Buffet manager organising self-service
Wants guests to be able to pick up a sealed portion without touching the rest of the stock. An individually wrapped mini may be suitable; a pair is appropriate only if two waffles make up the intended portion.
Who should consider the packaging?
At a hotel breakfast buffet, packaging affects not only what guests pick up, but also how the hotel serves the portions.
Hotel serving small portions with coffee
Is looking for a small sweet treat rather than a full-sized syrup waffle as the standard portion. Jumbo describes its Mini Stroopwafeltjes as 8 g portions; compare the number of waffles and the weight of each individual portion in other products.
Hotel providing allergen information at the buffet
Must be able to tell guests about allergens in the option being served. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information about allergens in non-prepacked foods must be provided to consumers in another way.
What should you look for?
First decide whether one waffle, two waffles or serving from a multipack is right for your breakfast service. Then check the wrapper, the label and whether you can order the option you have chosen.
Individually wrapped mini
Suitable if: guests should be able to pick up one small, sealed portion themselves. Jumbo describes its Mini Stroopwafeltjes as individually wrapped 8 g portions.
Bear in mind: a mini is not the same portion size as a regular syrup waffle. Also check that the option you want can be ordered for your hotel.
Pack of two
Suitable if: two waffles make a suitable portion with coffee or tea. Daelmans Jumbo Duo and the Kanjers pack described by Jumbo each contain two waffles per wrapper.
Bear in mind: a guest who wants just one waffle will still have to open a wrapper containing two.
Multipack
Suitable if: the hotel can manage serving from a larger pack itself.
Bear in mind: if the waffles are served unpackaged, guests must be able to get information about the allergens they contain, as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority advises.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Self-service | Check whether each waffle has its own wrapper and how many portions are in the outer pack. | When guests help themselves, I want the rest of the stock to remain untouched. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Read the label for the option you have chosen and decide how guests will get allergen information if the waffles are served unpackaged. | If I put waffles on a platter, I need to be able to tell guests about the allergens they contain. This is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portion size | Compare the number of waffles per wrapper and, where stated, the weight of each guest portion. | With coffee, I want to offer one small treat without automatically serving two waffles. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portion size. |
| Packaging and delivery | Confirm how to order for your hotel and check the pack size on delivery. | For breakfast service, I need packaging that I can buy in the right quantities. Practical availability comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a pack of two means one waffle per guest
An individual wrapper can contain two syrup waffles. That is a different portion from one waffle, even if guests can pick up the wrapper themselves.
Check how many waffles there are per wrapper. If one waffle per wrapper is a firm buffet requirement, choose a pack that meets it.
-
Assuming a product page means you can place an order
A page may show product details even when an item is not available to order online. The Jumbo Mini Stroopwafeltjes page said that the product was no longer part of the online range.
Before buying, confirm that the option you want is available through the shop or business channel for your hotel.
-
Serving unpackaged waffles without allergen information
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says consumers must also be able to get information about allergens in non-prepacked foods.
Record the allergens in the option actually being served and make the information available at the buffet, for example in writing or through a visible sign directing guests to staff who can answer questions.
-
Assuming a mini size means each waffle has its own wrapper
The size of a syrup waffle does not tell you how many waffles are individually wrapped. A bag of minis does not automatically offer the same serving option as individually sealed portions.
Look on the packaging for a clear statement of how many pieces are in each wrapper, or ask for the packaging details.
Brands to compare
These brands offer useful examples for comparing sizes. A brand name alone does not tell you how many waffles are inside each wrapper.
Daelmans
Daelmans Jumbo Duo is an example of a pack containing two waffles per portion.
- Albert Heijn describes the counter display as containing 18 wrappers, each with two waffles.
- This is not a pack with one waffle per wrapper. Check whether the option you want is available and read the current label.
Jumbo
Jumbo provides product information for mini syrup waffles in individual portions.
- The pack described contains 18 individually wrapped 8 g portions.
- The product page said these minis were no longer part of the online range. Confirm availability before planning to serve this size at the buffet.
Albert Heijn
The range includes examples of syrup waffles to take on the go and packs containing two waffles.
- The product information helps you compare different types of packaging.
- The page for AH Stroopwafel voor onderweg said that the product had been discontinued. If you choose an alternative, check the label on the version delivered.
Lidl / Sondey
Sondey offers regular and mini butter syrup waffles in multipacks.
- Lidl lists 12 regular waffles in a 480 g pack and around 37 minis in a 316 g pack.
- These quantities do not confirm that the waffles are individually wrapped. Check separately if guests need to be able to pick up a sealed portion.
ALDI
ALDI lists both mini syrup waffles and syrup waffles pre-wrapped in pairs.
- A pre-wrapped pair is an option when two waffles make up the intended guest portion.
- A pair is not a one-waffle pack. If you choose minis, also check how that option is packaged.
Syrup waffles at Joybuy
These Kanjers syrup waffles are worth considering for a buffet serving packaged portions. For the 10-piece pack, check how many waffles are in each wrapper; according to the product description, the 8-piece pack contains portions of two waffles.
Image unavailable
Kanjers Extra Delicious Stroopwafels, 10 pieces
An option to consider if you are looking for syrup waffles guests can serve themselves. The pack contains 10 pieces; before ordering, check whether each waffle in the version delivered has its own wrapper. Also read the current allergen label for buffet information.
Image unavailable
Kanjers Original Stroopwafels, 8 pieces
Suitable for a buffet where two waffles can make up one packaged guest portion. The pack contains 8 pieces; Joybuy describes these syrup waffles as individually wrapped in pairs. So this is not the right wrapper size if each guest must have exactly one waffle. Check the current allergen label.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve syrup waffles unpackaged at a hotel breakfast buffet?
Yes, as long as guests can get information about the allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information about allergens in non-prepacked foods must be provided in another way. Make sure the details for the option being served are available at the buffet.
Which allergens should I check in syrup waffles?
Check the label for every option you choose. The product information for the Jumbo and Daelmans syrup waffles reviewed mentions wheat or gluten, milk and soya, among other things. However, those details do not automatically apply to other syrup waffles or recipes that have changed.
Is a pack of two suitable if every guest should be able to take one waffle?
No, not if one waffle per wrapper is a firm requirement. Daelmans Jumbo Duo and the Kanjers pack described as a duo each contain two waffles together. Choose one of these packs only if two waffles can make up one guest portion.
How should I store the syrup waffles for breakfast service?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you choose. For the syrup waffles reviewed, Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dry place. If you open a multipack, also follow the instructions on the label.