Only choose speculaas for a children's party as a Fairtrade option if the exact product packaging carries the FAIRTRADE Mark and the associated claim. According to Fairtrade Netherlands, a general claim made by a retailer is not enough. Also ask about allergies, check the school's or after-school club's treat policy and, if biscuits are allowed, choose a small size.
You want to know whether the specific speculaas biscuits you’re handing out carry a product-specific Fairtrade label. Fairtrade Netherlands says that the mark should appear alongside a claim on the packaging.
You want to know in advance which ingredients and allergens are listed on the packaging you’ve chosen. Albert Heijn lists wheat and possible almond in its AH Bakkers speculaas; Jumbo lists wheat and possible almonds or nuts in its Jumbo Bakkers Speculaas.
You’re looking for a biscuit that’s easy to hand out, provided treats are allowed at the school or after-school club. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing a small biscuit if you’re giving biscuits as a treat.
Start by checking the Fairtrade label on the exact speculaas variety. Then make sure the ingredients and size are suitable for the children and the party venue.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade label | Check the exact packaging for the FAIRTRADE Mark and the associated product claim. A supermarket’s general Fairtrade page says nothing about the certification of an individual speculaas variety. | I want to be able to show that these particular biscuits meet the stated Fairtrade requirements. For around 42% of consumers, this product-specific proof is what makes the difference. |
| Allergies and ingredients | Ask about allergies and dietary requirements, then read the current ingredients list and any warning about possible cross-contamination. | If children need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to decide before buying whether they can eat the treat. For around 33% of consumers, suitability for the group comes first. |
| Portion size and treat policy | Confirm what the school or after-school club allows. Then check the size of the biscuits and how many portions you’ll need for the group. | I want to hand out a small treat without ending up with an unsuitable size. For around 25% of consumers, choosing a practical portion size matters most. |
A retailer may sell Fairtrade products without every biscuit in its range carrying the mark. Fairtrade Netherlands’ guidelines link the mark to a claim on the product itself.
So check the label on the packaging of the variety you want to buy. If it isn’t there, don’t describe the speculaas as Fairtrade-certified.
Other product features don’t replace an allergen check. According to the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, their respective bakers’ speculaas varieties contain wheat; those pages also warn that they may contain almond or nuts.
Ask which allergies are relevant to the group, then check the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging of the exact variety.
Whether biscuits can be handed out may depend on the school’s or after-school club’s rules. The number of children and their dietary requirements will also affect which size is suitable.
Check the policy and group size first. Then choose the portions, or opt for a non-food party favour if biscuits aren’t suitable.
A brand name or a retailer’s range doesn’t prove that an individual product is Fairtrade. Use the product information to check the ingredients and allergens of the exact variety.
Albert Heijn’s range includes AH Bakkers speculaas and smaller speculaas biscuits.
Jumbo offers both a Fairtrade range and Jumbo Bakkers Speculaas.
Albert Heijn stocks Lotus Biscoff speculoos in several pack sizes, including a snack pack.
No. That page doesn’t prove that the speculaas variety you’ve chosen is Fairtrade-certified. Check for the mark and the associated claim on the exact packaging; Fairtrade Netherlands describes this combination in its guidelines for the mark.
Ask which allergies are relevant, then read the ingredients and any warnings on the current packaging. Albert Heijn lists wheat and possible almond for AH Bakkers speculaas; Jumbo lists wheat and possible almonds or nuts for Jumbo Bakkers Speculaas. This information doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties.
First check whether the school or after-school club allows biscuits as a treat. If it does, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing a small biscuit. Then make sure you have enough portions for the group.
