If you’re looking for a classic syrup waffle with a Fairtrade claim, choose one only when the packaging clearly states what the claim applies to. PLUS specifically labels PLUS Wafels Choco Fairtrade as containing ‘Fairtrade Cocoa’, but this is an egg waffle with hazelnut-flavour filling, not a classic syrup waffle. As well as checking the claim, look at the allergens and nutritional information for the product you want to buy.
You’re looking for something to enjoy with your coffee and want to tell the difference between a claim that applies to the whole product and one that applies to a single ingredient, such as cocoa or sugar.
You’re looking for a suitable waffle, but consider a Fairtrade label separately from allergen information and dietary requirements.
You want to know whether an alternative is still the type of syrup waffle you’re looking for, and also compare portion sizes and nutritional values.
First decide whether you want a classic syrup waffle or would consider another type of waffle to enjoy with your coffee. Then check exactly what the Fairtrade claim covers and review the other product information separately.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| What the Fairtrade claim covers | Check the specific packaging to see whether the claim applies to the product or to a named ingredient. PLUS says that PLUS Wafels Choco Fairtrade carries the claim ‘Fairtrade Cocoa’. | I don’t want to assume that a cocoa claim applies to every ingredient. For around 42% of consumers, the scope of the Fairtrade claim comes first. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Check the current ingredients list and both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information on the packaging. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the waffle I choose must meet my requirements, regardless of the Fairtrade claim. An estimated 33% of consumers say this is their priority. |
| Portion size and nutritional value | Compare the portion size, sugars and saturated fats per 100 g; use the same basis when making comparisons. | With my coffee, I want to know how much I’m having per waffle and what the nutritional information means for that portion. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portion size and nutritional value. |
For a product made from several ingredients, a Fairtrade label may apply to a selected ingredient. Fairtrade International distinguishes these ingredient claims from claims with a different scope for the finished product.
Read the full wording next to the certification mark. If you want a classic syrup waffle with a claim covering the whole product, don’t rely on a cocoa label alone.
These labels describe different things. A vegan syrup waffle or a statement about palm oil does not confirm that the waffle is Fairtrade-certified.
Check each claim separately on the packaging of the variety you choose.
Ingredients and warnings can vary between products and recipes. Even a product labelled vegan may have a separate ‘may contain’ warning.
Check the current packaging before eating and don’t choose a product if its allergen information doesn’t meet your requirements.
A Fairtrade claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar or saturated fat a waffle contains. The difference between a syrup waffle and another type of coffee-time waffle also matters.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the portion size per waffle as well.
A brand name alone tells you nothing about the Fairtrade status of a particular waffle. For the examples below, check the product type and the exact claim on the packaging.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a waffle to enjoy with your coffee that explicitly carries a Fairtrade cocoa label.
A useful example of mini syrup waffles where the Fairtrade conditions for named sugar ingredients are explained.
Worth comparing if you want a classic syrup waffle with a butter-based syrup filling to enjoy with your coffee, alongside a waffle carrying a Fairtrade ingredient claim.
Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for a syrup waffle labelled plant-based to enjoy with your coffee.
Useful for distinguishing standard and organic syrup waffles from the separately listed Fair Trade Original product.
No, a cocoa claim doesn’t confirm that. Fairtrade International distinguishes a claim for a selected ingredient from other Fairtrade labels for products made from several ingredients. PLUS specifically labels PLUS Wafels Choco Fairtrade as containing ‘Fairtrade Cocoa’; it’s also an egg waffle, not a classic syrup waffle.
It depends on the product. PLUS lists lupin, wheat, egg and milk, among other ingredients, for Wafels Choco Fairtrade. For AH Terra Plantaardig syrup waffles, Albert Heijn lists wheat and soya and warns that the product may contain milk or lactose. Always check the current packaging of the variety you’re buying.
Yes. Daelmans recommends placing its syrup waffle on a hot cup of coffee or tea and waiting around two minutes for the syrup to soften. This serving suggestion says nothing about the waffle’s Fairtrade status.
Check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying, especially for ingredients and allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority emphasises that allergens must be clearly shown on the label and that label information must be legible.
