Hosts who require Fairtrade
You want to serve egg cakes with chocolate, so you check the packaging to see whether the Fairtrade mark applies to the chocolate.
Who is this relevant to?
Portion planners
You’re buying for several neighbours and want to know how many pieces come in a pack, so you can get the right amount for your group.
Hosts checking allergens
You want to check the ingredients and allergen information before serving, even when an egg cake has chocolate decoration.
What should you look for when choosing?
A plain egg cake without cocoa won’t meet your need to serve chocolate in the cake; chocolate decoration alone, in turn, doesn’t prove Fairtrade status. Decide which matters most first, then check that the quantity and allergen information are right for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade status of the chocolate | Check whether the cake contains chocolate and whether the Fairtrade mark applies to that ingredient. If a Fairtrade logo with an arrow points to the back, read that information too. | If I’m serving chocolate at a get-together, I want to be able to check the mark on the packaging itself; around 40% of consumers put this Fairtrade check first. |
| Number of portions | Compare the number of pieces and the weight per pack with the number of guests. | For a group of neighbours, I want to bring enough egg cakes to share without having lots left over. For around 30% of consumers, quantity is their first concern. |
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and highlighted allergens on the packaging you’re serving, including any statements about traces. | When guests ask about ingredients, I want to be able to show them the label and offer a separate alternative if needed; around 30% of consumers put checking allergens first. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking another cocoa certification for Fairtrade
Jumbo lists UTZ Certified Cacao for its egg cakes with chocolate decoration. This isn’t the same as a Fairtrade mark for the chocolate.
If Fairtrade is a requirement for your get-together, check the relevant mark and related information on the current packaging. Fairtrade Netherlands also advises reading the back when a Fairtrade logo with an arrow is shown.
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Relying on a version shown online
Jumbo says its chocolate egg cakes are no longer part of its online range. Lidl lists its Sondey Eierkoeken as available in stores only.
Check which pack you can actually buy at your chosen shop before planning your get-together around it.
If the version you want isn’t available, you may need to make an extra trip to the shop or change your snacks.
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Looking only at the number of pieces
The number of egg cakes alone doesn’t tell you how large the portions are. Albert Heijn lists its pack as 12 portions of 30 g; ALDI lists Heerlijck Banket as 12 pieces in a 360 g pack.
Work out how many guests you’re expecting, then compare both the number of pieces and the pack size.
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Assuming the allergens based on the product type
Ingredients vary between versions. According to the product information, Jumbo’s egg cakes with chocolate decoration may also contain nuts.
Read the packaging of the product you’re serving and keep it handy for guests who want to check the ingredients. If in doubt, choose a separate alternative and check its label too.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Eierkoeken are a plain option if you’re looking for a pack with 12 portions of 30 g.
- For this version, Albert Heijn lists ingredients that include 20% free-range egg.
- The ingredients list for these egg cakes contains no cocoa. So Albert Heijn’s general cocoa policy doesn’t tell you anything about Fairtrade chocolate in this product.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells egg cakes in several varieties, including one with chocolate decoration.
- For its chocolate version, Jumbo lists UTZ Certified Cacao and allergen information.
- UTZ Certified Cacao isn’t a Fairtrade claim. Jumbo also says this chocolate version is no longer in its online range, so don’t count on it for your get-together without checking in store.
Heerlijck Banket bij ALDI
Scharreleierkoeken are an option to compare by quantity: ALDI lists 12 pieces and 360 g per pack.
- ALDI describes this version as egg cakes made with barn eggs.
- If you want Fairtrade-certified chocolate in the cake, check the ingredients and the mark on the specific pack.
Sondey bij Lidl
Lidl lists Sondey Eierkoeken as a 360 g pack containing 12 pieces, available in store.
- The stated number of pieces helps you plan how much to serve at your neighbourhood get-together.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and any marks on the packaging in store before choosing this version.
Related products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether the chocolate in an egg cake is Fairtrade?
Check the current packaging to see whether the Fairtrade mark applies to the chocolate. For products made with several ingredients that display a Fairtrade logo with an arrow, Fairtrade Netherlands advises reading the back for information about the ingredients and how they were sourced. A statement such as UTZ Certified Cacao doesn’t, by itself, prove Fairtrade status.
Can I choose plain egg cakes if I want to serve Fairtrade chocolate?
Yes, if you serve the chocolate separately and check the Fairtrade mark on its packaging. According to Albert Heijn’s ingredients list, AH Eierkoeken contain no cocoa, so they aren’t an example of egg cakes made with Fairtrade chocolate.
Which allergens should I check in egg cakes for guests?
Read the allergen information on the specific pack you’re serving. The AH version lists, among other things, egg, milk, cereals containing gluten and soya; Jumbo also states that its egg cakes with chocolate decoration may contain nuts.
What should I do if the online information differs from the packaging?
When serving, use the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging you have in front of you. Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so check the label again even if you’ve bought the same brand before.