If you want to choose genuinely sugar-free breakfast cake for the cinema, check that the label states no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g: under European rules on nutrition claims, that is the limit for ‘sugar-free’. A ‘zero’ label or the words ‘no added sugars’ is not enough; the AH Ontbijtkoek zero and Peijnenburg Naturel zonder toegevoegde suikers products reviewed here both state 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g. If having a portion that’s easy to take with you matters more than meeting that strict limit, compare the portion size, ingredients and allergens of the exact variant too.
For you, the total amount of sugars per 100 g is what counts. A pack labelled ‘zero’ or ‘no added sugars’ does not automatically meet the sugar-free limit; check ‘of which sugars’ in the nutrition table.
You’re looking for a snack to take with you and want to distinguish between less sugar, no added sugars and sugar-free. The total sugars and portion size matter more than the name on the front of the pack alone.
You want to decide in advance how much to take with you, and may need to account for rye and gluten or other allergens that vary by variant. If a product contains polyols, the warning on the pack is relevant too.
First, decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a firm requirement for you. Then choose a portion size and pack format that suit what you want to take to the cinema.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g with the limit of 0.5 g per 100 g for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. | If I have a strict sugar limit, I don’t want to have to rely on the word ‘zero’. Around 40% of consumers put this first. |
| Less sugar or no added sugar | Check the total sugars per 100 g and per portion; if sweeteners are used, look for polyols and any relevant warnings too. | I want to adjust my sugar choices, but I don’t require my snack to be completely sugar-free. For around 40% of consumers, this is the first consideration. |
| A portion to take with you | Check the weight per portion, the pack format and the allergen information for the variant you choose. | During a film, I’d rather take a defined portion than a whole opened pack. Ease of carrying matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
Under European rules on nutrition claims, ‘sugar-free’ may only be used when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn states that AH Ontbijtkoek zero contains 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g; Peijnenburg states the same amount for its sliced plain variant with no added sugars.
If you have a strict sugar-free requirement, check ‘of which sugars’ in the nutrition table rather than relying on the product name.
Jumbo compares its Ontbijtkoek Minder Suiker with its own plain bar and says it contains at least 30% less sugar. The bar reviewed here still states 22.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Use the comparison with the plain variant to understand the relative reduction, then check the sugar content per 100 g and per portion as well.
Certain zero and no-added-sugar products from Albert Heijn and Peijnenburg carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Check the ingredients, weight per portion and any warnings before taking several portions with you.
The breakfast cake variants reviewed here contain rye and therefore gluten. Other allergens or possible traces vary by product.
Check the allergen information on the pack of the exact variant, even if you’ve bought another product from the same brand before.
Peijnenburg offers sliced breakfast cake with no added sugars, as well as individually wrapped cake bars.
Albert Heijn offers both sliced AH Ontbijtkoek zero and individually wrapped AH Kruidkoekreep zero bars.
Jumbo offers a breakfast cake bar with a sugar claim based on a comparison with its own plain variant.
ALDI describes a pre-sliced 485 g Koek & Bakker Ontbijtkoek Zero as a product with no added sugars.
Lidl lists a 485 g Ontbijtkoek zero as a product available in store.
This product selection is relevant if you’re looking for a breakfast cake-style snack to take to the cinema. Check separately whether it meets a strict sugar-free requirement by consulting the nutrition table on the pack.
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An option to consider if you want to set aside a portion of breakfast cake-style snack for the film in advance. The pack states 250 g; the words ‘Sugar-Free’ in the product name do not prove that its contents are sugar-free. Check the label for total sugars per 100 g and the ingredients if you want to avoid added sugars. Also check the allergen information for rye, nuts and milk.
No. Under European rules on nutrition claims, the limit for ‘sugar-free’ is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; Albert Heijn states that AH Ontbijtkoek zero contains 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g. So always check the nutrition table for the product you choose.
Yes, it can. For its plain variant with no added sugars, Peijnenburg states 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g and explains that sugars can occur naturally in rye. So ‘no added sugars’ does not mean the total sugar content is zero.
Some of the products reviewed contain polyols, such as xylitol, and carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. If you want to take more than one portion, check the ingredients, portion size and warning on the pack.
Not just because it is labelled ‘zero’. The AH zero products reviewed contain rye and therefore gluten. Check the allergen information and any warnings about traces for each specific variant.
No, you can’t assume that for every breakfast cake. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through baker’s salt; this does not mean that every product contains this salt. Check the label of your chosen breakfast cake or ask the manufacturer.
