Organisers of self-service coffee breaks
Would you like every guest to be able to pick up a sealed portion quickly? One biscuit per wrapper makes serving easy when one small biscuit per guest is enough.
Who needs to consider the packaging?
Caterers managing allergen information
You need to be able to check the information for the biscuits you have actually bought and pass it on to guests. So compare not only the packaging, but also the label for each option.
Buyers looking for a larger break-time portion
You may be comparing a small coffee biscuit with a slice of ontbijtkoek or a pack containing several biscuits. The portion you want to serve each guest determines how many individual packs you need.
What should you look for when buying?
First, decide what you want to serve each guest: one biscuit, one slice or one individual pack containing several biscuits. Then check the label and count the individual packs, not just the biscuits in the outer box.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed self-service portions | Check whether each wrapper contains one biscuit or a portion with several biscuits. | If guests are helping themselves during a coffee break, I want to be able to put out sealed portions without sharing an opened pack. This serving method is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Read the label for your chosen option and keep the allergen information available when serving. | When guests ask about ingredients, I want to be able to check which allergens their biscuits contain. This information is the top priority for an estimated 29% of consumers. |
| Number of guest portions | Count the individual packs in each box and confirm availability before the event. | When planning the coffee break, I want to know how many guests I can serve from one box, even if each wrapper contains several biscuits. Around 24% of consumers give this planning the highest priority. |
| Portion size | Compare one small biscuit, a slice of ontbijtkoek and a pack containing two or three biscuits. | If the break calls for more than one small coffee biscuit, I want to choose a larger portion deliberately. Portion size is the most important consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
Common planning mistakes
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Assuming one wrapper means one biscuit
An individual pack may contain two or three biscuits. If you count biscuits rather than portions to serve, your calculations may be wrong.
Check how many biscuits are in each individual pack, then work out how many guests you can serve.
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Assuming sealed packaging means the product is allergen-free
An individual wrapper tells you nothing about allergens. Albert Heijn lists wheat and soya, among other ingredients, for Lotus Speculoos; the information varies between other biscuits.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the current label of the product you will actually be serving.
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Relying on the name of a zero option alone
The Peijnenburg zero ontbijtkoek described by Albert Heijn contains sweeteners and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. The name also does not tell you which allergens are present.
Read the ingredients, usage warnings and allergen information before choosing this option for your guests.
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Assuming a product listing guarantees availability
A product being visible online does not mean it is available to order. For example, the 300-piece box of Lotus Speculoos was listed as unavailable in the range on the Albert Heijn page consulted.
Check in good time whether your preferred pack will be available for the conference date, and decide which other portion pack might be suitable.
Brands worth considering
Lotus Biscoff
Speculoos biscuits to enjoy with coffee or tea, available as individually wrapped biscuits and in chocolate varieties packed in threes.
- Albert Heijn describes a box of Lotus Speculoos containing 300 individually wrapped biscuits.
- The Jumbo chocolate variety has three biscuits in each individual pack. Check the label and current availability for both options.
Peijnenburg
Individually wrapped slices of ontbijtkoek for when you want to serve a slice instead of a small coffee biscuit.
- Albert Heijn lists 10 individually wrapped 28 g slices for the plain variety and 80 individually wrapped 28 g slices for the zero variety.
- Check the allergens for your chosen option. The zero variety described contains sweeteners and carries a usage warning.
Goud Gebakken
Koekhappers in smaller retail packs for events where you only need a limited number of portions.
- ALDI describes packs containing six individually wrapped koekhappers.
- Before serving your chosen option to guests, read the full ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Jumbo
Cereal biscuits in individual packs of two, rather than one biscuit per wrapper.
- Jumbo lists nine portions, each containing two cereal biscuits, for the milk chocolate variety.
- Allow for two biscuits per individual pack and check the label for allergens in this variety.
LU
Chocolate biscuits in a duo portion to enjoy with coffee or tea.
- Albert Heijn describes LU Scholiertje Milk as a pack containing two biscuits per portion.
- Check how many portions are in the outer pack you choose and consult the current label for allergen information.
Biscuits and portion packs on Joybuy
These products may suit you if you are looking for biscuits or smaller packs to serve during a break. For each product, check how many separately sealed portions you can serve: a listing that mentions several biscuits or packs does not necessarily mean that each biscuit is individually wrapped.
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LU Scholiertje milk chocolate biscuits, 150 g
For a coffee break where you want to serve two biscuits as one portion; check how many portions are in the pack.
150 g pack. Before serving, read the allergen information for the option you have bought.
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Oreo Raspberry & Blueberry Flavour sandwich biscuits, 97 g
For self-service with individually packed portions; check how many biscuits you want to serve each guest.
97 g, with two individual packs. Check the packaging to see how many biscuits are in each individual pack, and read the label for allergen information.
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Ulker Halley Mini Biscuit, 3 × 77 g
For a break where you want to serve small biscuits; before buying, find out how many individual wrappers are in the pack and how many biscuits each one contains.
3 × 77 g pack. Check the label for allergen information for your chosen option.
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Hellema Smoeltjes speculoos biscuits, 8 pieces, 200 g
For an event where you want to serve speculoos in portions; check whether the individual packs are sealed before choosing them for self-service.
200 g pack, listed as 8 pieces. Find out how many biscuits are in each portion you plan to serve, and check the label for allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide allergen information for conference catering?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses offering food to consumers must tell them about any allergens present. For prepacked biscuits, this information is on the label; for unpackaged food, you must be able to provide it in another way.
Does individually wrapped always mean one biscuit per guest?
No. An individual pack may also contain two or three biscuits. Albert Heijn describes Lotus Speculoos as individually wrapped, while Jumbo lists two biscuits per individual pack for its cereal biscuits. Count the individual packs when planning how much to serve, and decide how many each guest will receive.
Does a vegan speculoos biscuit mean it is allergen-free too?
No. The Lotus Speculoos described by Albert Heijn contains wheat and soya, among other ingredients. Check the full allergen information for the option you have actually bought; a vegan label is no substitute for doing so.
What should I look for with Peijnenburg zero ontbijtkoek?
As well as portion size, check the ingredients, allergens and usage warning for this option. The box described by Albert Heijn contains 80 individually wrapped 28 g slices, and the product information lists sweeteners and a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.