If you’re buying organic digestive biscuits, start by looking for the EU organic logo. Also check the control body code and the country of origin statement on the packaging. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the ingredients and allergen information. Organic and wholemeal labels don’t answer those other buying questions for you.
Don’t want to rely on the word ‘natural’ or green packaging alone? Look for the EU organic logo, the control body code and the country of origin statement. According to the European Commission, the organic logo may only be used on certified organic products.
If fibre matters to you, check sugars, saturated fat and salt at the same time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing labels per 100 g, as serving sizes can vary.
If you need to avoid certain ingredients or are looking for a specific dietary feature, check the current packaging. A label such as vegan or lactose-free doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the product contains wheat or other allergens.
When buying organic digestive biscuits, check the organic label, nutritional information and ingredients separately.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic label | Look for the EU organic logo and check the control body code and country of origin statement. According to the European Commission, the logo indicates organic certification. | I don’t want to rely on green-looking packaging alone when buying organic groceries. For around 50% of shoppers, a verifiable organic label is the top priority. |
| Nutritional information | Compare fibre, sugars, saturated fat and salt per 100 g across similar digestive biscuits. | I’m looking for a wholemeal digestive, but I also want to know how its other nutritional values compare. Nutritional information is the first consideration for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, even if a biscuit is described as vegan or lactose-free. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the contents matter more than the label on the front. Suitability is the deciding factor for around 20% of shoppers. |
These words describe different qualities from organic certification. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only appear on products certified as organic by an approved body.
First check the organic logo and the accompanying control and origin information. Then assess the product’s other features.
According to Doves Farm’s nutritional information, its organic wholemeal digestive contains 18 g of sugars, 8.5 g of saturated fat and 1.03 g of salt per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g with that of similar digestive biscuits, and choose based on the values that matter to you.
Vegan or lactose-free doesn’t mean a biscuit is free from wheat or other relevant allergens.
When you buy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that the European organic label does not guarantee good working conditions for people growing crops in developing countries.
If working conditions are also a buying criterion for you, look separately for a label that covers them.
A specific option to consider if you’re looking for an organic wholemeal digestive: Ekoplaza lists Doves Farm Wholemeal Digestive Biscuits in a 200 g pack.
A supermarket own-brand range to consider if you’re looking for organic products at Albert Heijn.
A place to look if you want to combine organic products with the rest of your shopping at Jumbo.
Look for the EU organic logo, the control body code and the country of origin statement on the packaging. According to the European Commission, the logo may only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control authority or control body.
No. The organic label doesn’t tell you how much sugar or salt a digestive contains. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and compare products in the same biscuit category.
Comparing per 100 g lets you assess nutritional values on a like-for-like basis. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that per-serving values can be confusing when manufacturers use different serving sizes.
No. Vegan doesn’t mean gluten-free. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. For example, Doves Farm Wholemeal Digestive Biscuits contain wheat.
No. An organic label isn’t a Fairtrade label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the European organic label doesn’t guarantee good working conditions for people growing crops in developing countries. Consider this buying criterion separately.
