Catering buyer planning a large coffee break
Plans quantities for lots of guests and checks the pack weight and the stated number of pieces or portions.
Who are the different pack sizes for?
Organiser of a self-service break
Wants to serve syrup waffles at a buffet or reception table and looks for smaller portions, attractive presentation and the option to reseal an opened bag.
Organiser catering for dietary requirements
Arranges suitable alternatives when guests mention a dietary requirement or allergy in advance, and needs to be able to check the information on the packs purchased.
What should you look for when buying?
First, work out how many guests you’ll be serving and when. Then choose the pack size and separately check which dietary options and allergen information you need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight with the stated number of pieces or portions, then choose the number of packs to suit your serving plan. | For a large coffee break, I want to be able to work out how many packs to put out. Around 42% of consumers put this kind of quantity planning first. |
| Portions and self-service | Decide whether you want to serve large waffles or minis, and check whether the bag is resealable. Minis aren’t necessarily individually wrapped. | For a self-service buffet, I want guests to be able to help themselves to a small portion easily. Around 33% of consumers say portion convenience is their main concern. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Read the current label on each option and, if you need a gluten-free choice, select a product labelled as such. | If guests mention a dietary requirement or allergy in advance, I want to offer a clearly identifiable alternative with clear product information. Around 25% of consumers give this their highest priority. |
Common mistakes when catering for conferences
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Assuming a large bag contains individual portions
A multipack doesn’t necessarily contain individually wrapped waffles. Minis from a bag also need to be served in a suitable way.
Before choosing a pack size, decide whether guests need a large waffle, a mini or an individually wrapped portion.
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Serving standard syrup waffles to meet every dietary requirement
The regular Jumbo Stroopwafels met Roomboter, for example, list wheat, milk and soya. A gluten-free label on another product also tells you nothing about its other allergens.
Ask about relevant dietary requirements in advance, read the labels on the options you buy and keep different choices clearly separate when serving.
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Assuming a product listing means it’s in stock
Lidl describes the listed Sondey options as in-store products. ALDI marked the listed 480 g Heerlijck Banket pack as unavailable.
Check in good time that your chosen pack will be available when you need it, and have an alternative size in mind.
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Relying on a product page alone for allergen information
Albert Heijn says that product information may change. What matters for your guests is the information for the option you’re actually serving.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you receive before serving the syrup waffles.
Brands and supermarket own-label options
Daelmans
A branded option alongside supermarket own-label products for a conference break.
- PLUS lists Daelmans syrup waffles in packs of 10, as well as a mini version in a pack of 25.
- Check which size and number of pieces you can buy for your event.
Albert Heijn
A supermarket own-label range that includes both regular syrup waffles and minis.
- Albert Heijn lists butter syrup waffles in packs of 12 and a 300 g resealable bag of minis.
- Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy.
Jumbo
A supermarket own-label range with a regular pack and a separate option labelled gluten-free.
- Jumbo lists 468 g Stroopwafels met Roomboter, with 12 portions, and 240 g Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels.
- The regular butter version lists wheat, milk and soya; check the allergens for each option.
PLUS
A supermarket own-label range with different pack sizes for regular syrup waffles and minis.
- PLUS lists 480 g packs of standard syrup waffles, 300 g packs of mini syrup waffles and 400 g packs of butter syrup waffles.
- Check the number of pieces and the information on the pack for each option you choose.
Lidl / Sondey
An in-store option for regular Sondey butter syrup waffles and minis.
- Lidl lists 12 regular syrup waffles in a 480 g pack and around 37 minis in a 316 g pack.
- Lidl marks these product listings as available in store only; check local stock.
ALDI / Heerlijck Banket
An in-store option for browsing both standard syrup waffles and minis.
- ALDI lists 480 g packs of Heerlijck Banket Stroopwafels in packs of 12, and also lists mini syrup waffles.
- The 480 g pack was listed as unavailable; don’t count on it until you’ve checked stock.
Syrup waffles for a coffee break on Joybuy
For these two Kanjers packs, you can use the stated number of pieces to plan a coffee break. Check that the quantity and serving style suit the number of guests, especially if you’re looking for a large sharing bag.
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Kanjers Original Stroopwafels, 8 pieces
For a coffee break where you plan the number of waffles you need piece by piece.
The pack contains 8 pieces. Check the label for allergens and any information you need when serving.
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Kanjers Extra Delicious Stroopwafels, 10 pieces
For a coffee break where you want to plan by the number of pieces in each pack.
The pack contains 10 pieces. Check the pack weight before working out the total quantity, and refer to the label for allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose large syrup waffles or minis for a conference?
Choose large waffles if you want to plan for a regular portion at a coffee break; minis are a good fit when guests are helping themselves to smaller portions from a buffet. Also consider how you’ll present opened packs during the break.
How do I work out how many syrup waffles I need?
First, decide how many coffee or buffet breaks you’re catering for, then plan using the number of pieces or portions in your chosen pack. Jumbo lists 12 portions for its 468 g butter syrup waffles; Albert Heijn lists 37 portions of 8 g for AH Mini stroopwafels.
What allergen information should I have to hand when catering?
Keep the labels for the syrup waffles you’re actually serving available, so you can check the ingredients and allergens for each option. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority provides information about allergen labelling; a product page is no substitute for the label on the pack you’ve bought.
Is a gluten-free syrup waffle suitable for everyone with a food allergy?
No. A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether the product contains other allergens. Read the full ingredients and allergen information for your chosen option, and keep it clearly separate from regular syrup waffles when serving.
What should I do with an opened bag of syrup waffles?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen. Jumbo says to store its butter syrup waffles in a cool, dry place; Albert Heijn advises keeping its mini syrup waffles in a sealed container after opening.