Who is this choice important for?

Organisers with a strict sugar-free requirement

You want to offer a chocolate biscuit that can be described as sugar-free, not just as a product with no added sugars. So compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g with the claim on the packaging.

Caterers who need to share allergen information

You’re serving biscuits to a mixed group, possibly outside their original packaging. Make sure guests can check the allergen information for the variant being served; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that this information is also required for unpackaged catering products.

Organisers planning portions and taking polyols into account

You’re planning servings for a large group and want guests to be able to see information about sweeteners and any relevant warnings. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the sugars per 100 g if ‘sugar-free’ is a firm requirement. Then consider whether the allergen information, individual packaging and details about polyols suit the way you plan to serve the biscuits at the buffet.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
What ‘sugar-free’ means Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g for the exact variant. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is permitted only when the product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I advertise a sugar-free option, I want the biscuits I order to meet that requirement. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this claim.
Allergens and dietary requirements Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant, including any ‘may contain’ information, and keep it available when serving the biscuits unpackaged. For guests with different dietary requirements, I want to be able to say in advance which allergens are listed for their biscuits. This information is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Portions and serving Compare the number of biscuits per pack and decide how to keep the product information visible when serving them. Albert Heijn lists 12 biscuits per pack for Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie No Added Sugar. During a busy coffee break, I want to be able to plan one portion per guest without mixing up the sugar-free and regular options. Around 21% of consumers prioritise serving arrangements.
Polyols and sweeteners Check the ingredients, nutrition information and any warning about a laxative effect. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems. If biscuits are available for guests to help themselves, I want to know whether the product carries a warning about polyols. Around 14% of consumers pay most attention to this point.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    These claims don’t mean the same thing. Verkade lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for San Francisco Zero, which is above the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g permitted for the ‘sugar-free’ claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

    Before ordering, compare the nutrition information per 100 g with the wording you plan to use on the buffet label.

  • Removing the allergen information with the packaging

    When biscuits are served on a plate, guests can no longer read the original label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must also be available for unpackaged catering products.

    Keep the current packaging or product information where the biscuits are served, and make it clear which biscuits it relates to.

  • Putting out an unlimited supply of sugar-free biscuits

    Sugar-free biscuits may contain polyols. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that large amounts can cause digestive problems; Albert Heijn displays a warning about a laxative effect if Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie No Added Sugar is consumed in excess.

    Make the product information visible and serve clear portions if the chosen packaging carries this warning.

  • Presenting a small pack of regular biscuits as a sugar-free alternative

    A smaller pack doesn’t change the ingredients. Lotus Bakeries lists 38.1 g of sugars per 100 g for Lotus Biscoff Original; this is not a sugar-free chocolate biscuit.

    Offer regular biscuits only as a separate, clearly labelled option.

Relevant brands and retailers

Céréal

Céréal makes biscuits with chocolate ingredients for which the product information lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g and 12 biscuits per pack for Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie No Added Sugar. Céréal also lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g for its shortbread biscuits with chocolate and hazelnut flavour.
  • Sugar-free doesn’t mean allergen-free. Check the allergen information and any warning about polyols on the packaging received for each variant.

Verkade

Verkade San Francisco Zero is an example of a biscuit with no added sugars, not a product for a strict sugar-free purchasing requirement.

  • Verkade says this variant has no added sugars.
  • Verkade lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, as well as wheat, milk and soya. Don’t use this variant to meet a brief that specifies ‘sugar-free’.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff Original is a regular spiced biscuit for anyone who wants to offer a separate biscuit to enjoy with coffee alongside the sugar-free chocolate biscuits.

  • Lotus Bakeries lists packs containing two biscuits, which can be useful for serving a defined portion of regular biscuits.
  • Lotus Bakeries lists 38.1 g of sugars per 100 g. These spiced biscuits are not a substitute for sugar-free chocolate biscuits.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn provides product information for Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie No Added Sugar, including nutrition and allergen information.

  • The product listing gives 0 g of sugars per 100 g and 12 biscuits per pack, which is useful for checking the claim and planning portions.
  • Ingredients and nutritional values can change. Compare the information when ordering with the details on the packaging you receive.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists various Céréal products for people watching their sugar intake or following specific diets; the name of a variant doesn’t tell you whether it is sugar-free.

  • The range includes Céréal Less Sugars Choco Delight Dark and a gluten-free, lactose-free chocolate variant.
  • ‘Less sugars’ and ‘gluten-free’ don’t, on their own, mean a product is sugar-free. Check the nutrition information and allergen details for your chosen variant separately.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim may be used only when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. A product with no added sugars may contain more: Verkade lists 1.7 g per 100 g for San Francisco Zero.

What should I do with the allergen information if the biscuits are served on a plate?

Make sure guests can check the allergen information for the biscuits being served. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that this information must also be available for unpackaged catering products. So keep the packaging or up-to-date product information, and make it clear which plate it relates to.

Why do some sugar-free biscuits carry a warning about a laxative effect?

This may be linked to added polyols, such as maltitol. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems. Check the warning on the packaging you choose and keep the information visible where the biscuits are served.

Is a biscuit with 0 g of sugars also gluten-free or nut-free?

No, the sugar content tells you nothing about a biscuit’s allergens. For Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie No Added Sugar, Albert Heijn lists wheat and oats, and the possible presence of milk, egg, nuts, soya and sesame, among other allergens. Check the allergen information on the exact variant and packaging you’re serving.