Buying international biscuits: how to choose the right flavour, size and packaging

International biscuits are popular with Dutch consumers looking for something different from the usual biscuit with their coffee. Think Japanese biscuits, Asian biscuits, Oreo varieties, matcha biscuits and biscuits with fruity fillings. There is plenty of choice online, but product photos and eye-catching flavour names do not always tell the whole story.

That is why it is worth watching out for three common pitfalls:

1. An unusual flavour name does not tell you how much of the ingredient is actually included. For example, a matcha biscuit may contain only a limited percentage of matcha powder. Check the ingredients list and any quantitative declaration.
2. A large pack is not always practical. Without individual portions, a bag can quickly lose its crispness once opened. This is particularly inconvenient if you want to take biscuits to the office, school or a picnic.
3. The packaging may contain different allergen information from what you expect. International snacks may contain wheat, milk, soya, egg, sesame, nuts and sulphites, among other allergens. Always check the current product packaging before eating, particularly if you have an allergy or intolerance.

What should you look for when buying international biscuits?

1. Ingredients, flavour and allergens

Start with the ingredients list. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by quantity. If matcha appears further down the list, the flavour may be subtler than the product name suggests. For example, Garden Mini Cookies Matcha Milk Flavor list 1.9% matcha. Franzzi Matcha Cookies contain at least 0.5% matcha powder, according to the product information.

For chocolate biscuits, the difference between cocoa powder and chocolate pieces is significant. Quduoduo Chunky Cookies Dark Chocolate Flavour contain at least 9% chocolate. This is a verifiable product specification, but it does not automatically indicate how every consumer will experience the flavour.

Pay attention to allergens too:

• Wheat and gluten are found in virtually all the biscuits mentioned.
• Milk and soya are common ingredients in fillings, coatings and milk powders.
• Egg, sesame, nuts and sulphites may vary from one product to another.
• Some products state that the same production line also handles peanuts, egg, soya, sesame, nuts or milk.

Brand claims about flavour or eating experience are not established facts. According to the relevant brands’ own product information, descriptions may refer to “rich” milk, matcha or fruit flavours, for example. Use the ingredients list and nutritional information as a practical basis for your choice.

2. Packaging, portions and weight

Do not compare the price alone. Look at the net weight and the way the biscuits are packaged too. A 40-gram bag is suitable for taking with you or trying for the first time. Larger packs of 150 to 200 grams are more convenient for a family, guests or the cupboard.

Individual packs help keep mini biscuits and snack portions crisp for longer. Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas Cookies contain 200 grams divided over eight bags. Garden Mini Cookies are available in a 192-gram pack with separate inner packs. This makes these products practical for sharing.

For sandwich biscuits, it is useful to check whether the pack contains multiple portions. The 97-gram Oreo Raspberry & Blueberry Flavor Sandwich Cookies contain two individual packs. This can help reduce waste if you do not want to open the whole bag at once.

3. Best-before dates and storage

Biscuits usually have a long shelf life, but the exact date is shown on the packaging. When ordering online, check the best-before date, country of origin and storage advice.

Store international biscuits:

• in a cool, dry place;
• away from direct sunlight and heat sources;
• tightly sealed after opening;
• not if the packaging is damaged.

A date shown on the product page is not always the current date of the item you receive. Always check the packaging instead. With soft or filled biscuits, sealing the pack properly is especially important to help prevent changes in texture.

Which international biscuits suit your needs?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Garden Mini Cookies Original Flavour 192g

Why it suits this profile: An easy introduction to Asian biscuits, in a 192-gram pack. The neutral original flavour is ideal if you want to try a basic variety first.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The net weight and ingredients are clearly stated. The inner packs help you store the biscuits in individual portions.

Key benefit & advantages

192 grams, wheat flour as the main ingredient and separate inner packs. Ready to eat straight away.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Royal Ballet Wonderful Copenhagen Danish Butter Cookies - 150 g

Why it suits this profile: A classic choice with coffee or tea, or as a gift. The product information states that it contains 26% butter and desiccated coconut.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The butter content makes it easier to compare with biscuits that only mention a general “creamy” flavour. However, always check the allergens on the current packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

150 grams, 26% butter according to the product information, and a classic Danish style.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent snackers

Oreo Raspberry & Blueberry Flavor Sandwich Cookies, 97g

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for Oreo fans who want to try a fruity variety. The pack contains two individual packets, which is handy for sharing or enjoying on several occasions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions separate packs and raspberry and blueberry flavours. This tells you in advance that it is a sandwich biscuit with a fruity filling.

Key benefit & advantages

97 grams, two individual packets and a combination of cocoa biscuits with raspberry and blueberry flavours.

From Japanese biscuits to international snacks

If you are looking for Japanese biscuits, you can choose a milky variety such as Furuta KAMAYAKI Milk Cookies or the savoury flavour of Nikko Cheese Cookies. For the Nikko biscuits, the product information lists wheat, egg and soya among the allergens. Check the complete ingredients list, as the product description also mentions chocolate ingredients and flavourings.

There are several styles available for matcha lovers:

• Franzzi Cookie Mini Balls Matcha Flavour: 100 grams, individually wrapped, with a crisp outer layer and filled centre according to the product description.
• Franzzi Matcha Cookies: 102 grams, crisp biscuits containing at least 0.5% matcha powder according to the product specification.
• Garden Mini Cookies Matcha Milk Flavor: 192 grams, containing 1.9% matcha and separate inner packs.

For a pronounced chocolate flavour, Quduoduo Chunky Cookies and Orion Mushroom-shaped Chocolate Cookies are options worth comparing. Orion biscuits are individually wrapped and weigh 48 grams. The product information states that they contain, among other ingredients, 3.8% cocoa and 2.5% red bean powder. This makes the flavour combination different from that of traditional chocolate biscuits.

Frequently asked questions about international biscuits

Where can I buy international biscuits online?

You can buy international biscuits online by first filtering by flavour, country of origin, brand, weight and packaging. Then review the ingredients, allergens and shelf life on the product page, and check the information on the label when your order arrives.

Are Japanese biscuits the same as Asian biscuits?

No. Japanese biscuits are part of the wider range of Asian biscuits. This group also includes products from China and other countries. Flavour, ingredients, portion size and packaging can vary considerably.

How should I store opened international biscuits?

Seal the pack airtight and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Individually wrapped mini biscuits or sandwich biscuits are practical when you want to open several small portions at different times. Always check the storage advice on the packaging.