Only choose a stroopwafel for your weekend breakfast once the certification mark and packaging clearly show which ingredients the Fairtrade claim applies to. In a classic stroopwafel, sugar may be more relevant than cocoa; a wafer made with Fairtrade cocoa isn’t automatically a classic stroopwafel. Also check the current ingredients and allergen information, especially if anyone at the table needs to take them into account.
You want to serve a stroopwafel with coffee or tea, but first want to see on the packet whether the Fairtrade claim applies to sugar, cocoa or other ingredients, for example. Fairtrade International advises checking the back of the packaging when the certification mark includes an arrow.
You’re specifically looking for a product made with Fairtrade cocoa and are also open to serving a chocolate wafer instead of a classic stroopwafel. Check the product type separately from the cocoa claim.
You want to know what’s in the product before serving it. The stroopwafels and wafers reviewed have different ingredients and allergens, so check the current label on the packet you buy.
First decide whether you want a classic stroopwafel or would also serve a chocolate wafer. Then check which ingredient the Fairtrade claim covers, and separately check the ingredients and allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade coverage | Check the certification mark, any arrow and the explanation on the back. Confirm which ingredient the claim applies to. | If Fairtrade certification is a must for me, I want to know what the mark means on this particular packet; around 50% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, even if you’ve bought the same product before. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to be sure about the packet I’ve chosen. Around 30% of consumers put this check first. |
| Product type and size | Compare a classic stroopwafel with a chocolate or mini wafer if it makes a difference to your breakfast; also check the number of pieces. | For a relaxed breakfast, I want to choose a wafer type and size that suit the occasion; this matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
A brand name or general sustainability message won’t tell you which ingredients in a stroopwafel are covered by a Fairtrade claim. According to Fairtrade International, an arrow next to the certification mark points to information on the back.
Read the certification mark and the accompanying packaging information before deciding whether the product meets your requirements.
A chocolate wafer with a cocoa claim is a different type of product from a classic stroopwafel. The claim alone also says nothing about the Fairtrade status of the other ingredients.
First choose the type of wafer you want to serve, then check which ingredient is covered by the Fairtrade claim.
Jumbo says that the Fair Trade Original Mini Stroopwafels in the product listing we consulted are no longer part of its online range. Sligro says that the Alex Meijer product mentioned has been replaced.
Check the current product and its label just before buying, rather than relying on details from an earlier listing.
Ingredients and warnings can vary between products or change over time. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of allergen information on the label.
Read the packaging of the product you intend to buy, and check both the ingredients and any warnings.
These examples help you distinguish between classic stroopwafels, mini stroopwafels and a chocolate wafer. Always assess the Fairtrade claim for the specific product.
Classic stroopwafels to enjoy with a hot drink.
Jumbo listed mini stroopwafels from this brand in a box of 150.
Sligro lists a box of 150 Fairtrade-certified mini stroopwafels for sharing.
An option to consider if you’re specifically looking for a wafer made with Fairtrade cocoa.
Check which Fairtrade certification mark appears on the packaging and which ingredients the claim applies to. For products with multiple ingredients, Fairtrade International advises checking the back for an explanation when the certification mark includes an arrow.
No, a classic stroopwafel doesn’t have to contain cocoa. Check the ingredients if cocoa is your priority: a product such as PLUS Wafels Choco Fairtrade carries a Fairtrade cocoa claim, but it isn’t a classic stroopwafel.
Check the allergen information for the product you’ve chosen, as ingredients vary. The product examples mentioned include wheat, soya, milk and egg; the PLUS chocolate wafer also lists lupin. Always refer to the current label.
Follow the serving instructions on the packaging of your chosen product. The Daelmans stroopwafels listed by PLUS come with the suggestion to rest a stroopwafel on top of a cup of hot drink for two minutes; don’t automatically apply this instruction to other products.
