Who is this choice relevant to?

Bakers looking for crunchy crumbs

Want to finish a base, topping, cake or dessert with a crunchy, speculaas-style addition? Make sure you know the difference between kruidnoten and softer pepernoten.

Anyone putting together a Sinterklaas treat platter for guests

If you want to share kruidnoten and perhaps use some in a recipe too, the net weight matters. Compare how much you need with pack sizes such as 500 g or 1 kg.

Shoppers who need to check the label

If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, the product category alone doesn’t tell you enough. Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you mainly want to share the contents, use them as a ready-to-eat topping or do both. Then choose a product type and quantity to suit.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Quantity Compare the net weight with how much you want to serve and use in your recipe. Also think about how you’ll store any leftovers. If I want to serve some to guests and finish a bake with the rest, one bag needs to be enough for both; around 46% of consumers prioritise getting the quantity they need.
Texture and flavour Check whether you’re choosing plain kruidnoten, traditional pepernoten or speculoos biscuits, and whether they have a coating or filling. For crumbs on a bake, I want a crunchy, speculaas-style flavour, not the softer texture of traditional pepernoten; around 36% of consumers prioritise the result they want from their bake.
Ingredients and allergens Read the label for the variant you’ve chosen, including relevant allergen information and storage instructions. If I need to take a food allergy into account, I want to be able to check the ingredients of that exact variant; for around 18% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming pepernoten and kruidnoten are the same product

    According to Albert Heijn, kruidnoten are small, round and crunchy, with a flavour reminiscent of speculaas. Traditional pepernoten are softer and chewier, with a different flavour profile.

    Look specifically for kruidnoten if you want crunchy crumbs or a speculaas-style topping.

  • Using a flavoured variety instead of plain kruidnoten

    A coating or filling will change the flavour of what you add to your bake. Ingredients and allergens can also vary between varieties.

    Choose plain kruidnoten for their spiced biscuit flavour without an extra coating or filling. Choose a flavoured variety only if it’s a deliberate match for your recipe.

  • Relying on the label for a different variety

    The allergen information for, say, Jumbo Kruidnoten Naturel 500 g doesn’t automatically apply to another brand or a chocolate variety.

    If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, read the packaging of the product you’re actually buying, even if you’ve bought it before.

  • Buying a large seasonal bag without a plan for leftovers

    A 1 kg bag may suit a group or several uses, but it could be more than you need for one small platter or recipe. ALDI also marks its 1 kg bag as ‘while stocks last’.

    Estimate how much you’ll need in advance, check current availability and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.

Brands and ranges to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers kruidnoten in several pack sizes, as well as speculaas products in its Sinterklaas range.

  • You can compare a larger bag of kruidnoten with other product types and flavours.
  • Check whether the ingredients, allergens and current availability of each variety suit your plans.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers plain kruidnoten in a 500 g pack, among other products, as well as separate speculaas products.

  • The product information for Jumbo Kruidnoten Naturel 500 g includes details such as ingredients, allergens and storage advice.
  • Check the status and label of the variety you’ve chosen; product information for one variety doesn’t apply to another.

ALDI

ALDI offers a 1 kg bag of kruidnoten made with speculaas spices.

  • The stated pack size is worth considering if you want to share kruidnoten or need them for several uses.
  • The product page says ‘while stocks last’, so check availability before counting on this bag.

Lidl / FAVORINA

Lidl offers several FAVORINA pepernoten and kruidnoten varieties, including chocolate options.

  • The flavoured varieties give you options if the finish is part of the result you want from your recipe.
  • Check the packaging of the specific variety for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff makes speculoos biscuits that can also be crumbled and used as an addition to a recipe.

  • An option if you’re looking for biscuits to crumble over a base, layer or dessert.
  • Speculoos biscuits are a different product type from a large bag of kruidnoten for a platter or sweet treat.

Plain kruidnoten for sharing and baking

This Joybuy selection consists of plain kruidnoten in a 500 g pack. They’re suitable for sharing as a ready-to-eat treat or for considering as crumbs in a bake. Decide in advance whether this quantity is enough for both.

Bolletje Plain Kruidnoten 500 g

Bolletje Plain Kruidnoten 500 g

For a platter of kruidnoten or as crumbs in a bake; check in advance whether 500 g is enough.

Plain kruidnoten, 500 g. These are ready-to-eat kruidnoten, not dough for baking your own.

Check the label on the pack you buy for ingredients and allergens.

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Frequently asked questions

Are pepernoten and kruidnoten the same for a speculaas-style bake?

No. Kruidnoten are small, round and crunchy, and according to Albert Heijn, taste of speculaas. Traditional pepernoten are softer and chewier, with a flavour reminiscent of honey and anise. Choose according to the texture you want in your bake.

Can I use a large bag of kruidnoten to bake my own?

No, a bag of kruidnoten contains biscuits that have already been baked. You can serve them or use them as a topping or crumbs. If you want to bake the biscuits yourself, look for kruidnoten dough or separate ingredients.

How do I check for allergens in speculaas or kruidnoten?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that any allergens present from the group of 14 designated allergens must be clearly listed on the label. Don’t rely on information for another product.

How should I store kruidnoten after opening?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you’ve bought. Jumbo advises storing its Kruidnoten Naturel in a cool, dry place; storage instructions for another product or brand may differ.

Can I count on finding a large bag of kruidnoten all year round?

Don’t assume so without checking. ALDI marks its 1 kg bag as ‘while stocks last’, and kruidnoten are also sold as part of Sinterklaas ranges. Check current availability if you need them for a planned gathering or baking project.