Organising a small coffee break
You want to put out enough biscuits for everyone without having lots left over. The number of biscuits or portions is at least as useful as the weight of the pack.
Who is the pack for?
Planning for a group and keeping an eye on quantity
You’re comparing the net weight and the amount you can actually share with colleagues or visitors, rather than looking only at the price of one pack.
Sharing biscuits and checking the label
You want to check the ingredients, allergens and any dietary claims for your chosen variety before serving it, as guests may have different dietary requirements or allergies.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many biscuits you want to hand out and whether everyone will be eating at the same time. Then compare the quantity, pack format and label of the specific biscuits you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough portions | Compare the stated number of biscuits or portions with the number of people attending; don’t rely on net weight alone. | If I’m putting biscuits out for a small group, I want to offer everyone one without having lots left over. For around 36% of consumers, having enough portions is the most important factor. |
| Comparing quantities | For similar types of biscuits, compare the net weight and price per kilo, as well as the number of portions available. | For a larger group, I want to know how many biscuits I can hand out for my budget. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quantity in relation to price. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current pack; assess any vegan claim separately. | When guests have allergies or dietary requirements, I want to know which biscuits are suitable for them before sharing. For around 21% of consumers, checking the label is their top priority. |
| Spreading them over several breaks | Check whether the biscuits are individually wrapped and follow the storage instructions for any packs you open. | If not everyone takes a break at the same time, I want to open only the biscuits we need at that moment. Around 14% of consumers choose primarily for this flexibility. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the pack weight
The same net weight can provide a different number of portions. Albert Heijn lists 32 small portions for its 250 g speculoos biscuits; Jumbo lists around 11 portions for its 250 g speculoos biscuits.
Think about how many biscuits you want to put out per person, then compare this with the number of biscuits or portions stated on the pack you’ve chosen.
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Assuming vegan means allergen-free
A vegan label alone doesn’t tell you whether a product contains ingredients such as wheat or soya. Ingredients also vary between biscuit varieties.
If your guests have allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact, current pack. Don’t rely on a claim on the front alone.
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Comparing only the pack price
A smaller pack may not contain enough biscuits for your group. Different types of biscuits also can’t automatically be compared on the basis of one pack price.
For similar products, compare the price per kilo, then check that the number of biscuits, flavour and ingredients suit your group.
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Assuming an online product page confirms availability
A product page being visible doesn’t mean the biscuits can be delivered to your location at the time you want.
Check current stock and delivery options before planning your coffee break around that pack.
Brands to consider
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Bakeries Netherlands presents Biscoff as a biscuit to enjoy with coffee, and lists both standard packs and portion packs.
- Formats listed include 250 g packs and packs of individual portions. Choose according to how many breaks you’re catering for.
- The standard variety lists wheat flour and soya flour. Check the exact pack if your guests have allergies.
AH
Albert Heijn sells, among other products, 250 g packs of AH Speculoos biscuits, with a stated portion count that can help you plan a small coffee break.
- Albert Heijn lists 32 portions for this variety and describes the product as vegan and lactose-free.
- The product information also lists wheat and possible traces of barley, oats and rye. Check the current pack.
Jumbo
As well as speculoos, Jumbo’s own-brand range includes other types of biscuits and different pack sizes.
- Jumbo Speculoos Biscuits, 250 g, lists around 11 portions, making it possible to compare the pack with the number of portions you need.
- The speculoos variety reviewed contains wheat and may contain almonds and nuts. Ingredients vary between varieties.
Biscotto
ALDI Netherlands’ biscuit brand includes a range of varieties and pack sizes, including 500 g sandwich biscuits and 600 g baker’s speculaas.
- The larger packs listed may be worth considering if you’re planning quantities for more people.
- Check the number of biscuits or portions and the ingredients for the variety you choose; weight alone won’t tell you whether the pack is right.
Sondey
Lidl describes Sondey as a range of biscuits, wafers and bars, which also includes vegan options.
- If you’re considering different types of biscuits, you can compare the individual Sondey varieties.
- Check the size, ingredients and any vegan label on each pack you’re considering.
Biscuits for a coffee break on Joybuy
These biscuits come in different quantities and varieties for a coffee break. Match the stated weight or number of biscuits to your group, and check the label before sharing.
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Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas biscuits, 8 pieces, 200 g
For a coffee break where you want to share out eight biscuits. The pack states 200 g; check the allergen information on the label before serving them.
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Kanjers Extra Delicious syrup waffles, 10 pieces
For a group where you want to count out the syrup waffles in advance: the pack contains ten. If they’re important to your choice, also check the net weight and allergen information on the pack.
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LU Bastogne Original, 260 g
For anyone who wants to put out one pack of biscuits to enjoy with coffee. The stated net weight is 260 g; for a more precise count, check the number of biscuits on the pack too.
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FESTIVAL vanilla-flavoured biscuits, 403 g
For a coffee break where you’re considering a 403 g pack. Check the number of biscuits and the current ingredients and allergen information before deciding whether it’s right for your group.
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Bakker Joop syrup biscuits
For anyone who wants to offer syrup biscuits to the group. Check the number of biscuits, net weight and allergen information on the pack before working out how many you’ll need.
Frequently asked questions
Are vegan biscuits suitable for someone with a gluten or soya allergy?
No. A vegan label doesn’t mean a biscuit is free from gluten or soya. The Lotus Biscoff variety described contains wheat and soya; if anyone has allergies, always check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
What should I look for on the label when sharing biscuits with others?
Start with the ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen. According to the European information from Your Europe, allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list of prepacked foods. To plan quantities, also check the net weight and the stated number of biscuits or portions.
How should I store biscuits for the next coffee break?
Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack. For the AH Speculoos biscuits described, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a sealed tin after opening.
Can I rely on online stock just before the coffee break?
No. Check stock and delivery options again before ordering, as these may depend on the time and your chosen delivery location.