Who is this choice relevant to?

Home bakers looking for Fairtrade cocoa

You want to choose cocoa or chocolate for a separate baking recipe and know exactly whether the Fairtrade claim applies to that ingredient, rather than to a currant bun.

Home bakers choosing a currant bun recipe

You want to decide whether to bake your currant buns with white flour or wholemeal wheat flour, and can set aside time for the dough to rise.

Shoppers who put the label first

You’re choosing a packaged currant bun and want to read the ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade claim on the current packaging before using it.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you’re looking for currant buns or cocoa for a separate pepernoten recipe. Then consider which of these three questions matters most to you: the Fairtrade claim, the recipe or the label.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade claim Read the marking and check which ingredients the claim covers. Fairtrade International has several markings, including one for a single Fairtrade ingredient in a composite product. I want to choose cocoa for a separate baking recipe without assuming that a claim about the cocoa applies to the whole currant bun; an estimated 40% of consumers considering these products prioritise checking this certification.
Recipe Compare the type of flour and the stated fibre per serving; if you’re baking from scratch, allow time for the dough to rise. When I bake currant buns, I want to choose the type of flour myself and be able to set aside time for the dough; around 30% of these consumers prioritise choosing the recipe.
Current label Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging just before use; also check the salt content if it’s relevant to your choice. When buying packaged currant buns, I want to know which ingredients and allergens the product currently contains; an estimated 30% of these consumers consider checking the label most important.

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming a Fairtrade cocoa claim applies to the whole currant bun

    Fairtrade International has markings for composite products, including one that applies to a single Fairtrade ingredient. So a claim about cocoa doesn’t automatically tell you anything about a currant bun.

    Check which ingredients are covered by the Fairtrade claim on the specific product before assuming it applies to the whole product.

  • Treating currant buns and a pepernoten recipe as the same product category

    Albert Heijn Allerhande’s currant bun recipes don’t include pepernoten or chocolate as standard ingredients. So a currant bun recipe and cocoa for a separate baking project call for different shopping lists.

    First choose which recipe you’re going to make, then check which ingredients it actually calls for.

  • Assuming an online ingredients list is the definitive label

    Albert Heijn notes that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change. So a product page you read earlier may not match the packaging you’re using.

    If you have allergies or specific ingredient requirements, always check the current packaging before using the product.

Relevant brands and retailers to consider

Fairtrade Original

Relevant if you’re looking for cocoa powder for a separate baking use, not as a label for Fairtrade currant buns.

  • Jumbo describes Fairtrade Original Cocoa Powder 125 g as cocoa purchased under Fairtrade terms using the mass balance principle.
  • This description applies to cocoa powder, not ready-made chocolate or certified currant buns.

Albert Heijn

Relevant for recipes for classic and wholemeal currant buns, and for information on product labels.

  • Albert Heijn Allerhande uses white flour in its classic recipe and wholemeal wheat flour in its wholemeal recipe.
  • The ingredients and allergens are listed for the AH Large Raisin Currant Buns; this information does not imply a Fairtrade claim for the product.

Jumbo

Relevant as a retailer showing Fairtrade Original Cocoa Powder 125 g as a baking product.

  • The product description makes clear that the Fairtrade statement applies to the sourcing of the cocoa.
  • Comparing cocoa powder with a currant bun doesn’t tell you whether that currant bun is Fairtrade.

Cocoa powder for a separate baking recipe

This Joybuy product is suited to choosing cocoa powder as a standalone baking ingredient. Check your pepernoten recipe to see whether it calls for cocoa powder; if you’re looking for currant buns, this is a different type of product.

Fairtrade cocoa powder, 125 g pack

Fairtrade cocoa powder 125 g

Consider this powder for a separate baking recipe that calls for cocoa powder; check whether it’s suitable for your pepernoten recipe.

Quantity: 125 g. Check the current packaging to see what the Fairtrade statement applies to. This is not a currant bun or ready-made chocolate.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairtrade cocoa the same as a Fairtrade currant bun?

No. A claim about Fairtrade cocoa doesn’t automatically apply to a currant bun. For composite products, Fairtrade International has different markings, including one for a single Fairtrade ingredient. So check the claim on the packaging of the product you’re buying.

Which allergens should I check in currant buns or cocoa?

Check the current ingredients and allergen label for each product separately. The product information for AH Large Raisin Currant Buns lists wheat, milk and lactose, and states that the product may also contain sesame, soya, almonds and hazelnuts; don’t assume this information applies to other currant buns or cocoa.

Why should I check the label again if I’ve bought the same product before?

Because the ingredients and product information can change. Albert Heijn therefore recommends checking the packaging before using the product, even if you’re already familiar with the online information or an earlier pack.