When choosing spiced biscuits for a Christmas party, first check for a Fairtrade label that applies to the exact variant. See whether it covers the product as a whole or specific named ingredients. Then decide how much you need and which serving format will work best. If any guests have allergies or dietary requirements, always check the packaging of the product you buy.
You want to know exactly what the Fairtrade label on your chosen variety of spiced biscuits covers, rather than relying on a general claim about the brand. Fairtrade International explains that mass balance may apply to products such as sugar, so it’s important to read the product information.
When you’re catering for a larger group, it’s not just the quantity that matters: think about how you’ll serve the biscuits, too. Compare the number of biscuits and the packaging format, and don’t assume they’re individually wrapped unless this is confirmed.
You need to be able to check the information for the exact variety you’ve bought. Look at the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about cross-contamination, even when a product is described as vegan.
When choosing spiced biscuits for a Christmas party, start with the Fairtrade information for the specific product. Then compare the serving format and check the allergen information before serving.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade label | Check the label or claim for the exact variety and read whether it applies to the whole product or to named ingredients. For sugar, look out for any explanation about mass balance. | If I’m serving spiced biscuits as a Fairtrade choice, I want to know exactly what the label covers. This check is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Quantity and serving format | Compare the net weight and number of biscuits. If you need them for serving, check whether they’re individually wrapped. | When serving coffee and tea to a larger group, I want enough biscuits to hand out in the way I’ve planned. Around 30% of consumers prioritise ease of serving. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and any cross-contamination warnings. Don’t assume a product is suitable for someone with an allergy just because it’s labelled vegan. | When guests have allergies or dietary requirements, I want to know which biscuits they can eat. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
A label may apply only to specific named ingredients. The Vermeiren Princeps product listing on bol names cane sugar, honey and cinnamon, which together make up 35% of the product. This doesn’t mean that all the ingredients have been traded under Fairtrade terms.
Check the current packaging to see which ingredients are named and what the label means. Fairtrade International says mass balance may apply to products such as sugar.
Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff Speculoos XL as suitable for vegans, but also lists wheat and soya. A vegan label therefore doesn’t answer a guest’s questions about allergens.
Check the packaging you’ve bought and keep the allergen information available when serving the biscuits.
A box containing lots of biscuits won’t necessarily suit the way you plan to serve them. The Smit&Dorlas listing on bol states that it contains 225 biscuits, but doesn’t confirm that they’re individually wrapped.
Before deciding how many to order, check the number of biscuits, the serving format and whether your chosen variety is available.
The spelt speculoos listed on bol comes in 12 packs of 125 g. This could be worth considering if you need a larger quantity for a platter or buffet.
A box of 225 speculoos biscuits listed on bol could be a good option for serving with coffee or tea.
The Speculoos XL listed by Albert Heijn is an option if you’re specifically looking for speculoos described as vegan, but it isn’t a confirmed Fairtrade choice.
Check the label or claim on the current packaging of the exact variety and read which ingredients it applies to. Fairtrade International explains that mass balance may apply to products such as sugar. A general claim about a brand won’t tell you what the label on your pack means.
Not necessarily: vegan and allergen-free don’t mean the same thing. Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff Speculoos XL as suitable for vegans, but also lists wheat and soya. Always check the label on the variety you’re serving.
Keep the packaging so you can check the information for the variety you’re serving. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods. If you’re using a caterer, ask in advance how guests can access information about the biscuits being served.
