Parents who want to check the Fairtrade claim
For anyone who wants to check that the claim on the packaging really applies to the cocoa in the chocolate spritz biscuits, rather than relying on the product name alone.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents who give biscuits occasionally
For anyone considering spritz biscuits as an occasional treat and thinking about portion size and where biscuits fit among a toddler’s snacks.
Parents packing something for childcare or school
For anyone who needs to check the allergens on the current label and find out in advance what rules the childcare setting or school has for food brought from home.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade cocoa | Read the Fairtrade claim on the packaging. If the label has an arrow, check the explanation on the back to see which ingredients it applies to. A Rainforest Alliance claim does not confirm Fairtrade status. | I only want to buy chocolate spritz biscuits once it’s clear that the cocoa is covered by the Fairtrade claim. For around 50% of consumers, this evidence matters most. |
| Occasional portion | Check the portion size and nutritional information per portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends giving young children biscuits about once a week rather than every day. | If I give my child biscuits, I want to keep them as a small treat rather than make them a regular snack. This is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens and venue policies | Read the full allergen statement, including any warnings about traces, and ask the childcare setting or school about its rules for food brought from home. | If I pack spritz biscuits, they need to suit both my child’s dietary requirements and the venue’s rules. This check is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the product name proves it’s Fairtrade
The title of PLUS Fairtrade Chocolate Spritz Biscuits includes the word Fairtrade, while the online ingredient information mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. This information alone doesn’t make it clear whether the cocoa is covered by a Fairtrade claim.
Check the current packaging, including the explanation for any label with an arrow. If the claims are unclear or contradict each other, ask for clarification before choosing the product as Fairtrade cocoa spritz biscuits.
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Confusing a cocoa certification with an everyday snack
A cocoa certification doesn’t tell you how often biscuits are suitable as a snack for a toddler. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends giving biscuits about once a week rather than every day.
Keep any portion small. For everyday snacks, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests options such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread.
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Checking for gluten only
As well as wheat and gluten, PLUS Chocolate Spritz Biscuits list egg, soya, milk and lactose. Which allergens matter depends on the product and the child.
Check the full allergen information and any warnings about traces every time you buy a new pack. Also ask about the childcare setting or school’s rules before packing spritz biscuits.
Brands to consider
PLUS
PLUS has a product page for Fairtrade Chocolate Spritz Biscuits, per tray, 200 g.
- PLUS describes its own-brand products as containing Fairtrade cocoa.
- For these specific spritz biscuits, the online ingredient information mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. Check the current packaging before assuming the cocoa is Fairtrade.
Jumbo
Jumbo has a Fairtrade range and also sells Dark Chocolate Spritz Biscuits, 200 g.
- The Fairtrade range gives you a useful starting point for comparing product labels.
- The ingredient information for these Jumbo chocolate spritz biscuits mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa; this does not confirm that the biscuits are Fairtrade.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn stocks its own-brand spritz biscuits as well as Verkade spritz biscuits.
- The product information gives you a starting point for checking ingredients and allergens.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change. So check the current label, even if you’ve looked online beforehand.
Verkade
Verkade Nobo plain spritz biscuits are stocked by Albert Heijn.
- The product information lists wheat and milk as allergens and warns that the biscuits may contain nuts and sesame.
- The product page described for these plain spritz biscuits does not confirm that they contain Fairtrade cocoa. Check the current packaging if Fairtrade is a condition of your purchase.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are chocolate spritz biscuits with ‘Fairtrade’ in the name automatically made with Fairtrade cocoa?
No. The name alone doesn’t make it clear which ingredients the claim applies to. Fairtrade International recommends reading the explanation on the back when a label has an arrow. What’s more, the online ingredient information for PLUS Fairtrade Chocolate Spritz Biscuits mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, so check the current packaging.
Are chocolate spritz biscuits suitable as an everyday snack for a toddler?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends giving biscuits to babies and toddlers around once a week rather than every day. If you offer spritz biscuits, keep them as a small, occasional treat. For everyday snacks, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests options such as fruit and vegetables.
Which allergens should I check in spritz biscuits?
Check the full, current label, as allergens vary from product to product. PLUS Chocolate Spritz Biscuits list wheat and gluten, egg, soya, milk and lactose. For Verkade Nobo plain spritz biscuits, the product information lists wheat and milk, and warns that they may contain nuts and sesame.