Who is this choice relevant to?

People avoiding a specific allergen

You’re not just looking for a biscuit with a general allergy claim: the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose need to match what you have to avoid.

People checking for Fairtrade chocolate

You want to see which cocoa or chocolate is labelled as Fairtrade on the biscuit packaging or in its product information. A general statement about the brand or supermarket is not the same thing.

People who also check for cross-contamination

For you, warnings such as ‘may contain’ or ‘not suitable for’ are a separate consideration, alongside allergens listed as ingredients.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to check What to look for Who it matters to
Your specific allergen Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety; don’t rely on the information for another flavour. If I need to avoid milk or wheat, for example, I’ll rule out a biscuit as soon as my allergen is listed as an ingredient. For around 36% of consumers, avoiding their specific allergen is the most important factor when buying.
Possible cross-contamination Also check for warnings such as ‘may contain’ or ‘not suitable for’. Even if my allergen isn’t listed among the ingredients, I still want to know whether the packaging warns of its possible presence. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Fairtrade chocolate Look for a Fairtrade mark or a specific mention of Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate on the biscuit you’ve chosen. I want to see whether the chocolate in this particular biscuit is labelled as Fairtrade, not just whether the supermarket has a general cocoa policy. For around 21% of consumers, this product-specific information matters most once allergens have been checked.
Current product variety Check that the exact product is available and, if you choose an alternative, check its packaging again. If the biscuit I saw online is no longer available, I need to check the allergens and Fairtrade label again for any alternative. For around 14% of consumers, having a current variety they can assess is the priority.

Pitfalls to watch out for when buying

  • Taking Fairtrade as an allergy label

    A biscuit made with Fairtrade cocoa may still contain allergens. For example, Jumbo lists milk, lactose, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten in Verkade Nizza Kokos Melkchocolade.

    Check the allergen information and any warnings about possible cross-contamination first, then check the Fairtrade information.

  • Reading only the ingredients list

    A warning about possible cross-contamination is different from listing an allergen as an ingredient. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that ‘may contain’ or ‘not suitable for’ indicates possible presence.

    So check the precautionary warnings on the packaging too, rather than relying on the ingredients list alone.

  • Relying on an old product page for current information

    Jumbo still shows product information for Bio+ Fair Chocolade Koekjes, but notes that this variety is no longer available in its online range.

    When ordering, check that the product is available and review the current packaging of the product you actually choose.

  • Assuming a company-wide cocoa policy applies to every biscuit

    Albert Heijn says that cocoa in its own-brand products is certified, but this company information doesn’t tell you which Fairtrade label or allergen information applies to a specific biscuit variety.

    Use the policy as background information, and check the packaging or product information for your chosen variety separately.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Verkade

Verkade Nizza Kokos Melkchocolade is an example of a product for anyone looking for a specific Fairtrade cocoa claim.

  • Jumbo states that this variety contains Fairtrade cocoa.
  • The same product information lists milk, lactose, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens present.

Bio+

Bio+ Fair Chocolade Koekjes shows how product information can identify ingredients traded under Fairtrade terms.

  • According to Jumbo, the ingredients are dark chocolate and cane sugar, listed together as 47%.
  • This variety contains milk and wheat; Jumbo also says it is no longer available in its online range.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff Original is a standard speculoos biscuit you can compare it with if Fairtrade chocolate isn’t a requirement.

  • Lotus Bakeries lists the ingredients and distinguishes between allergens present and information about traces.
  • The ingredients include wheat and soya. The product page doesn’t substantiate a Fairtrade chocolate claim for this speculoos biscuit.

Albert Heijn eigen merk

Albert Heijn’s cocoa policy can provide background when assessing an own-brand biscuit containing cocoa.

  • Albert Heijn says that cocoa in its own-brand products is Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified.
  • This general statement doesn’t confirm that a specific biscuit carries a Fairtrade label or is suitable for someone with a particular allergy.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do allergens have to be listed on biscuit packaging?

Yes. Allergen information must be shown on the label of pre-packed foods. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists 14 allergens that consumers must be informed about, including cereals containing gluten, eggs, peanuts, nuts, soya and milk. Check the information for the variety you’re buying.

Is a biscuit made with Fairtrade cocoa suitable if you have a food allergy?

You can’t tell from the Fairtrade label alone: it doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and allergen information. For Verkade Nizza Kokos Melkchocolade, Jumbo lists both Fairtrade cocoa and milk, lactose, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten.

What does ‘may contain’ mean on biscuit packaging?

It’s a warning that an allergen may be present because of cross-contamination, even if it isn’t listed as an ingredient. So check both the ingredients and the warnings on the packaging; don’t assume that a Fairtrade logo tells you anything about allergens.

Can I check the allergen information before ordering online?

Yes. Use the online product information to check the exact variety before placing your order. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, food information rules also apply to online sales. When your order arrives, compare the information with the packaging of the biscuit you received.

Does a supermarket’s cocoa policy prove that my biscuit is Fairtrade?

No. A general statement about cocoa in own-brand products isn’t the same as a Fairtrade label on a specific biscuit. Albert Heijn describes its cocoa policy at company level; when choosing a product, check the certification or ingredients information for that variety, and check the allergens separately.