If you want a single bar with your coffee without opening a large cake, first check the weight of each bar and whether they’re individually wrapped. Then choose between a plain version and a flavoured one by checking the ingredients and nutritional information for that exact bar. Don’t assume that a name such as ‘Zero’ or ‘Less Sugar-Free’ means a product is sugar-free.
If you don’t want to open a large breakfast cake for a single coffee break, the weight of each bar and whether it’s labelled ‘individually wrapped’ are useful things to check. For example, Peijnenburg says its plain 5-pack contains five individually wrapped bars weighing 32.5 g each.
A claim on the front of the pack doesn’t tell the whole story. Compare the ingredients and sugars per portion, and check the usage warnings on versions containing sweeteners.
As well as plain bars, you’ll find options with raisins or pearl sugar, and versions with chocolate, nuts or other additions. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the flavour you choose, as these may differ from those of a plain bar.
First decide how much cake you want with one cup of coffee. Then compare the flavour and packaging, focusing on what matters most to you.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion and convenience | The weight of each bar and whether each one is individually wrapped. | If I only want one bar with my coffee, I don’t want to have to open a large cake every time. A measured portion is the most important factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Sugar and sweeteners | The ingredients, sugars per portion, sweeteners and any usage warnings. | If you want to avoid added sugar, you’ll want to know what’s in the bar despite any claim on the front of the pack. This is the most important consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Flavour and allergens | The ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour you’re considering. | I prefer a particular flavour with my coffee, but I also want to know which ingredients it contains. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this combination. |
| Number of bars | How many bars are in the pack and whether that suits how often you eat them. | If I only have a bar occasionally, I want to choose a pack size I’ll actually finish. The right pack size is the first thing around 20% of consumers consider. |
A claim about added sugar doesn’t rule out naturally occurring sugars or sweeteners. Jumbo includes a warning for Snelle Jelle Zero Tussendoor that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Check the ingredients, sugars per portion and warnings for the exact version, rather than relying on the product name alone.
Ingredients and allergens may vary between flavours. Peijnenburg lists rye flour in its plain 5-pack and warns that it may contain milk, hazelnuts, almonds and other cereals containing gluten.
Check the current packaging for every version you choose, even if you’re familiar with another bar from the same brand.
The Dutch agreement on baker’s salt isn’t a general legal requirement for every breakfast cake bar. According to Brood.net, the use of iodine-containing baker’s salt isn’t required by law.
If the type of salt used is important to you, check the ingredients list for the specific product.
Offers plain breakfast cake bars and flavoured versions if you’re looking for an individually wrapped bar.
Makes spiced cake bars in a range of versions, including plain, raisin and Zero.
Its product range includes own-brand spiced cake bars alongside bars from Peijnenburg and Snelle Jelle.
Stocks breakfast cake and packaged bars from brands including Peijnenburg and Snelle Jelle.
These Snelle Jelle versions are spiced cake bars you can enjoy individually with your coffee. Focus on the portion size you want, and check the sugar information on the packaging for the Less Sugar-Free version.
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An option if you’d like an individually wrapped spiced cake bar with your coffee. The pack has a stated weight of 250 g.
Read ‘Less Sugar-Free’ as the name of the version, not as confirmation that the bar is sugar-free. Check the ingredients, sugars and nutritional information per portion on the current packaging. Check the allergen information there too.
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A plain version if you’re looking for an individually wrapped spiced cake bar to enjoy with your coffee. The pack has a stated weight of 325 g.
Check the weight of each bar if you want a small portion, and check the current allergen information on the packaging.
No, there’s no general legal requirement to use iodine-containing baker’s salt in every breakfast cake bar. The agreement published by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in 2008 sets out arrangements for baker’s salt; Brood.net clarifies that its use isn’t required by law. Check the ingredients list for the exact bar if the type of salt used is relevant to you.
For a coffee break, first compare how many grams you actually want to eat, then check the nutritional information on the same basis, for example per 100 g or per portion. An individually wrapped bar means you don’t have to open a large cake just to have one portion.
No, the name ‘Zero’ alone doesn’t confirm that. Jumbo says Snelle Jelle Zero Tussendoor contains naturally occurring sugars and the sweetener xylitol, so check the full ingredients list, nutritional information and usage warnings for the version you choose.
Check the allergen information on the current packaging for the exact flavour. Peijnenburg lists rye flour in its plain 5-pack and warns that it may contain milk, hazelnuts, almonds and other cereals containing gluten; the information may differ for another version.
