Shoppers comparing sugars per 100 g
You want to know how much sugar a biscuit actually contains. So compare like-for-like products using the nutrition table, rather than relying on words such as ‘zero’ on the front of the pack.
Which considerations matter to you?
Shoppers weighing up sweeteners
You’re looking for a biscuit with less sugar, but first want to check whether it contains maltitol or other polyols. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive discomfort.
Practical shoppers
You want a suitable biscuit to enjoy with a cuppa or as a snack, and you also consider the type of biscuit, packaging, portion size, allergens and what’s available on the shelf.
What should you look for when buying?
Use the claim to find products, but let the nutrition table per 100 g guide your comparison. Where possible, compare biscuits of the same type: a plain biscuit and a large cookie also differ in size and portion.
Biscuits labelled ‘sugar-free’
Choose these when: The stated sugar content per 100 g is your main priority. Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g sugars per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% Sugar.
Bear in mind: The AH biscuit reviewed contains polyols. Also check the rest of the nutritional information and the warning on the pack.
Biscuits with no added sugar
Choose these when: You want to avoid added sugar but don’t need the total sugar content to be close to zero.
Bear in mind: Naturally occurring sugars may still be included in the total. Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero.
Biscuits with less sugar
Choose these when: A relative reduction in sugar and a conveniently packaged snack suit your shopping needs better. ALDI advertises a Goud Gebakken large biscuit with 30% less sugar.
Bear in mind: The claim alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar the biscuit contains per 100 g. Check the current packaging for this information.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars listed | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, and check the rest of the nutritional information too. | I want to choose between similar biscuits based on their stated sugar content, without being swayed by the front of the pack. Around 42% of shoppers say this is their main priority. |
| Sweeteners and allergens | Read the ingredients, clearly highlighted allergens and any warnings about polyols. | If I’m sensitive to certain ingredients, a biscuit needs to suit me regardless of its sugar claim. This check matters most to around 33% of shoppers. |
| Packaging and availability | Check the product type, number of biscuits, portion size and current range. | When choosing a biscuit to have with a cuppa or as a snack, I want to know whether the pack suits my needs and whether I can pick it up while doing my shopping. This practical consideration comes first for around 25% of shoppers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means zero sugars
Naturally occurring sugars may still appear in the nutrition table. Albert Heijn lists both 0% added sugar and 1.7 g sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero.
Before deciding, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.
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Looking only at the portion size
Biscuits and the portions listed on packs vary in size. That means figures per biscuit aren’t always useful for comparing different packs.
Compare per 100 g first, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, then consider the portion you actually want to eat.
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Overlooking polyols in the ingredients list
Biscuits reviewed with sugar-conscious labels included maltitol. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive discomfort; the packs reviewed warn of a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Read the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging, especially if you know you’re sensitive to polyols.
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Putting a sugar claim ahead of checking allergens
A biscuit with less sugar can still contain allergens. The products reviewed include wheat; other allergens vary by product.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information every time you buy.
Brands to compare
These brands offer examples of different biscuits and sugar claims. Check the label on the specific product; its inclusion here doesn’t reflect the brand’s entire range.
Albert Heijn
AH Digestive 0% Sugar biscuits are an example for shoppers who want to focus on the stated sugar content per 100 g.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g sugars and 5.7 g fibre per 100 g for this product.
- The product contains wheat and polyols, provides 465 kcal per 100 g and warns of a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Céréal
The speculoos almond and coconut biscuits reviewed are labelled ‘sugar-free’, but they are different varieties.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.4 g sugars per 100 g for the speculoos almond variety; Jumbo lists 0 g sugars per 100 g for the coconut variety.
- The varieties reviewed contain wheat and sweeteners. Check the allergens and warning about excessive consumption for each variety.
Verkade
San Francisco zero is an example of a biscuit labelled ‘0% added sugar’.
- Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g sugars per 100 g for this variety, so you can assess the total sugar content alongside the claim.
- The variety reviewed contains maltitols and lists wheat, milk and soya as allergens.
Goud Gebakken
The ALDI large biscuit reviewed is a different type of product from a plain biscuit and carries a relative reduced-sugar claim.
- ALDI advertises 30% less sugar for this variety and a pack of six individually wrapped biscuits.
- To compare it with plain biscuits, check the nutrition information and ingredients on the current packaging; the relative claim doesn’t specify the sugar content per 100 g.
Lotus Biscoff
Regular speculoos is included here as a flavour-led comparison, not as a biscuit with a reduced-sugar claim.
- The Lotus Biscoff Speculoos reviewed is recognisable as a regular speculoos variety if that’s the type of product you want.
- Jumbo lists 38.1 g sugars per 100 g for this variety, as well as wheat and soya as allergens. If reducing sugar is your main priority, compare this figure with the alternatives.
Joybuy products to consider
These products highlight three different options: a biscuit bar described as having less sugar, biscuits with no added sugar, and oat biscuits whose sugar claim needs a closer look. Check the current packaging and product type before choosing.
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g'woon Cookie Bars Less Sugar, 6 pieces
A biscuit bar to consider if you’re looking for a product labelled as having less sugar while doing your shopping. According to the product name, the pack contains six pieces. Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check what the ‘Less Sugar’ label refers to on the packaging; also read the allergen information.
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Organix Bio Farm Animal Biscuits, 100 g
Biscuits to consider if you’re specifically looking for a variety with no added sugar; this doesn’t mean they contain no sugars. The product name indicates a 100 g pack. Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, along with the current ingredients and allergen information.
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Panpan oat biscuits, 216 g
These oat biscuits are only useful for comparing sugar content if you check the current nutrition information. The product name states 216 g and uses the ‘Sugar-Free’ label, while the associated product information lists 11.7 g sugars per 100 g. So don’t rely on the sugar claim alone, and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging too.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?
No. Albert Heijn lists 0% added sugar but also 1.7 g sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero; for Céréal Speculoos almond pieces with no sugars, it lists 0.4 g per 100 g. If the total amount matters most to you, check ‘of which sugars’ on the specific pack.
Are sugar-free biscuits automatically low in calories?
No. Albert Heijn lists 465 kcal and 0.3 g sugars per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% Sugar. Compare the energy and other nutritional values separately from the sugar content; one figure doesn’t tell you everything about a biscuit.
What does the warning about a laxative effect mean?
The warning is a reminder to take care when eating biscuits containing polyols, such as maltitol. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive discomfort. Read the warning on the current packaging and take your own sensitivity into account.
Should I check allergens in sugar-conscious biscuits too?
Yes. A sugar claim tells you nothing about the allergens in a biscuit. The varieties reviewed include wheat and, depending on the product, milk or soya. So always check the current ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’re buying.