Who is this relevant to?

A host with strict Fairtrade requirements

You only want to serve stroopwafels if it’s clear what the Fairtrade claim applies to. Fairtrade International distinguishes between certification for a finished product and a mark for selected ingredients.

Anyone handing out treats to lots of guests

You’re looking for small portions that are easy to serve, perhaps individually wrapped. Jumbo describes a box of Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels containing 150 individually wrapped pieces, but says the product is no longer part of its online range.

A host who is happy with a different kind of waffle

You’re also happy to serve a chocolate waffle made with Fairtrade cocoa, as long as guests know it isn’t a stroopwafel. PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa in its Choco Fairtrade waffle.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether Fairtrade certification for the stroopwafel itself is essential. Then compare packaging for ease of serving and the information your guests need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
What Fairtrade means Check the current packaging to see whether certification applies to the finished product or whether a specific ingredient is named. Fairtrade International distinguishes between these marks. If Fairtrade is a must-have for my party, I want to know exactly what the claim applies to. For around 42% of consumers, being able to verify what the claim means comes first.
Portions and packaging Compare the number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped. Check availability too, before relying on a particular pack size. For a larger gathering, I want to hand out stroopwafels without having to divide them into portions first. Around 33% of consumers put this convenience first.
Allergens and nutritional information Read the allergen information for the exact variety and, if necessary, compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information on labels. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to have the information for the stroopwafels being served to hand. For around 25% of consumers, allergens and nutritional information matter most.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a Fairtrade ingredient means the whole product is certified

    According to Fairtrade International, a Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient mark can apply to selected ingredients. This is not the same as certification for a finished product.

    Check which ingredient is named, and only choose packaging whose exact claim meets your Fairtrade requirements.

  • Passing off a chocolate waffle as a stroopwafel

    PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa in its Choco Fairtrade waffle, but the product isn’t a stroopwafel. If stroopwafels are what you agreed to serve at your party, this changes your choice.

    Only serve the chocolate waffle if you’ve deliberately chosen an alternative, and make sure you describe it accurately.

  • Planning portions around an unavailable product

    Jumbo says its box of Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels, containing 150 individually wrapped pieces, is no longer part of its online range.

    Check current availability with the shop you plan to order from before finalising the number of portions.

  • Putting the packaging away without keeping the allergen information to hand

    Allergens vary by product. For its standard stroopwafels in packs of 8 × 29 g, Jumbo lists gluten, milk, soya and wheat, among other allergens.

    Check the label on the variety you’re serving and keep the packaging available for guests who want to check the ingredients.

Brands worth considering

Fair Trade Original

An example of mini stroopwafels in a large sharing pack, as listed by Jumbo.

  • Jumbo describes a box of 150 individually wrapped pieces and says the cane sugar and invert syrup were traded under Fairtrade terms.
  • Jumbo says this product is no longer part of its online range. The ingredient information alone doesn’t tell you whether the packaging meets a requirement for Fairtrade certification of the finished product.

PLUS

An option to consider if a chocolate waffle would work for your party instead of a stroopwafel.

  • PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa in its Choco Fairtrade waffle.
  • The waffle in question isn’t a stroopwafel; the claim relates specifically to the cocoa.

Daelmans

A standard stroopwafel to consider if Fairtrade isn’t essential.

  • PLUS lists Daelmans Stroopwafels in a pack of 10.
  • If you specifically want a Fairtrade option, check the claim on the packaging of the variety you buy.

Stroopwafels at Joybuy

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fairtrade on the packaging mean the whole stroopwafel is certified?

Not always. According to Fairtrade International, a Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient mark can apply to selected ingredients. So check the exact packaging to see whether it shows certification for the finished product or a claim relating to a named ingredient.

Can I order the box of 150 Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels for my party?

Don’t count on this box being available: Jumbo says the product is no longer part of its online range. Check current availability with your chosen shop before planning your portions around it.

Is the PLUS Choco Fairtrade waffle a Fairtrade stroopwafel?

No. PLUS describes it as a waffle made with Fairtrade cocoa, not as a stroopwafel. It’s only suitable if you’re happy to serve a different kind of waffle at your garden party.

How can guests check the allergens in the stroopwafels being served?

Keep the original packaging for the variety you’re serving to hand, so guests can read the allergen information on the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information on prepacked foods.