Who is this choice relevant to?

The certification-conscious gift giver

You’re looking for a small Valentine’s Day gesture and want to see on the biscuit itself that its cocoa or chocolate is Fairtrade.

The one sharing biscuits over coffee or tea

You want to enjoy biscuits together and are considering the filling, portions and shape of the chocolate, without overlooking the Fairtrade statement.

The allergy-aware shopper

You need to check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible traces of allergens. A Fairtrade statement doesn’t tell you anything about these.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing chocolate biscuits for Valentine’s Day, first check the Fairtrade statement for the specific variety and read the label. Then decide whether the packaging is right for giving as a gift or sharing.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate Look for a clear statement on the specific variety and check whether it applies to the cocoa or chocolate. If I’m giving someone a biscuit because it contains Fairtrade cocoa, I want to be able to check that statement on the product itself. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest label, including highlighted allergens and any warnings about possible traces. If allergens limit my choice, I first need to know whether this particular biscuit is suitable. Around 30% of consumers say this is their top priority.
Format and availability Compare the portion packaging with how you plan to give or share the biscuits, and check current availability. For a card, I want something small to include; for coffee with others, I’m looking for biscuits to share. For around 20% of consumers, this practical aspect is the most important.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing organic with Fairtrade

    According to Voedingscentrum, organic certification alone doesn’t guarantee fair trade. So an organic biscuit won’t automatically meet your preference for Fairtrade cocoa.

    Look for a clear Fairtrade statement on the specific product too, and check which ingredient it applies to.

  • Assuming a retailer’s or brand’s claim applies to every biscuit

    Albert Heijn says the cocoa in its own-brand products is certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade. Having a choice between these two certifications doesn’t prove that every own-brand chocolate biscuit is Fairtrade. Products can vary even within the same brand.

    Read the claim and ingredients for the exact variety you want to buy.

  • Checking allergens only after choosing a Fairtrade product

    A Fairtrade statement doesn’t make a biscuit suitable for someone with a food allergy. The Verkade varieties described by Albert Heijn differ in their ingredients and the possible presence of other allergens.

    If you have an allergy, check the latest label before choosing a variety, including any relevant warnings about possible traces.

  • Assuming it will be available for Valentine’s Day

    You can’t assume a suitable biscuit will be available to order in time: Jumbo listed BIO+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits as no longer in its online range, and a Joybuy product page showed Verkade Lange Nekken as out of stock.

    Check current availability and delivery or collection options just before buying. Only choose an alternative if the specific variety also carries a Fairtrade statement.

Brands to consider

Verkade

Albert Heijn’s product pages describe Verkade Lange Nekken as containing Fairtrade milk chocolate and Chocorondjes as containing FairTrade Cocoa.

  • These statements apply to two specific chocolate biscuits, which also differ in shape and filling.
  • Don’t use the claim for one variety as proof for the other. Check the ingredients and allergens on each pack too.

BIO+

The BIO+ Fair Chocolate Biscuits described by Jumbo combined organic ingredients with dark chocolate and cane sugar traded under Fairtrade conditions.

  • The product information specified which ingredients were covered by the Fairtrade statement.
  • Jumbo listed this product as no longer in its online range. For another BIO+ variety, check its own product claim and availability.

Albert Heijn

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

  • The sourcing information is a reason to look more closely at the certification of an own-brand product.
  • As the retailer names two possible certifications, this doesn’t confirm that an individual biscuit is Fairtrade. Check the specific variety.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does organic also mean Fairtrade?

No. According to Voedingscentrum, organic certification doesn’t guarantee fair trade. If you’re looking for Fairtrade, also check for a clear statement covering the cocoa, chocolate or another ingredient in the specific biscuit.

How can I tell whether the chocolate in a biscuit is Fairtrade?

Check the packaging and latest product information for the exact variety for a clear statement. Albert Heijn describes Verkade Lange Nekken as containing Fairtrade milk chocolate and Verkade Chocorondjes as containing FairTrade Cocoa. Don’t rely on the brand name alone.

Which allergens should I check in these chocolate biscuits?

Read the full ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any warnings about possible traces on the latest label. The Verkade varieties described list milk and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients; other ingredients and warnings vary by variety.

Can I count on them being available online around Valentine’s Day?

No. Check availability with your chosen retailer just before ordering. Jumbo listed the BIO+ biscuits described as no longer in its online range, while a Joybuy page showed Verkade Lange Nekken as out of stock. These listings don’t predict availability at a later date.