy. Albert Heijn’s product information for the Verkade biscuits mentioned above lists milk, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other ingredients; it’s also worth checking for warnings about other allergens.
Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the current pack before buying biscuits for your housemates.
Biscuits can go soft or stale after opening. The Voedingscentrum advises storing biscuits in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container.
Seal the pack properly or use a biscuit tin, and follow the storage and best-before information on the packaging.
Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade chocolate for the specific products Verkade Lange Nekken and Chocorondjes.
Albert Heijn says the cocoa in its own-brand products is certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade.
Jumbo stocks chocolate biscuits; Fairtrade Nederland also lists Fairtrade products at Jumbo.
Lidl Netherlands names Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and organic certification as routes within its own-brand cocoa policy.
ALDI lists Fairtrade chocolate in its range and also features Biscotto chocolate biscuits.
Lotus Bakeries names Rainforest Alliance certification for chocolate in products including Biscoff chocolate bars.
Look for the Fairtrade mark or an explicit statement about Fairtrade cocoa on the exact pack. Fairtrade International explains that, for products with multiple ingredients, a logo with an arrow may point to additional information on the back.
No, not always. Fairtrade International explains that mass balance can also be used for cocoa. Read the explanation on the packaging if sourcing and traceability are important to your choice.
Yes, check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack of the variety you’ve chosen. This is particularly important if you’re sharing the biscuits with someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients; also look out for any cross-contamination warnings.
Store biscuits in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Also follow the storage and best-before information on the product packaging.
No, they’re different labels. Albert Heijn and Lidl name several routes for cocoa; if you specifically want Fairtrade, check that the statement appears on the chocolate biscuits you’ve chosen.
