Who is this choice relevant to?

Those who prioritise Fairtrade cocoa

Looking for a treat for Sinterklaas Eve or a shoe gift? Choose one whose Fairtrade claim appears on the specific variant, rather than relying on the brand’s general messaging.

Those looking for biscuits to share

Want something to put out on a plate or serve with coffee? Compare the product format and quantity, and check the allergen information.

Those mindful of allergens

Check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the exact variant before buying and serving it.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the chosen product carries a Fairtrade claim. Then compare the type of treat and read the label if anyone needs to avoid particular allergens.

Chocolate biscuits to share

Ideal for: a plate for guests or biscuits with coffee. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade milk chocolate for Verkade Chocorondjes milk chocolate.

Bear in mind: according to Albert Heijn’s product information, this variant contains milk and wheat, among other ingredients. Also check for warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

Oat biscuit with chocolate

Ideal for: anyone who would rather serve an oat biscuit than one with a cream filling. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade cocoa for Verkade Crunchy oat biscuit with milk chocolate.

Bear in mind: according to the product information, this variant also contains wheat, milk and soya. An oat biscuit is not automatically gluten-free or dairy-free.

Chocolate letter

Ideal for: an individual Sinterklaas treat rather than biscuits to share. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade chocolate for the dark Verkade letter S.

Bear in mind: a letter is chocolate, not a biscuit. Check the information for your chosen letter and flavour separately.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa Look for Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate on the current packaging or product page for the exact variant. The brand name alone is not enough. If Fairtrade cocoa is my top priority, I want to see that claim on the biscuit or chocolate I’m actually buying. Around 42% of consumers put this check first.
Format and quantity Compare the net weight and, where stated, the number of items or servings. Decide whether you want biscuits for a sharing plate or an individual letter. For guests, I want enough biscuits to serve, but for a shoe gift I’m looking for an individual treat. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the label, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination. When I’m serving a treat to guests with an allergy, the information on the packaging needs to confirm that it’s suitable for them to eat. Around 33% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a brand name means the product is Fairtrade

    A familiar name doesn’t tell you whether the cocoa in the biscuit variant you’ve chosen is Fairtrade. Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crisp, caramelised biscuit; that flavour description is not a Fairtrade claim.

    If you specifically want Fairtrade cocoa, look for the claim on the current packaging or product page for the exact variant.

  • Only looking at the front of the pack when serving guests

    A Fairtrade claim tells you nothing about allergens. Chocolate biscuits may contain ingredients or carry warnings that matter to your guests.

    Before serving, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack. Also check for any warnings about possible cross-contamination.

  • Assuming an oat biscuit is gluten-free or dairy-free

    The name refers to oats, but according to its product information, the Verkade Crunchy oat biscuit with milk chocolate described by Albert Heijn also contains wheat and milk.

    If you’re avoiding gluten or dairy, rely on the current ingredients and labelling for the specific product, not the product category.

  • Not checking the pack against the online description

    Information on a product page can change. When it comes to allergens or a Fairtrade claim, the variant you receive is what matters.

    When your order arrives, compare the packaging with the information you based your purchase on before serving the treat.

Brands to consider

Check claims product by product, not brand by brand: a Fairtrade claim for one variant tells you nothing about the ingredients or labelling of another.

Verkade

Worth considering for chocolate biscuits and chocolate letters. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade cocoa or Fairtrade chocolate for the Chocorondjes, Crunchy oat biscuit and dark letter S mentioned above.

  • There are biscuits for a sharing plate as well as an individual chocolate letter with a product-specific Fairtrade claim.
  • Ingredients and allergens vary by variant. Verkade also describes its use of Fairtrade cocoa in its own brand communications, so check the packaging of the product you choose.

Fairtrade Original

An option if you’d like to make your own biscuits or a Sinterklaas treat with cocoa. Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original cocoa powder in its range overview.

  • Cocoa powder offers a different format from a ready-made biscuit.
  • For a homemade recipe, check both the cocoa you choose and the other ingredients. A claim on cocoa powder doesn’t automatically apply to a ready-made biscuit.

Lotus Biscoff

A crisp, caramelised biscuit for anyone looking for that particular flavour, as described by Lotus Bakeries.

  • The brand describes the biscuit as a good match for coffee and as an ingredient in recipes.
  • If Fairtrade cocoa is a requirement, choose this variant only if the current product information explicitly says so.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify Fairtrade cocoa in a biscuit?

Look for a Fairtrade claim on the current packaging or product page for the exact variant. For example, Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade milk chocolate for Verkade Chocorondjes and Fairtrade cocoa for Verkade Crunchy oat biscuit. Don’t rely on the brand name alone.

Are biscuits with Fairtrade cocoa suitable for someone with an allergy?

Not on the basis of that claim alone: Fairtrade cocoa tells you nothing about the allergens in the biscuit. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Chocorondjes mentioned above contain milk and wheat, while the oat biscuit mentioned above also contains soya. Always read the label for the variant you’re serving.

Does allergen information have to appear on the label in the Netherlands?

Yes. For the 14 allergens that must be labelled, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says the information must be clearly displayed on the label. The NVWA also states that, since 1 January 2026, rules have applied to how and when warnings must be given about possible cross-contamination with allergens.

Should I choose biscuits or a chocolate letter for Sinterklaas Eve?

Choose biscuits if you’d like to serve a treat on a sharing plate or with coffee; a chocolate letter makes a good individual gift. For either option, check the Fairtrade claim and allergen information for the variant you choose. Albert Heijn describes the dark Verkade letter S as a letter made with Fairtrade chocolate.