Only choose a chocolate biscuit if the information on the packaging makes it clear whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the cocoa or to other ingredients too. For a train journey, it’s also worth considering whether the portion is easy to take with you. If you have an allergy or dietary requirement, always check the label on the pack you’re actually buying.
You want to take a chocolate biscuit with you and find out whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the cocoa or to other ingredients too. This distinction matters for products made with several ingredients, such as biscuits, as Fairtrade International and Milieu Centraal explain.
You want to be able to read the label before setting off, so you can check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible traces of allergens.
You’re looking for a pack that fits in your bag and lets you take a portion for the journey, without being left with an open packet.
First, find out exactly what the Fairtrade claim covers. Then compare the portion packaging and check the current label for ingredients and allergens.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| What the Fairtrade claim covers | Check which ingredient the claim refers to and what the packaging says about the mark. According to Milieu Centraal, a white Fairtrade ingredient logo identifies a certified ingredient, not necessarily the whole biscuit. | If Fairtrade cocoa matters to me, I want to know whether the claim applies only to the cocoa or to other ingredients as well. For around 42% of consumers, having this clarity is the top priority. |
| Portion packaging | Check how many individual portions there are and whether the pack suits what you want to eat on the journey. Put your rubbish in the bin in accordance with NS’s rules. | On the train, I want to be able to take a portion without keeping a larger pack open. Around 33% of consumers prioritise convenient packaging. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces of allergens on the packaging. If you wish, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion. | If the ingredients matter because of my allergy or dietary requirements, I want to be able to check the label on the exact biscuit. This check takes priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A biscuit is made from several ingredients. According to Milieu Centraal, a white Fairtrade ingredient logo may refer specifically to one certified ingredient.
Read the information on the front and back of the pack before deciding whether the claim meets your requirements.
Ingredients and allergen information can change from one product to another. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of clear allergen labelling on packaging.
Before eating, check the ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces of allergens on the packaging itself.
Lidl and ALDI describe their policies on certified cocoa, but not all the certifications they mention are Fairtrade. A general policy doesn’t tell you which mark appears on a particular biscuit.
Check the Fairtrade information on the packaging of the product you want to buy.
A larger pack that can’t be resealed may be inconvenient on the journey if you only want to eat a few biscuits.
Choose a portion that suits your journey and put your packaging waste in the bin in accordance with NS’s rules.
If you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade cocoa, the product pages for Verkade Crunchy haverkoek melkchocolade and Verkade Choco s'mores are a useful starting point.
The Albert Heijn product page for Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Belgian chocolate 2-pack describes six packs, each containing three biscuits.
Albert Heijn’s product pages provide information about specific Verkade and Lotus biscuits, including their ingredients and packaging.
Lidl describes its policy on cocoa in own-brand products, which lists Fairtrade as one of several certifications.
ALDI mentions Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and the EU organic logo in its information about cocoa certification.
Not necessarily: the claim may apply specifically to the cocoa. Fairtrade International describes marks for products made with several ingredients, and Milieu Centraal explains that a white ingredient logo may identify one Fairtrade-certified ingredient. Check the packaging to see which ingredients the claim applies to.
Before eating, read the ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces of allergens on the physical packaging. Allergens vary between biscuit varieties, so don’t rely solely on the information on an online product page.
A vegan label doesn’t mean a biscuit is free from gluten or nuts. Check the ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces of allergens for the exact variety.
A small pack or individually wrapped portions are worth considering if you don’t want to open a whole packet on the journey. Think about how many biscuits you actually want to take, and put your packaging waste in the bin in accordance with NS’s rules.
