Which pack is best for you?

If you want to fill the biscuit tin

If you’d like some biscuits left for coffee, tea or later visitors after your oliebollen get-together, compare the pack size and the number of biscuits. Also consider how you’ll store an opened pack.

If you want to serve biscuits in portions

Individual packets are handy when guests arrive at different times: you can put some out without opening the whole pack at once. Jumbo lists ten packets of two biscuits each for Lotus Biscoff XL; ALDI lists six packets for Biscotto Mini Biscuits.

If you need to check ingredients and allergens

Check the exact pack if ingredients or dietary requirements matter. The Lotus Biscoff XL described by Jumbo contains wheat and soya; its vegan labelling doesn’t replace the need to check for these allergens.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you mainly want biscuits for the tin, for separate serving occasions or for a specific use. Then check the packaging and label of the variety you’re planning to buy.

What to considerWhat to check when buyingWho it matters to
Stock for the biscuit tin Compare the net weight and check how you can reseal the pack after opening. If I want biscuits left over after my guests have gone, I need enough to store for later. Around 36% of consumers put having enough in stock first.
Individual portions Count the individual packets and check how many biscuits you’ll open at a time. When guests don’t all arrive at once, I want to be able to put out a small amount each time. For around 29% of consumers, portion convenience matters most.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack; check any dietary claims separately. If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in this particular pack. Around 21% of consumers prioritise checking the label.
Serving with oliebollen Decide whether you’ll serve the biscuits separately or whether a specific recipe lists them as an ingredient. I want to avoid mistaking a biscuit for serving for an ingredient in the batter. Around 14% of consumers say this question of how to use the biscuits is their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming vegan means allergen-free

    A dietary claim doesn’t tell you which allergens a biscuit contains. The Lotus Biscoff XL described by Jumbo is labelled vegan, but also contains wheat and soya.

    If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even if its dietary claim seems suitable.

  • Automatically buying biscuits for oliebollen batter

    The biscuits described here are sold as biscuits or snacks; that doesn’t automatically make them suitable as an ingredient in oliebollen batter.

    Serve them separately unless the recipe you’re using specifically calls for biscuits.

  • Opening a large pack without a storage plan

    You may have some biscuits left over after your guests have gone. Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Koekie & go biscuits in a sealed tin after opening.

    Follow the storage advice on your pack. If you’re expecting several small serving occasions, also consider whether a pack with individual portions would suit you better.

Brands to consider

Lotus Biscoff

Speculoos biscuits for serving with coffee or tea. Jumbo describes an XL variety with ten packets of two biscuits each.

  • The XL variety described is individually portioned, so you don’t have to put all the biscuits out at once.
  • According to Jumbo, this variety contains wheat and soya; check the label if you have dietary requirements or allergies.

Jumbo

The own-brand range includes biscuits for the tin, such as Vanillesmaak Dubbels (500 g) and Bakkers Speculaas (600 g).

  • The pack weights listed give you an idea of how much you’ll have to store for later.
  • For your chosen variety, check whether the contents are individually wrapped and what storage advice is given on the pack.

Biscotto

ALDI’s own brand includes both larger packs and smaller individual packets. Its range includes Sandwich biscuits (500 g) and Mini Biscuits (225 g), with six packets.

  • The varieties listed let you choose between a larger pack and individual portions.
  • Packaging and ingredients vary by variety, so read the label on the product you choose.

Albert Heijn

AH Koekie & go is a 140 g pack described as containing five portions. The product information also lists ingredients, allergens and storage advice.

  • The portion and label information helps you assess this specific pack.
  • The 140 g variety isn’t a large pack for the biscuit tin; check the storage advice and allergens for this variety separately.

Sondey

Lidl describes a range of biscuits and cookies under this own brand, including vegan options.

  • The brand’s range gives you a starting point when looking for a suitable variety of biscuits.
  • Check the pack size, individual packaging and allergens for each product you consider; a vegan claim isn’t a full list of allergens.

Biscuits for the biscuit tin or to share

These Joybuy products are biscuits to serve alongside oliebollen. Pack sizes vary. If you’re looking for individual portions, you can at least compare the stated number of biscuits in the Hellema product, but check the product itself to see whether they’re individually wrapped.

g'woon Bakers Speculaas, 600g

g'woon Bakers Speculaas 600g

A pack of speculaas biscuits for serving to guests and keeping the biscuit tin stocked.

Net weight: 600g. Check the pack for advice on storing the biscuits after opening.

View at Joybuy
FESTIVAL Vanilla Flavour Cookies, 403 gr

FESTIVAL Vanilla Flavour Cookies 403 gr

Vanilla biscuits to offer guests separately from the oliebollen.

Net weight: 403 gr. Check the pack if the number of portions or the ingredients will affect your choice.

View at Joybuy
De Ruiter Bakers Speculaas, 450 g

De Ruiter Bakers Speculaas 450 g

Speculaas biscuits to serve with coffee or tea alongside the oliebollen.

Net weight: 450 g. Check the label for the ingredients and storage advice for this pack.

View at Joybuy
Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas Cookies, 8 pcs, 200 g

Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas Cookies 8 pcs, 200 g

A smaller pack of speculaas biscuits if you’re not looking for a large pack to keep in stock.

The product name lists 8 pcs and 200 g. Check the pack to see whether the biscuits are individually wrapped if you want to serve them in portions.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I use these biscuits in oliebollen batter?

Don’t buy them as a substitute for oliebollen mix or batter. The products described are sold as biscuits or snacks, so serve them alongside the oliebollen unless your own recipe specifically lists a particular biscuit as an ingredient.

What should I check if a guest needs to avoid wheat, soya, milk or eggs?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. Under European labelling rules, allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list of pre-packed foods. The Lotus Biscoff XL described here contains wheat and soya; Albert Heijn lists egg, milk, soya and wheat, among other ingredients, for AH Koekie & go.

How should I store biscuits after opening a large pack?

Follow the storage advice on the pack you’ve chosen and close it as instructed. For AH Koekie & go, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place and keeping it in a sealed tin after opening.

Is there anything else I should check if I want individual portions?

Yes. Check how many individual packets the exact variety contains and how many biscuits you’ll be opening at a time. Jumbo lists ten packets of two biscuits each for Lotus Biscoff XL; ALDI lists six packets for Biscotto Mini Biscuits. This doesn’t tell you anything about the individual packaging of another product from the same brand.