If you want a bite to keep hunger at bay shortly before a workout, keep your portion of plain speculaas small. According to the Voedingscentrum, large or high-fat portions are less suitable just before exercise. If Fairtrade cocoa is also a condition of your purchase, check whether the claim applies only to the cocoa or to the whole chocolate product. Jumbo says that the cocoa in Verkade Speculaas Melkchocolade is purchased on Fairtrade terms under the mass balance principle; Lidl says its separate Way To Go chocolate is fully Fairtrade-certified.
You want something to keep hunger at bay without eating a large portion just before exercise. The Voedingscentrum advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre at this point.
You want to know exactly what the claim on the packaging covers. Milieu Centraal distinguishes between a Fairtrade-certified ingredient and a claim that applies to the whole product.
For your chosen variety, you check the current ingredients list, allergens and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
Best for: a small bite to keep hunger at bay before a short or light workout, if Fairtrade cocoa isn’t a deciding factor.
Consider: check the portion size and fat content; the brand name alone says nothing about a Fairtrade claim for the speculaas you choose.
Best for: anyone specifically looking for this combination who is happy with a Fairtrade claim for cocoa as an ingredient. Jumbo makes this claim for Verkade Speculaas Melkchocolade.
Consider: saying that the cocoa was purchased on Fairtrade terms does not confirm that the finished product is fully Fairtrade-certified.
Best for: anyone who prioritises full Fairtrade certification for their chocolate over a combined product. Lidl says its Way To Go chocolate bars meet this requirement.
Consider: eating chocolate alongside plain speculaas doesn’t make the speculaas itself Fairtrade-certified.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and timing | Check the portion size and compare the fat content per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum advises against large, high-fat portions just before exercise. | If you feel hungry shortly before exercise, you may want a small bite rather than a large portion just before your workout. Around 50% of consumers prioritise portion size and timing when making this choice. |
| Fairtrade claim | Read the logo and accompanying text: according to Milieu Centraal, a Fairtrade logo on a white background may indicate only a certified ingredient. | If Fairtrade cocoa is a must-have, you’ll want to know whether the claim applies to the cocoa or the whole chocolate product. Around 30% of consumers prioritise the scope of the Fairtrade claim. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the current label, including allergen warnings. Compare the nutritional values of similar products per 100 g, as the Voedingscentrum advises. | If you have an allergy, you’ll want to know the ingredients before buying; to compare nutritional values, you’ll want to use the same basis. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking the ingredients and label. |
A claim that the cocoa was purchased on Fairtrade terms doesn’t automatically mean that the whole chocolate or speculaas product is Fairtrade-certified. Milieu Centraal highlights this distinction when explaining the Fairtrade logo.
Read the exact product information alongside the logo. If you require full certification, check that this is explicitly stated for the whole product you’ve chosen.
The Voedingscentrum advises against large portions and high-fat foods just before exercise. The nutritional information Jumbo lists for Verkade Speculaas Melkchocolade gives a fat content of 29,1 g per 100 g.
Consider how long it is until your workout and decide whether a small portion is suitable at that time.
A general statement from a brand about cocoa doesn’t tell you which ingredients, allergens or certification apply to the speculaas variety you’ve chosen.
Read the current label for that variety. For similar products, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check any allergen warnings too.
Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crunchy biscuit with a caramelised flavour. It’s an option if you’re looking for plain speculaas biscuits.
AH Bakkers speculaas is an example of traditional baker’s speculaas.
Verkade Speculaas Melkchocolade is chocolate with speculaas, for anyone looking for that combination in a single product.
A separate chocolate option for anyone looking for chocolate with full Fairtrade certification.
ALDI describes Biscotto Bakkersspeculaas as traditional baker’s speculaas in a 600 g pack.
This product selection suits anyone looking for plain speculaas to enjoy in a small portion of their choice before a workout. If Fairtrade cocoa is a requirement for you, check the claim on the current packaging separately.
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For anyone looking for plain speculaas in a small portion of their choice before a workout. The pack contains 8 pieces and has a total weight of 200 g. Check the current ingredients and allergen information if these are important to your choice.
A small portion may be a good option if you want something to keep hunger at bay shortly before your workout. The Voedingscentrum advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise, so consider the timing and how much you eat.
Not automatically: a claim for cocoa as an ingredient is different from a claim for the whole product. According to Milieu Centraal, a Fairtrade logo on a white background may indicate only a certified ingredient. Jumbo says that the cocoa in Verkade Speculaas Melkchocolade is purchased on Fairtrade terms under the mass balance principle.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for both products, then decide what portion you want to have. The Voedingscentrum recommends comparing products per 100 g; for a snack just before a workout, also consider the fat content and how soon you’ll be exercising.
Read the allergen information and any warnings on the current label for the variety you’ve chosen. The product information for Verkade Speculaas Melkchocolade lists milk, wheat and soya, among other ingredients, and warns that it may contain nuts. This information doesn’t automatically apply to other speculaas products.
