The coffee-break snacker
You want something to enjoy with a coffee or tea and need to know whether opening a packet gives you one biscuit, a two-piece portion or more.
Who is this choice relevant to?
The label comparer
You want to compare sugars, fibre and the actual portion size, rather than relying solely on claims on the front of the pack.
The stock-up shopper
You’re stocking up for several breaks or a shared space, so you’re looking at the number of packets and items in each pack.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many items you want to open during a single break. Then compare like-for-like products per 100 g, as the Voedingscentrum recommends, and check what’s in the portion you’ll actually eat.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Items per packet | Check both the number of biscuits or bars in each packet and the number of packets in the multipack. | If I only want to open one item, a packet containing two or three makes a real difference to me. Portion size is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Nutritional values | Compare like-for-like snacks per 100 g for sugars, fibre, fat and salt, among other things; also check the values per portion. | I want to know what the amount I eat contains, not just what the front of the pack says. Nutritional value matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Office supplies | Count the individual packets and the items in each packet before choosing a multipack for several breaks. | When I’m stocking up for a number of working days, I want to know how many separate breaks a pack will cover. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the size of the pack. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack of the exact flavour and variety you’re choosing. | If an ingredient isn’t suitable for me or a colleague, I need to be able to check the exact variety. This is the first concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming an individually wrapped portion contains one biscuit
A packet may contain several items. Jumbo lists two biscuits per packet for Lotus Biscoff XL and three biscuits per packet for Sultana FruitBiscuit Naturel. Albert Heijn lists two bars per portion for Nature Valley Crunchy.
Check the number of items per packet before you choose. If you need exactly one item, make sure the individual pack really meets that requirement.
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Relying only on claims on the front of the pack
A mention of oats or fibre doesn’t tell you on its own how much sugar, fat or salt a product contains. The size of the portion you eat matters too.
Use the nutritional information per 100 g to compare like-for-like products, then check the values per portion, as the Voedingscentrum recommends.
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Choosing a familiar variety without reading the label
The snacks discussed here have different ingredients. Lotus Biscoff XL, for example, contains wheat and soya, while Sultana FruitBiscuit Naturel also lists milk.
When buying snacks or offering them at work, check the allergen information on the current pack, including any warnings about possible traces of allergens.
Brands to consider
Sultana
The FruitBiscuit Naturel variety reviewed here is a fruit biscuit supplied in packets of three.
- The pack clearly states how many biscuits are in each packet.
- Three biscuits per packet won’t suit you if you need exactly one item; the variety contains wheat and milk, among other ingredients.
Nature Valley
The Crunchy Variety reviewed here consists of oat bars, which Albert Heijn says are packed in pairs.
- The two-bar portion is clearly defined.
- Check the allergen information for each flavour; a two-bar portion isn’t an individual bar.
Lotus Biscoff
The XL variety reviewed here is speculoos biscuits in ten packets, each containing two biscuits, according to Jumbo.
- The packets offer a familiar amount for a coffee break.
- This pack doesn’t contain one biscuit per packet; the variety contains wheat and soya.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes fruit biscuits and fruit bars, which are different types of product and should be assessed separately.
- When stocking up for work, you can check the number of packets and items for each variety.
- Don’t assume an own-brand product has the same portion size, ingredients or allergens as a branded product.
Snacks for a break at work
These Joybuy products include biscuits and a related wafer product in packs you could consider for a break at work. Check how many items are in an individual portion for each product; a wrapped portion doesn’t automatically mean one biscuit or bar.
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Lu Scholiertje Milk Chocolate Biscuits, 150 g
For anyone looking for biscuits to enjoy with coffee or tea. The product information describes portions of two biscuits, so it’s not one biscuit per packet.
Check the current pack for milk, wheat, soya and possible traces of nuts if these allergens are relevant to you or a colleague.
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Jiashili Fruity Biscuits, blueberry flavour, with sweeteners, 93 g
For a break when you fancy taking a fruity biscuit with you; check how many biscuits are in each individual packet if having just one matters to you.
If you have an allergy, check the current pack for information about wheat and possible traces of other allergens.
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Jia Shi Li Fruit Aroma Biscuits, lime flavour, 93 g
For anyone who wants to take a lime-flavoured biscuit to work; check the pack to see how many biscuits are in each individual packet.
Check the current allergen information for wheat, egg and soya if these ingredients are relevant to you.
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NABATI Strawberry Wafer, 12 × 27 g
For stocking up on individual 27 g portions; this is a wafer, not a biscuit. If the number of items matters, check how many wafers are in each portion.
The listed energy values per 100 g are inconsistent. Don’t use them for a comparison without checking the current pack; check the allergen information there too.
Frequently asked questions
Does a packet of biscuits always contain one biscuit?
No. The Sultana FruitBiscuit Naturel discussed here contains three biscuits per packet, Nature Valley Crunchy has two bars per portion, and Lotus Biscoff XL has two biscuits per packet. If you want exactly one item, check the number stated on the pack.
How do I compare the nutritional values of biscuits and bars?
First compare like-for-like products per 100 g, then check the portion you’ll actually eat. The Voedingscentrum recommends reading the nutritional information and ingredients rather than relying only on claims on the front of the pack.
Should I check allergens again for a snack I know?
Yes. If allergens matter, check the current pack of the exact flavour and variety. A previous purchase or familiar brand name is no substitute for checking the ingredients and allergen information on the product you’re offering or eating now.
Does vegan also mean gluten-free?
No. The Lotus Biscoff XL variety discussed here is described by the retailer as suitable for vegans, but it contains wheat. Check the current pack separately when choosing a gluten-free option.