Parents who want to take a treat with them
A sealed packet fits in a bag or lunchbox. If it’s a twin pack, decide in advance whether you’ll give your child one biscuit or both.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents keeping an eye on portion sizes
Compare the nutritional information with the amount you’ll actually give, rather than assuming that a whole inner wrapper is automatically one toddler portion.
Parents packing food for nursery or school
If your child has an allergy or the setting has an allergen policy, you’ll need the current information on the packaging before packing the biscuit.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a daily snack or an occasional biscuit treat. For the latter, what’s in the inner wrapper and what the current label says matter more than simply seeing the words ‘individually wrapped’.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Count the biscuits in each inner wrapper and check the nutritional information for the amount you plan to give. | If a packet contains two biscuits, I want to be able to choose in advance how many to give. Around 42% of consumers prioritise a manageable treat portion. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Check whether the biscuits are wrapped individually or in pairs, and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | For a treat on the go, I want to be able to take the biscuit in a sealed wrapper. Practical inner packaging is the top concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and venue rules | Read the current ingredients and allergen label, and ask about the policy at the nursery or school your child attends. | When I pack something for nursery or school, it needs to suit my child’s allergy and the rules at that setting. Around 25% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming an inner wrapper is one toddler portion
A twin pack contains two biscuits, even if you only want to give your child one. For example, Jumbo lists two biscuits per inner wrapper for the Lotus Biscoff XL variety.
Count the biscuits and decide how many to give before you leave.
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Only checking for gluten
Other allergens may also be relevant, depending on the product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information on the label.
Read the full, current information, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
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Assuming a sealed packet is allowed at school
Individual packaging doesn’t change the ingredients or tell you anything about the rules at a particular setting.
Ask the nursery or school what your child is allowed to bring before packing a biscuit.
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Assuming a brand description applies to every variety
A brand may offer different types of biscuits and different pack sizes.
Check the details for the variety you’ve chosen, and read the packaging again when you use it.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Lotus Biscoff
The XL speculoos variety described by Jumbo comes in ten packets, each containing two biscuits. That’s a twin pack, not individually wrapped biscuits.
- The pack size is clearly stated for this specific variety.
- Decide whether to give your child one or two biscuits, and check the current allergen label.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes its milk chocolate grain biscuits as nine packets, each containing two biscuits.
- The inner packaging can be handy for taking the biscuits with you.
- Two biscuits in one packet still call for a considered portion choice; check the allergens for this variety too.
Goud Gebakken
ALDI describes six individually wrapped spiced or breakfast cake bites. Breakfast cake is not the same product as a biscuit.
- According to ALDI, the pieces are individually wrapped.
- Read the nutritional information and allergen details on the chosen packaging before giving your child a piece.
Sondey
Lidl presents Sondey as a range that includes biscuits, cookies and bars.
- The range includes different types of products to explore.
- Check whether each variety is individually wrapped; don’t assume it is based on the brand name.
Biscuits on Joybuy to compare
These packs are worth considering if you’re comparing biscuits to take with you or for an occasional treat. Check how many biscuits are in each inner wrapper and how many you actually want to give; individual packaging alone doesn’t determine a toddler portion.
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Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas, 8 packets, 200 g
The eight individual packets are a handy option if you want to take a sealed pack with you. Check the current packaging to see how many biscuits are in each packet and how many you want to give. If you’re packing it for nursery or school, also check the allergens and local rules.
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Ulker Halley Mini Biscuit, 3 × 77 g
The three individual packs can be handy to take with you. A 77 g pack isn’t automatically one toddler portion: check the number of biscuits and the nutritional information before deciding how many to give. Also read the current allergen information.
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Oreo Raspberry & Blueberry Flavor Sandwich Cookies, 97 g, 2 packs
The pack contains two individual packets, so you can take a sealed one with you. Check how many biscuits are in each packet and how many you want to give. Before packing it, read the current allergen label and ask about the setting’s rules if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is an individually wrapped biscuit suitable as a daily snack?
It’s best not to make biscuits a daily staple for a young child or toddler. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises offering biscuits once a week rather than once a day, and lists fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods as snack options.
Why isn’t a twin pack automatically one toddler portion?
A twin pack contains two biscuits, but you may only want to give your child one. So check both the number of biscuits and the nutritional information for the amount you’ll actually offer.
Can my child take a biscuit containing gluten to nursery or school?
That depends on the policy at the nursery or school and your child’s circumstances. Ask the setting about its rules, and check the current label for wheat, other gluten-containing cereals and any other relevant allergens.
What should I check on the packaging before giving my child a biscuit?
Check the ingredients and allergens, the number of biscuits in each inner wrapper, and the nutritional information for the amount you plan to give. Also check the use-by or best-before date and storage advice on the packaging.