What is Lotus Spread Made Of? A Deep Dive into Biscoff's Secret Ingredients

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

The irresistible, deep caramel flavour of Lotus Biscoff spread has made it a global sensation. But while you're enjoying it on toast or straight from the spoon, many people wonder exactly what is Lotus spread made of. The magic behind its unique, spiced taste begins with the iconic caramelized biscuits themselves.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific ingredients that create the beloved Lotus Biscoff spread. It details the process of transforming the signature caramelized cookies into a smooth, creamy butter, highlighting key components like wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oils, and cinnamon. It also addresses nutritional information, common allergens, and its vegan-friendly composition.

Key Points

Core Ingredient: Lotus spread is primarily made from finely crushed Biscoff caramelized biscuits, giving it its signature taste.
Key Spices: Cinnamon and brown sugar syrup are crucial for the distinct spiced, caramel flavor profile.
Texture Enhancers: Rapeseed oil and an emulsifier (soya lecithin) are used to achieve the spread's creamy consistency.
Allergen Info: The spread contains wheat and soy, but is manufactured in a nut-free facility.
Vegan Friendly: Lotus Biscoff spread is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products.
Manufacturing Process: The process involves baking the biscuits, crushing them, and then blending them with other ingredients to create the finished spread.
Versatile Uses: It can be used as a topping, a baking ingredient, or simply eaten with a spoon.

The Core Components of Lotus Spread

At its heart, Lotus Biscoff spread is a creamy version of the well-known caramelized Biscoff biscuits. The process involves finely crushing these cookies and blending them with a selection of other ingredients to achieve its smooth, spreadable consistency. The result is a sweet, rich spread with a deep, spicy caramel flavor profile that is completely unique.

The Star Ingredient: The Caramelised Biscuit

The most crucial component of Lotus spread is the Biscoff cookie itself, which accounts for over half of the finished product's composition (approximately 58%). These biscuits are made with a specific recipe that includes:

Wheat Flour: The foundational ingredient for the biscuit.
Sugar: A blend of sugar and brown sugar syrup creates the signature caramelized flavor.
Vegetable Oils: A combination of palm oil and rapeseed oil is used. Lotus Bakeries confirms its palm oil is sourced from sustainable and certified plantations.
Raising Agent: Sodium hydrogen carbonate helps the biscuits to rise.
Soya Flour: Contributes to the biscuit's structure and texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Cinnamon: The essential spice that provides Biscoff its distinctive warm, spiced aroma and taste.

Other Key Ingredients for a Creamy Texture

Once the biscuits are crushed, other ingredients are added to transform the crumbly texture into a smooth spread. These include:

Rapeseed Oil: Used to achieve the smooth, buttery consistency.
Sugar: Additional sugar is included to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin): An essential ingredient that binds the oil and biscuit particles together, preventing separation and creating a uniform texture.
Acid (Citric Acid): A small amount is added to balance the sweetness and preserve the spread.

The Production Process

The journey from biscuit to spread is surprisingly straightforward:

Baking: The Biscoff biscuits are baked according to the original 1932 recipe, achieving their signature crisp texture and caramelized flavor.
Crushing: After baking, the biscuits are finely crushed into a powder.
Blending: The crushed biscuit powder is blended with the other ingredients, including oils, sugar, and emulsifier, until a smooth, luscious spread is formed.
Packaging: The finished spread is jarred and sealed, ready for distribution.

Is Lotus Spread Vegan and Nut-Free?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Lotus spread concerns its suitability for various dietary needs. The product is indeed vegan-friendly, as it contains no animal products. The ingredients are also naturally free of nuts, and the product is made in a nut-free facility, making it a safe option for many with nut allergies. However, it is crucial to always check the most current product information for any changes.

Comparison: Lotus Biscoff vs. Other Spreads


Feature	Lotus Biscoff Spread	Hazelnut Spread (e.g., Nutella)	Peanut Butter (e.g., Jif)
Core Ingredients	Caramelized biscuits, sugar, vegetable oils, soy lecithin	Sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, milk powder	Roasted peanuts, sugar, palm oil, salt
Flavor Profile	Sweet, spiced caramel with a hint of cinnamon	Rich chocolate and nutty flavor	Creamy, salty, and nutty
Texture	Very smooth and creamy, unless the 'crunchy' version is selected	Smooth and thick, can be oily	Smooth or crunchy, dense
Allergens	Contains wheat and soy	Contains nuts (hazelnuts), milk, and soy	Contains nuts (peanuts)
Dietary Suitability	Vegan-friendly	Not vegan (contains milk)	Varies by brand; can be vegan

Conclusion: More Than Just a Biscuit Spread

Lotus spread's unique flavor and creamy texture are not a secret at all, but rather the result of a deliberate process that transforms the beloved Biscoff biscuit into a versatile pantry staple. From its core ingredients of wheat flour and cinnamon to its vegan-friendly and nut-free composition, every element plays a role in creating the iconic taste that has captured hearts around the world. Whether used in desserts or simply spread on toast, understanding what is lotus spread made of adds a new layer of appreciation for this globally adored treat.

For more information on the official product and its ingredients, you can visit the Lotus Biscoff website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Lotus spread is often called Speculoos spread. The terms are used interchangeably, as 'Speculoos' refers to the Belgian spiced shortbread cookie from which the spread is made.

Yes, Lotus Biscoff spread is vegan. It does not contain any animal products and is made with plant-based ingredients.

No, Lotus Biscoff spread is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour, which is a key ingredient in the Biscoff biscuits from which the spread is made.

No, the original Lotus Biscoff spread recipe does not contain nuts. It is also made in a nut-free facility, making it a safe alternative for those with nut allergies.

The main difference lies in the texture. Smooth Lotus spread is creamy and velvety, while the crunchy version has small, crystallized pieces of the caramelized Biscoff biscuits mixed in for added texture.

Lotus spread is highly versatile. It can be used on toast, pancakes, or waffles, as a filling for baked goods like cakes and brownies, as a dip for fruit, or as a topping for ice cream.

For optimal freshness, it is best to store Lotus Biscoff spread in a cool, dry place like a pantry, typically between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius.