If Fairtrade certification is a firm requirement, choose only gingerbread where the certification mark and the scope of the claim are clearly shown on the exact packaging. Fairtrade cocoa as an ingredient does not automatically mean the whole gingerbread loaf is Fairtrade-certified. If you’re buying it to serve to older people, also compare the nutritional information, allergens and portion size of the variant you choose.
Wants to assess the claim on the exact gingerbread product, rather than relying on a shop’s Fairtrade range. For products with multiple ingredients, Fairtrade International also says it’s important to check the wording next to the certification mark.
Compares products for people with different dietary needs. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that some groups of older people may need additional dietary advice, so one type of gingerbread won’t necessarily suit everyone.
Looks for a suitable format, such as pre-sliced or individually wrapped portions. For example, Peijnenburg describes a pack of ten individually wrapped slices weighing 28 g each. Ingredients and allergens should still be checked for each variant.
First, decide whether Fairtrade certification is a firm requirement for the gingerbread itself. Then compare the nutritional information for the group you’re buying for and choose packaging that suits the way you’ll serve it.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade claim | Check the certification mark on the exact packaging. For a product made with multiple ingredients, read which ingredients the claim applies to. | If Fairtrade is a firm buying requirement, you need to be able to verify the claim on this gingerbread, not just on other products sold by the same shop. Verifiable status is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information | Compare the sugar, fibre, protein and salt content per portion. Also check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variant. | When serving older people with different dietary needs, I’d first want to know what each slice contains. Around 33% of consumers give suitability for their dietary needs the highest priority. |
| Portioning and serving | Compare unsliced, pre-sliced and individually wrapped variants by portion size and how they can be served. | If you hand out individual slices, you’ll want a practical format without losing sight of the product information. Ease of serving is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A shop may sell Fairtrade products without the gingerbread you’ve chosen carrying that certification mark. A claim about cocoa also doesn’t necessarily tell you whether the whole loaf is certified.
Check the certification mark and accompanying wording on the current packaging of the exact gingerbread product. Fairtrade International explains that, for products with multiple ingredients, an arrow next to the logo points to further information about the claim.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives different average nutritional values for regular gingerbread and gingerbread with no added sugar. These averages don’t tell you what a particular variant contains per portion or whether it’s suitable for someone’s dietary needs.
Compare the full nutritional information and ingredients list on the packaging you’ve chosen. If someone is following a prescribed diet or has specific dietary needs, ask their healthcare professional to help you choose a suitable product.
An individually wrapped slice can make serving easier, but the packaging format tells you nothing about allergens or Fairtrade certification.
When serving individual portions, keep the product information for the exact variant to hand and check the portion size, ingredients and any certification claim.
A brand or shop name is not proof of a Fairtrade claim on gingerbread. Use the available range to compare variants, and always check the claim on the individual product.
A gingerbread brand with, among other options, an individually wrapped plain variant.
A supermarket with an online range of gingerbread and spiced cake.
A supermarket with a dedicated gingerbread category.
A supermarket with own-brand gingerbread and a policy on cocoa in its own-brand products.
ALDI’s own brand, which includes a pre-sliced gingerbread variant.
No. A claim about Fairtrade cocoa doesn’t automatically apply to the whole gingerbread loaf. Check the certification mark on the exact packaging and read the explanation for products made with multiple ingredients. Fairtrade International describes the use of an arrow next to the logo for this purpose.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives different average nutritional values for this category than for regular gingerbread, but individual products may differ. Check the label per portion and take any individual dietary advice into account.
Follow the storage and use-by instructions on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen. If serving individual portions, keep the correct product information to hand so you can check the portion size, ingredients, allergens and any certification claim.
Don’t assume so without checking the product information. Check the ingredients list for the exact gingerbread product or ask the manufacturer which type of salt it uses before making any claims about its iodine content.
