Which option is right for you?

Bakers who put Fairtrade first

You want to know whether the cocoa in your chosen cake ingredient is Fairtrade. Verkade says it uses Fairtrade-certified cocoa for the chocolate coating on its biscuits; check how this claim is shown on your pack.

Bakers who want to keep the biscuit texture

For decoration, a crumb layer or a base, you need a biscuit that still has a recognisable biscuit texture. Verkade describes Duo'tjes Chocolade as crunchy oat biscuits and Oaties Milk Chocolate as crunchy.

Bakers who need to check allergens

Check the ingredients in every part of your cake, even when a biscuit is described as gluten-free. Check the latest pack for other allergens and any warnings about cross-contamination.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether you want to keep the biscuit texture or need chocolate that can be melted. Then check the Fairtrade claim and the ingredients of the specific product.

What to consider What to check when buying Who should pay particular attention?
Fairtrade cocoa Look for a Fairtrade claim on the product or a brand statement that clearly applies to the chocolate coating you’ve chosen. Another certification does not confirm Fairtrade status. If Fairtrade is a requirement for you, you’ll want to know exactly which cocoa the claim covers before buying. Around 42% of consumers give this check top priority.
Texture in your cake Choose biscuits for decoration or crumbs, and chocolate designed for melting if you’re making a smooth topping or ganache. For a base, I want crumbs, but not pieces of biscuit in my ganache. Around 33% of consumers put their preferred cake texture first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination; don’t take a gluten-free claim as a statement about other allergens. If I’m baking for someone with a relevant allergy, every ingredient needs to be suitable for them. Around 25% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a general cocoa policy is a product certification

    Albert Heijn and Lidl each mention more than one possible cocoa certification for own-brand products. A general statement like this doesn’t confirm that the chocolate biscuit you’ve chosen is Fairtrade.

    Check the claim on the pack, or find out whether a specific brand statement applies to the chocolate coating on that biscuit.

  • Using a biscuit as melting chocolate

    A chocolate biscuit also adds a biscuit texture. That works well for crumbs or decoration, but not when you want to make a smooth chocolate component.

    Choose a biscuit for a crumb layer; for ganache or a smooth chocolate layer, choose chocolate designed for that purpose.

  • Overlooking other allergens after finding one suitable claim

    A gluten-free claim on its own says nothing about milk, soya or possible cross-contamination. A Fairtrade claim isn’t allergen information either.

    Before using the product, read the full ingredients list and any warnings on the latest pack.

Brands to consider

Verkade

Verkade says it uses Fairtrade-certified cocoa for the chocolate coatings on its biscuits. It also offers biscuits and cooking chocolate for different uses in cakes.

  • Verkade describes Duo'tjes Chocolade as crunchy oat biscuits; according to the brand, its cooking chocolate is designed for melting.
  • Check the Fairtrade claim and allergens on each pack. A biscuit isn’t a substitute for melting chocolate when you want a smooth result.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn says that cocoa in its own-brand products is Rainforest Alliance- or Fairtrade-certified.

  • The product page for AH Sugared biscuits with dark chocolate lists a specific certification: Rainforest Alliance.
  • This claim doesn’t confirm Fairtrade status for these biscuits; check the specific product separately.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands mentions Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and organic certification in its policy on cocoa in own-brand products.

  • This policy gives you a starting point for checking the certification of a specific product.
  • The general statement doesn’t mean that every individual chocolate biscuit is Fairtrade.

ALDI

ALDI Netherlands mentions Fairtrade chocolate in its range and describes its winter wreaths as made with Fairtrade cocoa.

  • The Fairtrade cocoa claim relates to a specific seasonal product.
  • Don’t assume this applies to Biscotto Chocolate Biscuits or that the seasonal product is available; check the pack you’ve chosen.

Jumbo

Fairtrade Netherlands lists chocolate among the Fairtrade products available at Jumbo.

  • This gives you a starting point if you’re looking for chocolate for a cake.
  • This claim doesn’t confirm the Fairtrade status of a specific chocolate biscuit at Jumbo.

Chocolate biscuits for a crunchy cake layer

This chocolate biscuit is a good choice for a cake where you want to use the biscuit as crumbs or decoration. If Fairtrade matters to you, check how Verkade’s claim applies to this variety and the latest pack.

Verkade Gv Oaties Milk Chocolate, 150 g pack

Verkade Gv Oaties Milk Chocolate 150 g

For a crunchy crumb layer or decoration that keeps its biscuit texture.

150 g pack. Verkade describes Oaties Milk Chocolate as gluten-free. Before use, check the latest pack for milk, soya, possible traces of nuts and the warning about sensitivity to oat protein.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a chocolate biscuit with a sustainability certification always Fairtrade?

No, different certifications don’t mean the same thing. According to Albert Heijn, AH Sugared biscuits with dark chocolate carry the Rainforest Alliance certification. If Fairtrade is a requirement for you, check the individual product for a Fairtrade claim.

When should I choose chocolate biscuits, and when should I choose baking chocolate?

Choose chocolate biscuits for crunchy decoration or a crumb layer, and chocolate designed for melting if you’re making ganache or a smooth topping. Verkade positions its cooking chocolate as suitable for melting; a biscuit will also add a biscuit texture.

How do I check allergens in chocolate biscuits for a cake?

Read the latest packaging for the biscuits and all the other cake ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergens must be listed on the label; also look for any warnings about cross-contamination.

Are Verkade Oaties Milk Chocolate suitable if I’m looking for gluten-free biscuits?

Verkade describes Oaties Milk Chocolate as gluten-free. Check the latest pack for the variety you’ve chosen, and also check the other ingredients and warnings, including those about milk, soya and sensitivity to oat protein.