Comparing pack sizes
If you want to share speculaas or enjoy it on several occasions, choose a pack size you’ll actually use.
Which pack size is right for you?
Travellers planning one snack break
A compact portion is a good choice if you want to pick up a snack just before you leave and avoid having much left over. Schiphol lists an Albert Heijn on Plaza before security; check the shelves to see which pack sizes are available.
Travellers checking ingredients and luggage rules
If you need to avoid certain ingredients or are taking food across a border, the label, product type and destination’s rules are all important.
What should you look for when choosing?
Think about how much speculaas you really want to take with you and when you’ll eat it. Then check the label and, if relevant to your journey, the luggage and import rules.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the net weight and choose an amount you can use. | If I’m sharing the biscuits or eating them on several occasions, I don’t want to be left with an unopened pack. Around 42% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable amount. |
| Portion and time of purchase | Check that the portion fits in your bag and whether you can still stop at the shop before security. | For a snack on the go, I want something that takes up little room and won’t leave me with lots of leftovers. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and travel rules | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack. For spreadable products and international journeys, check the relevant rules too. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or am taking food across a border, I want to know in advance what I’m carrying and whether it’s allowed. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the online range matches the shop shelves
Schiphol confirms that there’s an Albert Heijn on Plaza before security. That doesn’t tell you which packs of speculaas will be on the shelves when you’re travelling.
Check which varieties are available in the shop, and look at the contents and label of the pack you’re buying.
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Assuming vegan means allergen-free
A vegan label doesn’t, by itself, tell you which allergens a product contains or may contain.
If you have an allergy, read the full allergen information on the current pack rather than relying on a single label.
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Treating speculoos spread like a dry biscuit
Schiphol includes spreadable foods in the hand luggage liquids rules. These products are limited to 100 ml per container.
Check the pack size of any spread before going through security. Don’t assume it’s treated in the same way as a dry biscuit.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has speculaas in various pack sizes in its online range. Schiphol lists a supermarket on Plaza before security.
- The online range gives you a useful starting point for comparing pack sizes.
- Check which varieties are actually available on Plaza.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Biscoff is an option if you’re looking for speculoos from this particular brand; Albert Heijn’s online range includes a snack pack.
- A smaller pack could be ideal for a single snack break.
- Check the pack size and don’t assume it’s available at Schiphol.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Bakkers Speculaas online in a 600 g pack, a size worth considering if you’re sharing or planning several snack breaks.
- The stated net weight helps you choose an amount that suits you.
- Check separately where you can buy this pack during your journey.
Speculaas for different occasions
These Joybuy products come in different pack sizes. Choose according to how many occasions you want to enjoy them, and check the ingredients on the pack if they’re important to your choice.
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Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas, 8 stuks, 200 g
A pack to consider if you’re looking for speculaas to enjoy over several snack breaks. The product name lists 8 pieces and 200 g; if you have an allergy, check the label on the pack.
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g'woon Almond Speculaas, 400 g
The 400 g pack is an option if you’re looking for speculaas to enjoy on more than one occasion. As this is the almond variety, read the latest ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
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De Ruiter Bakers Speculaas, 450 g
A 450 g pack to consider if you want to share speculaas or enjoy it on several occasions. Before you set off, check that the pack size suits your plans and read the label if you have an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy food to take with me before security at Schiphol?
Schiphol says you’ll find an Albert Heijn on Plaza before security, as well as two Albert Heijn to go locations on Plaza. Check the latest opening hours shortly before you travel, and see which speculaas is available in store.
Can I take dry speculaas in my hand luggage?
Schiphol says you can take food in your hand luggage. According to the airport, spreadable foods are subject to different rules from dry biscuits; follow the instructions of security staff at the checkpoint.
What are the hand luggage rules for speculoos spread?
Speculoos spread is a spreadable product and, under the rules Schiphol sets out for spreads, counts as a liquid. The limit is 100 ml per container. Containers must be placed together in one transparent, resealable bag of no more than 1 litre per person.
Is vegan speculaas suitable for someone with a nut or gluten allergy?
No. The vegan label doesn’t tell you whether a product contains nuts or gluten. Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the pack you’re actually buying.
Can I take speculaas to my destination abroad?
That depends on your destination’s import rules. Schiphol points out that countries may have their own rules for food, so check them before taking speculaas across the border.