Parents looking for something literally sugar-free
For them, the amount of sugars in the nutrition table is the deciding factor. Words such as ‘zero’ and ‘no added sugars’ are no substitute for checking this information.
Who is this distinction important for?
Parents who want to limit added sugars
They look for breakfast cake with no added sugars or less sugar, while bearing in mind that the product may still contain sugars. The ingredients list shows which sweeteners have been used.
Families packing a portion for school
For them, it matters whether the breakfast cake is pre-sliced or individually wrapped. Portion weight, allergens and the school’s rules are important too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement or whether you mainly want to limit added sugars. Then check which portion size and ingredients are right for your child and their school.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free or no added sugars | Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. If you have a strict sugar-free requirement, use a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If sugar-free is a literal requirement, I wouldn’t rely on the word ‘zero’ alone. This would be the first consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portion and packaging | Check the weight per portion and choose between pre-sliced pieces and individually wrapped bars. | If a child is taking breakfast cake to school, an individually wrapped portion may be easier to pack; around 29% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Compare fibre and sugars per 100 g, and check the weight of one slice too. | If you’re mainly looking for a wholegrain option, you’ll want to assess the nutritional value of the slice you choose. This would be the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and sweeteners | Read the latest information about rye and other gluten-containing cereals, possible traces and polyols. Check the school’s rules. | If ingredients or allergens determine what can be taken to school, check these before considering the sugar claim; this would be the most important factor for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘zero’ means sugar-free
Albert Heijn lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Ontbijtkoek Zero. Jumbo also lists 4.9 g per 100 g for Peijnenburg Volkoren zonder toegevoegde suikers. Both figures are above the strict limit of 0.5 g per 100 g.
If you have that requirement, use the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table rather than relying on the wording on the front of the pack.
-
Checking only the sugar information
The AH option mentioned contains gluten-containing cereals and rye. The Peijnenburg wholegrain option lists rye and may contain nuts and milk. This information could be decisive for a child or school group.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, and find out what rules the school follows.
-
Overlooking the warning about polyols
For the options mentioned, Albert Heijn and Peijnenburg include a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Check which sweeteners and polyols the product contains, and bear the on-pack warning in mind when choosing a portion size.
Brands and options to consider
Peijnenburg
Peijnenburg offers a 345 g pre-sliced wholegrain breakfast cake with no added sugars, containing 12 slices.
- The product information states that it is 100% wholegrain and contains 17 g of fibre per 100 g.
- According to the product information on Jumbo, this option contains 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients include rye and xylitol; also check for the mention of possible nuts and milk, and the warning about excessive consumption.
Albert Heijn
AH Ontbijtkoek Zero is a 485 g sliced option.
- According to Albert Heijn, this option contains 86% less sugar than AH Ontbijtkoek naturel gesneden; this comparison applies to these two products.
- Albert Heijn lists 4.9 g of sugars and 22 g of polyols per 100 g. The product contains gluten-containing cereals and rye, and carries a warning about excessive consumption.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Ontbijtkoek Minder Suiker in a pack of six, as well as Peijnenburg options with no added sugars in various types of packaging.
- Choosing between slices and individually wrapped portions can make it easier to pack a school lunch.
- For the specific option, check the sugars per 100 g, ingredients and allergens; less sugar does not automatically mean sugar-free.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 485 g Ontbijtkoek zero and snack bars in an Ontbijtkoek Minder Suiker option.
- There’s a breakfast cake as well as bars to consider as different packaging options.
- Before choosing an option for school, check the specific pack for sugars per 100 g, ingredients and allergens.
Breakfast cake on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is breakfast cake with ‘zero’ on the pack sugar-free?
No, you can’t tell from the word ‘zero’ alone. Albert Heijn lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Ontbijtkoek Zero. If your limit is no more than 0.5 g per 100 g, this option isn’t suitable as a sugar-free choice. Always check the nutrition table for other products.
Can breakfast cake with no added sugars be taken to school if a child needs to avoid gluten?
In that case, don’t choose based on the sugar claim: first check whether the specific breakfast cake fits the child’s dietary requirements. AH Ontbijtkoek Zero lists gluten-containing cereals and rye; the Peijnenburg wholegrain option mentioned contains rye. Read the latest information on the pack and follow the school’s rules.
What should you know about xylitol and other polyols in breakfast cake?
Read the ingredients list and the warning for the option you’ve chosen. For the products mentioned, Albert Heijn and Peijnenburg warn that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Bear this in mind when deciding on a portion size.
Does all breakfast cake contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume that it does. Ingredients vary from product to product. Check the latest ingredients list, or ask the manufacturer for the product specification if the type of salt used is important to your choice.