The host keeping an eye on sugar
You want to compare the stated sugar content before putting biscuits out for several rounds of games. Also check the ingredients, allergens and portion size of the variety you choose.
Who are these options for?
The games group that wants easy-to-serve snacks
You’re looking for portions that are easy to handle at the table. ALDI Netherlands, for example, lists six individually wrapped Goud Gebakken Koekhappers with a claim of 30% less sugar. That claim alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in each biscuit.
The guest who wants to check the ingredients first
If allergens or polyols matter to you or your fellow guests, check the label for the exact flavour. With biscuits containing maltitol, it’s also worth noting the warning about excessive consumption.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you mainly want to compare sugar content or make serving easier. Then check the ingredients on the specific pack and make sure it contains enough biscuits for your group.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Stated sugar content | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and, if stated, per serving. Don’t treat ‘less sugar’ as a synonym for ‘sugar-free’. | If I’m serving biscuits over several rounds of games, I want to know how much sugar is in the portion I’ve chosen. Sugar content would be the main concern for around 36% of consumers. |
| Easy-to-serve portions | Check how many pieces are in the pack and whether they’re individually wrapped. Distinguish small biscuits from larger cookie bars or soft ontbijtkoek. | I want to be able to hand out biscuits without everyone having to reach into the same pack. Ease of sharing would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens and polyols | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety; if it contains polyols, also check the warning about excessive consumption. | When I’m serving a group, I want to check which ingredients may be relevant to my guests. Around 21% of consumers are expected to check this first. |
| Availability and pack size | Check current availability and whether one pack contains enough pieces for your group. | If games night is coming up soon, I mainly need a practical option with enough portions. This would be the most important consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’
A relative reduction doesn’t mean a biscuit contains no sugar. ALDI Netherlands says its Goud Gebakken Koekhappers contain 30% less sugar; that’s a different product claim from ‘sugar-free’.
Check the nutrition information, especially ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per serving, if stated.
-
Putting out unlimited quantities of biscuits with maltitol
For its Céréal Speculoos with almond variety, the product information from Joybuy Netherlands includes a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Guests may reach for biscuits more often during a long games night.
Leave the label where guests can see it and, if you like, offer another snack too.
-
Checking only the sugar claim
A biscuit that suits your sugar preferences may still contain ingredients that matter to a guest with an allergy. Ingredients can also vary between flavours.
Ask about any relevant allergies beforehand and check the allergen information on the pack you’re actually serving.
Brands to consider
Céréal
Céréal has biscuit varieties labelled ‘Sugar-Free’, including Speculoos with almond pieces and Coconut. Compare each flavour separately.
- Joybuy Netherlands’ product information lists maltitol in the Speculoos with almond and includes a warning about excessive consumption.
- Check the allergens in this variety before sharing it with a group; the ‘Sugar-Free’ label doesn’t tell you what they are.
Goud Gebakken
This ALDI brand offers Koekhappers for anyone looking for individually wrapped biscuits to hand out.
- According to ALDI Netherlands, the pack contains six individually wrapped biscuits and carries a claim of 30% less sugar.
- A less-sugar claim doesn’t make Koekhappers the same as biscuits labelled ‘Sugar-Free’; compare the nutrition information on the pack.
Koek & Bakker
ALDI Netherlands lists a pre-sliced zero ontbijtkoek from Koek & Bakker as an alternative if you want slices that are ready to serve.
- Pre-sliced pieces don’t need to be cut at the table.
- Ontbijtkoek isn’t a small, crunchy biscuit, so it may not be the right choice if that’s the format you want for games night.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Biscoff can be a useful flavour reference when comparing different types of speculoos.
- Albert Heijn features Lotus Biscoff Speculoos in its product information.
- Don’t take the brand name as an indication of lower sugar; read the nutrition information on the specific pack.
Cookie bars at Joybuy
This option is a cookie bar labelled ‘Less Sugar’, with six pieces per pack. A cookie bar isn’t the same as a small biscuit, so compare the size and nutrition information if you’re looking for snacks to enjoy around the game board.
No image available
g'woon Cookie Bars Less Sugar, 6 bars
An option to consider if you’re looking for cookie bars labelled ‘Less Sugar’ to share with your group. The product name says there are six bars in the pack. Check the pack for the sugar content and allergens, and whether the bars are individually wrapped if that’s important for serving.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘less sugar’ mean a biscuit is sugar-free?
No. ‘Less sugar’ describes a reduction compared with a similar product, while ‘sugar-free’ is a different claim. So compare the ‘of which sugars’ row on the packs of the biscuits you’re considering.
What should I look out for with biscuits containing maltitol?
Read the warning on the pack and consider how many biscuits guests might eat during the evening. For Céréal Speculoos with almond, Joybuy Netherlands’ product information says that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Can I share sugar-free speculoos with everyone without checking the label?
No. First check the allergens in the exact variety. Several allergens are relevant in the Céréal Speculoos with almond variety, so ask guests about their needs before putting the biscuits in a shared bowl.
Should I still read the pack if I’ve viewed the product online?
Yes, read the pack you’ve bought before serving. Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information can change, so the current packaging matters when you’re choosing for a group.