The host who wants to hand out biscuits quickly
Individual packets make it easy to put out biscuits without having to get a platter ready first. For example, Jumbo lists Lotus Biscoff XL as containing ten packets, each with two biscuits.
Which pack is right for you?
The giver bringing something for a shared office platter
A larger pack is a good choice when several people will be helping themselves from the same platter. Bear in mind that you’ll need to serve the biscuits and reseal the pack properly afterwards.
The giver who wants a small gift to stand out
For a host or small team, the shape or filling may matter more than having a large number of biscuits. Check what’s actually inside: a decorative biscuit selection may include more than just speculaas.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll hand out the speculaas or serve it on a platter. Then compare the quantity with the number of people attending and check that everyone who wants some can eat it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack. If you know someone has an allergy, check in advance what needs to be avoided. | If not everyone can simply help themselves, I want to know what’s in the biscuits before serving them. For around 29% of consumers, checking this comes first when choosing. |
| Ease of handing out | Compare the number of individual packets with the number of people who need to be able to take a portion. | At a standing drinks reception, I want to be able to put out biscuits without having to divide them up first. For around 24% of consumers, ease of handing out is the top priority. |
| Quantity for the group | Compare the number of biscuits or stated servings with the expected turnout; the pack’s weight alone won’t tell you how many people it will serve. | When the whole team is sharing one platter, I want to make sure the biscuits don’t run out too quickly. For around 29% of consumers, having enough to go round matters most. |
| Gift appeal and contents | Check whether the pack contains only speculaas, a selection of biscuits or filled speculaas, and how many biscuits or servings it includes. | For a host or small team, I want the gift to feel thoughtfully chosen without losing sight of what’s inside. For around 18% of consumers, the thought behind the gift comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a large pack is easy to hand out
A sharing pack and ten packets containing two biscuits each call for different ways of serving. A large pack isn’t automatically convenient if you haven’t got a platter ready.
First decide how guests will take the biscuits, then compare the number of biscuits, packets or stated servings.
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Relying on the brand name to check for allergens
Ingredients vary from product to product: the Lotus Original varieties described contain wheat and soya, while some other speculaas products may contain milk or egg, or carry a warning about nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack before buying, then check them again before serving.
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Mistaking a decorative biscuit selection for plain speculaas
Albert Heijn describes its Zaans house as containing twelve biscuits, four of which are speculaas. The rest are cinnamon and plain biscuits.
Read the contents if you specifically want to give speculaas as a gift, and compare the number of biscuits with the size of the group.
Brands and ranges to consider
Lotus Biscoff
Speculoos in a range of pack sizes, from a pack for the table to individual twin-packs and a large box.
- Jumbo lists the XL pack as containing ten packets of two biscuits each, and another Lotus pack as containing 300 biscuits.
- The Original varieties described contain wheat and soya; check the exact pack if you have dietary requirements or allergies.
Albert Heijn
The range includes bakery-style speculaas for a platter, filled speculaas and a smaller selection of house-shaped biscuits.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Bakkers speculaas as a 600 g pack with 48 stated servings.
- The Zaans house is a selection of biscuits; check the ingredients of your chosen product, including filled and other varieties.
Jumbo
Jumbo Bakkers speculaas, 600 g, is an option when you’re serving the biscuits on a shared platter.
- The product page lists around 48 servings, which can help when planning drinks for a group.
- Jumbo lists wheat and gluten, and warns that the product may contain almonds and nuts.
De Ruiter
Bakery-style speculaas in a 450 g pack, for sharing with a smaller group.
- The product description mentions cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, among other ingredients.
- Check the label for wheat and for a warning that the product may contain nuts.
Speculaas to share on Joybuy
These two packs of bakery-style speculaas are suited to serving on a shared platter. Before buying, compare the quantity with the size of your group; don’t rely on weight alone if you need a specific number of biscuits.
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g'woon Bakers Speculaas, 600 g
A pack for anyone who wants to serve bakery-style speculaas on a shared platter. It contains 600 g; check the number of biscuits if everyone needs to be able to take one. Wheat is listed, so check the current allergen information before serving too.
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De Ruiter Bakers Speculaas, 450 g
A pack of bakery-style speculaas to share with a smaller group. It contains 450 g; check the number of biscuits if you want to provide a portion for everyone. Wheat is listed and the product may contain nuts, so read the current label before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Which speculaas is best if everyone needs to be able to help themselves?
Individually wrapped portions are a practical choice. Jumbo lists Lotus Biscoff XL as containing ten packets of two biscuits each; compare the number of packets with the expected turnout. With a large, open pack, you’ll need to provide a platter yourself.
Can I serve speculaas to everyone without checking the label?
No, check the exact pack before serving the biscuits. The products described have different ingredients and allergens. Also, a label stating that a product is suitable for a particular dietary requirement doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe for someone with an allergy.
Where can I find allergen information on pre-packed speculaas?
Check the label on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on food labels; also read any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
How should I store any speculaas left over after drinks?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal any opened pack tightly. The product information described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo advises storing the biscuits in a cool, dry place and, once opened, keeping them in a tightly sealed pack or tin.