People short on time before a workout
You’re thinking of having a small bite shortly before a recreational workout. In that case, the timing, portion size and how well the snack sits with you matter more than how a treat is presented.
Who is this choice for?
Shoppers looking to keep a sweet snack to a set amount
You want to decide in advance how much to take with you or eat, rather than unconsciously reaching for several pieces from a sharing pack. A stated portion size or individually wrapped pieces can make that easier.
Shoppers buying a gift or something to share
You’re looking for chocolates to give as a gift or share around the table, and are also considering them as a snack. What works for a gift or sharing occasion may not be the most comfortable choice just before exercise.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you’re looking for something to eat before your workout or a gift. For eating around exercise, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours beforehand. If you eat something closer to your workout, keep the portion small and avoid foods high in fat, protein or fibre.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and how it sits on your stomach | Compare the weight of a portion and the fat content per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 21 g of fat per 100 g for AH Stroopwafels and 28 g for AH Chocolade bonbons crispy praliné. | If I eat something shortly before exercising, I don’t want a large portion that could feel heavy on my stomach. For around 33% of consumers, comfort on the stomach comes first. |
| Carbohydrates and portion size | Compare the carbohydrates per portion, not just per 100 g, and check whether the portion weight is stated. For the stroopwafel in question, Albert Heijn lists a 39 g portion. | I want to be able to measure out a sweet snack without automatically eating several pieces. A clearly stated portion with carbohydrates is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information. Check claims such as plant-based or gluten-free against the exact product variant. | If I have an allergy or a specific dietary requirement, I want to know whether this particular product meets it. For around 25% of consumers, this is the first thing they check. |
| Gifting or sharing | Check the contents and filling of the box if you’re buying chocolates to give or share. Also check the ingredients if alcohol is a concern. | For a gift or something to share around the table, I’m mainly looking for a suitable treat, not necessarily a snack to eat just before exercise. This is the top priority for around 9% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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Choosing a box of chocolates as a measured workout snack
A box of chocolates can be a lovely gift or something to share. But that doesn’t tell you what portion will feel comfortable just before exercise; according to Albert Heijn, the crispy praline chocolates in question contain 28 g of fat per 100 g.
Keep the two reasons for buying separate. If you want something to eat shortly before your workout, choose a small portion separately that you know you tolerate well.
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Treating all waffles and chocolates as the same
A plain stroopwafel, a chocolate-coated waffle and filled chocolates are different products. Portion weight, nutritional values, fillings and allergens can vary from one version to another.
Compare the nutrition information and ingredients for the exact products you’re considering, ideally both per 100 g and per portion.
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Relying only on an earlier product description
When it comes to allergens and specific dietary requirements, the information on the packaging of the product you’re about to eat is what matters. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods must appear on the label.
Read the current label before eating the product and check that any dietary claims apply to that particular version.
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Forgetting about drinks when choosing a snack
A stroopwafel or chocolate doesn’t replace a drink around exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice on eating and exercise also includes drinking enough.
As well as any snack you have, remember to choose a drink that suits your workout.
Brands to consider
Daelmans
Daelmans specialises in stroopwafels. According to the brand’s own product description, its classic waffles contain ingredients including caramel, cinnamon and Bourbon vanilla.
- A relevant option if you’re looking for a plain stroopwafel rather than filled chocolate pralines.
- Check the portion weight, nutrition information and allergens for the pack you choose. The brand description doesn’t tell you whether it will feel comfortable just before exercise.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells plain stroopwafels and a separate plant-based version under its own brand.
- For AH Stroopwafels, Albert Heijn lists a 39 g portion and nutrition information per 100 g, so you can compare both amounts.
- If you have a dietary requirement, don’t rely on the brand name alone: check the ingredients and claims on the version you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells butter stroopwafels and a separate stroopwafel product specifically labelled gluten-free.
- The distinction between the regular and explicitly gluten-free versions makes it easier to compare packs for your needs.
- Don’t assume the gluten-free claim applies to all Jumbo stroopwafels; read the label on the product you choose.
Kanjers
Kanjers sells chocolate-coated waffles with caramel filling, among other products. Albert Heijn describes the chocolate waffles in question as individually wrapped.
- Individually wrapped pieces can be handy if you want to decide in advance how many to take with you.
- A chocolate waffle isn’t the same as a plain stroopwafel. Compare the nutrition information for the exact version before deciding on a portion.
Stroopwafels on Joybuy
This selection focuses on stroopwafels for anyone considering a sweet snack around a workout. Use the weight per waffle and the nutrition information on the packaging to decide how much to have, rather than relying on the number of waffles alone.
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Kanjers Extra Delicious Stroopwafels, 10 pieces
For anyone who wants to take a stroopwafel along as a sweet snack and decide in advance how many to eat.
Pack size: 10 pieces. Before choosing a portion to eat just before exercise, check the weight per waffle, nutrition information and allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is a stroopwafel a more sensible choice than chocolates just before exercise?
A measured stroopwafel can make it easier to choose a defined portion, but it won’t necessarily feel better for everyone. For the products in question, Albert Heijn lists 21 g of fat per 100 g for AH Stroopwafels and 28 g for AH Chocolade bonbons crispy praliné. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises avoiding large portions and foods high in fat just before exercise.
When is the best time to eat before a workout?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. If you want to eat something closer to your workout, stick to a small portion that you know you tolerate well instead of having several waffles or chocolates.
Do I need a special snack for a workout lasting less than an hour?
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sports bars and gels are generally not needed for workouts lasting less than an hour. A stroopwafel or chocolate isn’t essential just because you’re exercising either; start by considering your usual mealtimes.
Where can I check the allergens in stroopwafels or chocolates?
Check the label on the exact pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods must appear on the label. Don’t rely on the ingredients of another version or an earlier product description.
Can chocolates contain alcohol?
Yes, it varies by product. According to the ingredients listed by Albert Heijn, Ferrero Mon Chéri contains 13% liqueur. If you want to avoid alcohol, read the ingredients of the chocolates you choose.