Who are these choices relevant to?

If you shop with organic credentials in mind

You want to be able to tell from the label whether a biscuit is organic, rather than relying on the colour of the packaging or the brand name.

If you’re looking for a digestive to enjoy with tea or coffee

You compare the ingredients and nutritional information, including fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g, before choosing a variety.

If you need to take allergens into account

You check the exact ingredients and allergen information. A wholemeal digestive may contain wheat, while a gluten-free variety may list other allergens.

What should you check when choosing?

First decide whether organic certification is essential, then check separately whether the ingredients suit your needs. Only then compare the packaging and nutritional information of the digestives that remain on your list.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Organic labelling Look for the EU organic logo and an organic label on the packaging. Skal Biocontrole describes the logo as a way to identify organic products. If I want organic biscuits, I need to be able to verify that choice on the label. This check comes first for around 50% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact variety; don’t assume a product is gluten-free or allergen-free because it’s labelled ‘organic’ or ‘wholemeal’. If I need to avoid wheat or other allergens, I don’t want to rely on the product name. For around 30% of consumers, these ingredient restrictions are the most important factor.
Pack size and nutritional information Compare the pack weight and nutritional values per 100 g, such as fibre, sugars and salt. When I’m choosing a classic digestive, I want to know how much is in the pack and what the nutritional information says. This comparison is the deciding factor for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming wholemeal, vegan or gluten-free means organic

    These labels answer different questions. A standard digestive made with wholemeal flour or a gluten-free variety isn’t necessarily labelled organic.

    Check the organic label separately from the ingredients and other product claims. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory on pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic.

  • Reading only the front of the pack

    According to Hofweb, Doves Farm’s organic wholemeal digestive contains wheat. Jumbo lists milk, oats and soya in its Lekker Gluten-Free Digestives with Milk Chocolate, and says it may contain nuts.

    If you need to avoid an allergen, read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even if you already know the brand.

  • Relying on outdated online product information

    Ingredients and allergens can change; Albert Heijn and PLUS note that product information may differ.

    Check the label on the pack you receive before deciding whether the biscuits meet your requirements.

Brands to consider

Doves Farm

Doves Farm’s wholemeal digestive is one option to look at if you’re searching for an organic digestive.

  • Hofweb says this variety contains 67% organic wholemeal wheat flour; Biobongerd lists the EU organic certification.
  • This variety contains wheat and gluten. Check the label if you need to avoid them.

Albert Heijn

AH Digestive is a standard wheat biscuit. Albert Heijn’s organic range doesn’t automatically make this particular digestive organic.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists the ingredients and allergens for AH Digestive.
  • Albert Heijn lists wheat and possible traces of barley, oats and rye; check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells both a standard digestive and Lekker Gluten-Free Digestives with Milk Chocolate. Assess each variety separately.

  • Jumbo’s product pages distinguish between the crunchy wheat biscuit and the gluten-free chocolate variety.
  • The standard variety contains wheat and gluten; the gluten-free chocolate variety lists milk, oats and soya as allergens.

PLUS

PLUS Digestive is a standard biscuit to compare if an organic label isn’t essential.

  • PLUS lists wheat flour and wholemeal wheat flour in the ingredients.
  • The product information notes possible traces of rye, barley and oats. If you’re looking for an organic option, check the label on the specific product.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a digestive is organic?

Look for the EU organic logo and an organic label on the packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the logo is compulsory on pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic; green packaging or wholemeal ingredients alone aren’t proof.

Is a wholemeal digestive gluten-free too?

Not necessarily. According to Hofweb, Doves Farm’s organic wholemeal digestive contains wheat and barley malt extract; check the ingredients and allergens again for every other variety.

Can a gluten-free digestive also be organic?

These are two separate product attributes, and you need to check for both on the packaging. Jumbo lists milk, oats and soya as allergens in its Lekker Gluten-Free Digestives with Milk Chocolate; the gluten-free label says nothing about whether the product is organic.

Why should I check the label again after ordering online?

A product’s ingredients and allergens can change. Check the exact pack when it arrives, especially if organic labelling or avoiding an allergen is important to your choice.