Who is this choice for?

Anyone putting together a plate for guests

You want to serve biscuits that are easy to share and check whether the chocolate in your chosen variety carries a Fairtrade claim.

Anyone looking for a filled or chocolate-coated biscuit

For a smaller gathering, you might prefer a biscuit with a filling or chocolate coating. Check that the specific variety carries a Fairtrade claim.

Anyone catering for allergies

Before buying, read the ingredients and allergen information on every pack you've chosen. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly shown on the label of pre-packed foods.

What should you look for?

First, check exactly what the Fairtrade claim applies to. Then choose a pack and biscuit shape that work for serving, and check the label again if any guests need to avoid particular allergens.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it's important for
Fairtrade claim Look on the packaging or product page for your chosen variety for a reference to Fairtrade cocoa, Fairtrade chocolate or a certification mark identifying the ingredient in question. I only want to serve biscuits if it's clear that the chocolate meets my Fairtrade requirement. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this product-specific claim.
Quantity and biscuit shape Compare the net weight and number of biscuits, and consider whether individual biscuits, sticks or filled biscuits are right for serving. For a plate to pass around, I look for a quantity and shape that suit my guests. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this choice.
Allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact variety you're buying, including any warnings on the label. If any guests have food allergies, I want to know what's in every biscuit before serving. For around 25% of consumers, this check is their first priority when buying.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing a retailer's policy with a product label

    Albert Heijn's or Lidl's cocoa policy doesn't confirm that every biscuit in its range contains Fairtrade chocolate.

    Check the packaging or product page for the specific variety you're choosing for a Fairtrade claim.

  • Assuming Fairtrade chocolate makes the whole biscuit Fairtrade

    Fairtrade Netherlands explains that a certification mark can apply to a specific ingredient. So, for a biscuit made with several ingredients, the claim may refer to the cocoa rather than all the ingredients.

    Check which ingredient the certification mark refers to. If that's what the label confirms, describe it as a biscuit made with Fairtrade cocoa.

  • Checking for allergens only after serving

    If you serve different biscuits on one plate, it can be difficult to tell which ingredients belong to which variety once the packaging is out of sight.

    Check the current labels before serving and keep the packaging so guests can refer to the information.

Brands and retailers to consider

Verkade

Verkade says it uses Fairtrade-certified cocoa in the chocolate coatings on its biscuits. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade milk chocolate for specific Verkade varieties.

  • You can check the claims for Crunchy oat biscuits with milk chocolate, Chocorondjes milk chocolate and Lange Nekken milk chocolate.
  • The chocolate claim doesn't mean the other ingredients are Fairtrade. Check the packaging for your chosen variety.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn's product pages mention Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade milk chocolate for some Verkade biscuits.

  • You can compare the claim for each specific variety with the packaging of the one you buy.
  • Albert Heijn's cocoa policy for its own-brand products doesn't confirm that every biscuit sold by the retailer is Fairtrade.

Jumbo

Jumbo has separate online categories for chocolate biscuits and Fairtrade products.

  • The chocolate biscuits category offers varieties to compare by biscuit shape and pack size.
  • Being listed in that category doesn't confirm that a biscuit contains Fairtrade cocoa. Check the product page or packaging for each one.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands describes its cocoa certification for own-brand products, which includes various types of certification.

  • Its cocoa policy provides context when assessing own-brand products.
  • That policy doesn't confirm that any particular biscuit is Fairtrade. Lidl doesn't mention New Year's Eve in its separate Fairtrade claim for seasonal chocolate.

Aldi

Fairtrade Netherlands describes Aldi's range of Fairtrade products.

  • That range can be a starting point for checking product packaging.
  • It doesn't confirm that a specific Aldi biscuit contains Fairtrade chocolate. Check the current variety separately.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a caramelised biscuit that can be served with coffee.

  • It's a clear choice if you're looking for a biscuit to serve with coffee.
  • The product description doesn't confirm that a specific Biscoff variety contains Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate. Unless the product carries a relevant claim, don't treat it as a Fairtrade option.

Biscuits on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is every chocolate biscuit from a retailer with a sustainable cocoa policy Fairtrade?

No. A general cocoa policy doesn't confirm that an individual biscuit is Fairtrade. Check the packaging or product page for your chosen variety to see whether it mentions Fairtrade cocoa, Fairtrade chocolate or a relevant certification mark.

What does a white Fairtrade mark on a biscuit pack mean?

It may indicate that specific ingredients were sourced under the Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient model, not necessarily that the whole biscuit is Fairtrade. Fairtrade Netherlands advises checking the packaging to see which ingredients are covered and whether cocoa or chocolate is mentioned.

Where can I find the allergen information for the biscuits I want to serve?

Read the label for each variety you've chosen before serving. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly shown on the label of pre-packed foods.

Can I buy the biscuits before New Year's Eve?

It depends on the best-before date and storage instructions on the specific pack. Check this information before buying the biscuits in advance, and store them according to the instructions on the label.