Cyclists following a carbohydrate plan
On a long or intense ride, you’ll want to know what a biscuit contributes alongside drinks and other sources of carbohydrates. The amount per portion and how easy it is to eat on the go also matter.
Who is this choice for?
Cyclists looking for Fairtrade cocoa
You’re looking for a spritz biscuit with a clear cocoa claim and want to know whether it applies to the cocoa or the whole product. The difference between mass balance and physical traceability is relevant too.
Cyclists checking allergens or when to eat
You check the current allergen information before taking a biscuit with you, and consider how a portion works for you shortly before or during a ride. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises taking care with large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre around exercise.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a spritz biscuit made with Fairtrade cocoa or something you can easily portion out during a ride. Then check the nutritional information and allergen details on the packaging you buy.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates on the go | Compare the carbohydrates and fat per portion with your ride plan; take drinks separately. | If I want to keep track of my carbohydrates during a long ride, I need to know how much a biscuit contributes per portion. For around 42% of consumers, portion control would be their main concern when buying. |
| Fairtrade cocoa | Check the certification mark, the exact cocoa claim and any information about mass balance on the packaging. | I want to choose a spritz biscuit because it contains Fairtrade cocoa, without assuming the claim applies to every ingredient. This would be the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and when to eat | Check the current allergen declaration and choose a portion and eating time that you’re familiar with. | If allergens or eating just before exercise are the deciding factors for me, checking them comes before choosing a flavour. This would be the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a Fairtrade cocoa claim applies to all ingredients
Fairtrade Netherlands allows mass balance for cocoa. So a cocoa claim doesn’t automatically mean that all the ingredients are Fairtrade or have been physically kept separate throughout the supply chain.
Check what the certification mark applies to on the packaging, and read any information provided about mass balance.
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Thinking one spritz biscuit is a complete plan for a long ride
A chocolate spritz biscuit provides carbohydrates, but it also contains fat and doesn’t replace drinks. For endurance exercise lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 30–60 g of readily absorbed carbohydrates per hour.
Compare the carbohydrates per portion with what else you’re taking, and try a new snack on a regular ride first.
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Relying only on ‘Fairtrade’ in a product title
PLUS uses Fairtrade in the title of its chocolate spritz biscuits, but lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa in the ingredients. These two details don’t answer the question of which certification applies to the cocoa in the same way.
Check the current packaging and ask the retailer for clarification if the title, certification mark and ingredient information don’t match.
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Skipping the allergen declaration
Wheat, milk and soya are among the allergens relevant to Verkade Nobo Sprits Milk Chocolate. Also pay attention to warnings about the possible presence of other allergens on the packaging you buy.
Read the full allergen declaration every time you buy the product, especially if you need to avoid an ingredient or possible cross-contamination.
Brands to consider
Verkade
Nobo Sprits Milk Chocolate is the relevant spritz biscuit here: Jumbo says its Fairtrade cocoa is sourced through mass balance.
- Verkade publishes nutritional information for this spritz biscuit, so you can compare the values with your planned portion.
- It’s still a chocolate spritz biscuit, not a product that can provide all the drinks and carbohydrates you need for a long ride. Check the current allergen declaration too.
PLUS huismerk / g'woon
PLUS sells a 200 g chocolate spritz biscuit whose product title mentions Fairtrade; the ingredient information lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.
- The product page provides nutritional and allergen information to help you assess the spritz biscuit’s ingredients.
- If you’re choosing based on Fairtrade, don’t rely on the title alone; check the certification mark on the current packaging.
Lidl Way To Go
Lidl presents Way To Go as a range of Fairtrade-certified chocolate for anyone who doesn’t specifically need a spritz biscuit.
- Lidl says the range described is fully Fairtrade-certified.
- These are chocolate bars, not spritz biscuits; if you switch product type, compare the packaging and nutritional information again.
Spritz biscuits on Joybuy
This Verkade spritz biscuit is worth considering if you’re looking for a chocolate spritz biscuit with a Fairtrade cocoa claim. If you plan to eat it while cycling, also check the portion, nutritional information and current packaging.
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Verkade Nobo Spritzed milk chocolate, 150 g
A chocolate spritz biscuit to consider as a snack during a break, not as your only food or drink on a long ride.
The pack contains 150 g. The product description says Fairtrade milk chocolate; check the exact cocoa claim, nutritional values per portion and allergen information on the pack you receive.
Frequently asked questions
Are chocolate spritz biscuits suitable as fuel for every bike ride?
No, a chocolate spritz biscuit isn’t necessary or sufficient as ride fuel for every trip. For endurance exercise lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 30–60 g of readily absorbed carbohydrates per hour. So consider everything you eat and drink, rather than relying on a single biscuit.
Does Fairtrade cocoa mean the whole Verkade spritz biscuit can be physically traced?
No, a claim that the Fairtrade cocoa is sourced through mass balance doesn’t mean that all the ingredients can be physically traced. Fairtrade Netherlands allows mass balance for cocoa, so check what the certification mark covers on the specific pack.
Is ‘Fairtrade’ in the title of a chocolate spritz biscuit enough?
No, also check the certification mark and ingredient information on the current packaging. PLUS mentions Fairtrade in the title of its chocolate spritz biscuits, while the product information lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. If the details differ, ask for clarification.
Which allergens should I check in Verkade Nobo Sprits Milk Chocolate?
At the very least, check for wheat, milk and soya, as well as any warnings about nuts and sesame on the current packaging. Read the full allergen declaration for the product you’re buying, as it’s essential to making the right choice for you.