Who is this relevant for?

Distance runner with a Fairtrade requirement

You plan what to eat around long training sessions and only choose a syrup waffle if the Fairtrade status of the relevant ingredients is clear on the specific pack.

Runner who pays attention to what they can tolerate

You’re looking for a familiar snack before or around a training session, and take portion size, timing and your own experience while running into account.

Supermarket shopper comparing labels

You compare carbohydrates per portion, ingredients, allergens and the mark on the product itself, rather than relying on the shop or brand name.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check whether the syrup waffle meets your Fairtrade requirement. Then assess the portion and timing as part of your overall fuelling plan. If you’re planning to eat it while running, consider whether solid food is practical for you too.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade ingredients Look for the FAIRTRADE mark and, if there’s an arrow mark, read the explanation on the pack about ingredients and their origin. If Fairtrade cocoa is a condition of my purchase, I want to know what the mark on this syrup waffle applies to. This check is the top priority for around 31% of consumers.
Carbohydrates per portion Compare the carbohydrates per 100 g with the amount you actually eat, and include other sources of carbohydrates in your plan. For a long training session, I want to know what my own portion contributes, without mistaking a label value per 100 g for the value in one portion. This planning is also a priority for around 31% of consumers.
Portion and timing Check the amount of fat and fibre on the label, and try your chosen portion and timing during training first. If I want something to eat while running, solid food needs to work for me at that point. Tolerance is the first consideration for around 23% of consumers.
Label on the exact product Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and check that the product you’re buying is the same variant and has the same mark. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the label on the syrup waffle I’m actually buying. This product check is a priority for around 15% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking another mark for Fairtrade

    Albert Heijn states that the cocoa in Daelmans Chocolade stroopwafels mini’s is Rainforest Alliance certified. This does not confirm that this product is Fairtrade certified.

    Look for the FAIRTRADE mark on the syrup waffle pack and read the explanation if there’s an arrow mark.

  • Confusing values per 100 g with values per portion

    Albert Heijn lists 63 g of carbohydrates per 100 g for AH Stroopwafels and gives a portion size of 39 g. So the value per 100 g doesn’t tell you what you’ll get from one stated portion.

    Calculate based on the amount you actually have, and include other sources of carbohydrates in your plan too.

  • Trying a new snack for the first time during a race

    Whether a syrup waffle feels comfortable to eat while running depends in part on the portion, timing and how you respond to solid food.

    Try the brand, amount and timing during training first, rather than relying on them for the first time in your race plan.

  • Assuming a supermarket-wide Fairtrade claim applies to every syrup waffle

    Information about a supermarket’s Fairtrade products doesn’t confirm that an individual syrup waffle contains Fairtrade cocoa.

    Check the mark and ingredient information for the exact variant you want to buy.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The product information for AH Stroopwafels is useful for checking the portion and label.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 390 g pack of these syrup waffles, a stated portion of 39 g, and ingredient and nutritional information.
  • Albert Heijn’s general Fairtrade range doesn’t confirm the Fairtrade status of AH Stroopwafels; check the specific pack to find out.

Daelmans

Daelmans Chocolade stroopwafels mini’s are a separate chocolate variant with their own portion information.

  • The product information at Albert Heijn lists nutritional values, allergens and a portion of three mini waffles.
  • The statement that the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance certified is not a Fairtrade mark.

PLUS

Fairtrade Nederland has mentioned Fairtrade cocoa in PLUS own-brand products.

  • That statement gives you a reason to check the specific mark information on a PLUS own-brand product.
  • A statement about own-brand products doesn’t, by itself, confirm the Fairtrade status of an individual syrup waffle.

Syrup waffles at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are all the ingredients Fairtrade if a syrup waffle carries the FAIRTRADE mark?

Not necessarily. Fairtrade International explains that, for products with multiple ingredients, the mark and any arrow may need an explanation. Check the pack to see which ingredients the information applies to.

Can I eat a syrup waffle during a long training session?

A syrup waffle can fit into your fuelling plan if the portion is practical and you can tolerate solid food while running. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses carbohydrates during prolonged exercise. Consider the syrup waffle alongside everything else you eat and drink, and try your choice during training first.

When can I try a syrup waffle around a training session?

Try a portion and timing during a regular training session, not for the first time on race day. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise; judge how an individual snack works around a run based on your own experience.

How do I check the allergens in a syrup waffle?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack of the exact variant. Albert Heijn lists wheat and soya, among other ingredients, for AH Stroopwafels. The information for Daelmans Chocolade stroopwafels mini’s relates to a different product and isn’t a substitute for that label.