Choose a chocolate biscuit with a clear Fairtrade claim, and check which ingredients it covers. Fairtrade cocoa does not automatically mean that all the ingredients are Fairtrade. For a weekend breakfast, also check the portion size, nutritional information and allergens for the variant you choose: the certification says nothing about the overall make-up of your breakfast.
You want to know whether the cocoa in your chocolate biscuit was sourced under Fairtrade terms. Fairtrade International distinguishes between certification for products made with multiple ingredients and a claim that applies to a single ingredient. So be sure to read the explanation on the packaging too.
As well as Fairtrade cocoa, you might be looking for an oat biscuit with a claim about its fibre content. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion to check the sugar and saturated fat content of the biscuit you choose.
You’re buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients. Check the current label on the exact variant, including the ingredients list and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
Start by checking what the Fairtrade claim means. Then look at the nutritional information and allergens for the biscuit you’re actually planning to buy.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| What Fairtrade means | Look for the certification mark and read the packaging to see which ingredients the claim covers. According to Fairtrade International, a Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient claim may apply to one named ingredient, such as cocoa. | I want to know whether the cocoa was sourced under Fairtrade terms, rather than relying on a general impression of sustainability. For around 42% of consumers, checking the Fairtrade claim comes first. |
| Portion size and nutritional information | Compare fibre, sugars and saturated fat per 100 g, and check the portion size shown on the packaging too. | If I have a biscuit at breakfast, I want to know how the portion fits in with the rest of what I eat. For around 33% of consumers, nutritional information is the most important factor. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the exact packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens that must be declared are shown on labels. | If someone at the table has an allergy, I don’t want to rely on information for a different biscuit variant. For around 25% of consumers, checking allergens comes first. |
For a biscuit with multiple ingredients, Fairtrade claims can be used in different ways, according to Fairtrade International. Without the explanation, you won’t know whether the claim relates specifically to the cocoa.
Look for the Fairtrade claim and check the packaging to see which ingredient or ingredients it covers.
An oat biscuit may contain fibre, but sugars, saturated fat and portion size still need to be considered separately.
Compare the nutritional information for the exact biscuit per 100 g and per portion, and consider it alongside the rest of your breakfast.
Ingredients and warnings can vary between chocolate biscuit variants. A Fairtrade claim does not change the allergen information.
If you have an allergy, check the current label on the packaging you’re planning to use.
A product page may remain online after a biscuit has been removed from the online range. The page for Bio+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits stated that they were no longer in Jumbo’s online range.
Check current availability before choosing a particular variant for your weekend breakfast.
Product pages from Albert Heijn and Jumbo explicitly mention Fairtrade cocoa for some Verkade chocolate biscuits.
The Jumbo product page for Bio+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits described which ingredients had been traded under Fairtrade terms.
Galler says its chocolate brand carries the FAIRTRADE label. Albert Heijn also listed Galler Puur biscuits.
No, a claim about Fairtrade cocoa doesn’t automatically mean that. Fairtrade International also uses a mark for products where one named ingredient is sourced under Fairtrade terms. Read the explanation on the packaging to see what the claim on your biscuit covers.
No, the Fairtrade claim relates to the sourcing terms for the specified ingredients, not the make-up of your breakfast. Check the biscuit’s nutritional information and portion size alongside the rest of what you eat.
Check the ingredients list and warnings for the exact variant for any allergens relevant to the people you’re sharing food with. Chocolate biscuits may contain milk, cereals containing gluten and soya; also look for any mentions of eggs, peanuts and nuts. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens which must be declared should be clearly listed on the label.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the variant you choose. Product information for Verkade Chocorondjes says to store them in a cool, dry place and recommends keeping the opened pack sealed.
