Buying Turkish snacks: how to choose biscuits, wafers and cakes without regret

Turkish snacks are popular with coffee, in a lunchbox or for sharing when you have guests. The range includes chocolate wafers, filled wafers, chocolate biscuits, mini cakes and other sweet treats. But eye-catching packaging doesn’t always tell you what you’re getting.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

• A multipack may look like good value, but contain small portions. Check both the total weight and the number of individual snacks.
• A flavour name can distract from the ingredients. “Hazelnut”, “strawberry” or “vanilla” doesn’t automatically mean the product contains a lot of those ingredients.
• Allergens and dietary requirements are often checked too late. Turkish biscuits and chocolate products often contain milk, wheat, soya, egg or nuts. Products may also contain traces of other allergens.

A good choice starts with the label, portion size and occasion.

What should you look for in Turkish snacks?

1. Check the ingredients and allergens

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If sugar or vegetable fat appears near the top, it makes up a significant part of the recipe. This is common in chocolate biscuits, wafers and mini cakes, but checking the list still helps you compare products fairly.

Also check the source of fat. Some snacks contain palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter or other vegetable fats. That isn’t a reason to rule out a product automatically, but it’s useful information if you want to make an informed choice.

Check specifically for:

• wheat and gluten;
• milk, whey powder and lactose;
• soya;
• egg;
• hazelnuts, pistachios or other nuts;
• possible traces of sesame and nuts.

If you have an allergy or follow a strict halal diet, always use the packaging for a final check. Recipes and warnings can change. The Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik product listing states that it is halal, but check the current packaging and any certification when you buy it.

2. Check the weight, portions and nutritional information

A 33-gram snack is handy for when you’re out and about, while a 150 to 240-gram pack is better for sharing. With multipacks, it’s worth working out the weight per piece. That way, you can compare a box of 12 small biscuits fairly with a bag of individual wafers.

Nutritional information is usually given per 100 grams. Sometimes it also includes information per portion. For example, Bourbon Alfort Mini Vanilla White contains 294 kcal, 16.6 grams of fat and 33.2 grams of carbohydrate per 55 grams. Bourbon Alfort Mini Strawberry contains 301 kcal and 32.3 grams of sugar per 55 grams. This shows that “mini” refers to the size, not necessarily the nutritional content.

3. Match the texture and packaging to the occasion

Soft, fruity cakes or chocolate wafers in individual portions are a good fit for a coffee break. Individually wrapped snacks are practical and more hygienic for sharing with guests. If you’re taking something in a bag or lunchbox, a firmly wrapped wafer or cake is a better choice.

Store most products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat can soften chocolate, while moisture can make wafers less crisp. Check the best-before date on the packaging, too, and don’t use a product if the packaging is damaged.

Our recommendations for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

Ulker Olala Bold Chocolate Mini Cake 156g

Why it suits this shopper: The compact 156-gram pack is a handy size if you want to try different sweet snacks without buying a large quantity straight away. Its chocolate flavour goes well with coffee or as a little treat between meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The total net weight is clearly stated. Check the label for milk, egg, wheat, soya and possible traces of sesame and nuts.

Main benefit and highlights

156 grams; mini chocolate cakes; ingredients include cocoa, milk and egg.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Sarelle Milk Chocolate Coated Hazelnut Wafer 33 g Turkish

Why it suits this shopper: This individual wafer combines crisp layers, a hazelnut filling and a milk chocolate coating. It makes a considered treat for a coffee break or a gift hamper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

At 33 grams per wafer, portion control is easy. The product information specifically lists wheat, milk, hazelnuts and soya as allergens.

Main benefit and highlights

33 grams per bar; hazelnut filling; milk chocolate; handy for when you’re out and about or for a lunchbox.

Suitable for: Specific needs and regular snackers

Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik Pistachio Paste Milk Chocolate 10x12.5g

Why it suits this shopper: The box contains 10 individual 12.5-gram portions. It’s practical for sharing, keeping in the cupboard or enjoying over several coffee breaks. The product listing describes pistachio paste, pistachio pieces and milk chocolate.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are individually wrapped, so a large pack is less likely to be left open and unfinished. Check the current allergen information on the packaging.

Main benefit and highlights

10 x 12.5 grams; pistachio paste and pieces according to the product listing; described as halal in the listing.

Frequently asked questions about Turkish snacks

Which Turkish snacks are handy for a lunchbox?

Individually wrapped wafers and small cakes are practical choices. The 33-gram Sarelle wafer and the individual Gofrik portions are easy to take with you. Check that the packaging isn’t damaged first, and keep chocolate away from heat.

How long do Turkish biscuits and chocolate keep?

Check the date on the packaging. Unopened Turkish biscuits, wafers and chocolate will generally keep until the date shown if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, crisp wafers can soften more quickly, so seal the packaging tightly.

Are Turkish snacks halal?

It depends on the product. The Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik product listing states that it is halal. Other snacks may contain gelatine, milk or other ingredients that you’ll need to check first. If you want to buy halal, it’s best to check the packaging and any halal certification for each product.