Who is this choice relevant to?

Sugar content comes first

You compare the amount of sugars per 100 g and per biscuit before choosing a flavour. You also want to know which sweeteners and polyols the biscuit contains.

A clear chocolate element

You’re looking for chocolate chips or a layer of dark chocolate, not just a biscuit with a sugar claim. The type of chocolate you prefer will help determine which biscuit is right for your film night.

Biscuits to share

You want enough biscuits for everyone watching, so you check the pack size and number of servings. If everyone might have more than one biscuit, it’s also worth checking the ingredients, allergens and any warning about polyols.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by asking yourself whether chocolate is a must. Then compare the nutritional information and decide how many biscuits you’d like to share.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugar content Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and the amount per biscuit; also check exactly what the claim on the pack means. If my main aim is to limit the amount of sugars, I choose based on the nutritional information first and the flavour second. For around 38% of consumers, sugar content is the most important factor.
Type of chocolate Check whether the biscuit contains chocolate chips, cocoa or a chocolate coating. For my film night, I want a biscuit that really contains chocolate, even if a plain biscuit also has no added sugar. For around 23% of consumers, the chocolate element is what makes the difference.
Polyols and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check for any warning about excessive consumption, especially if you plan to eat several biscuits. If I’m having more than one biscuit or need to take an allergen into account, I look beyond the sugar content. Around 23% of consumers put these ingredients and warnings first.
How many to share Compare the pack size and number of biscuits or servings; decide whether a pack without chocolate will still suit your taste. When there are several of us watching TV, I want to know whether one pack will be enough without losing sight of my preference for chocolate. For around 16% of consumers, having enough servings is the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘Zero’ means 0 g sugars

    ‘No added sugar’ and the amount of sugars shown in the nutritional information don’t mean the same thing. Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero and 0 g per 100 g for Céréal Chocolate chip cookie zonder suikers.

    Check the ‘of which sugars’ line on both packs and compare the same quantity of product.

  • Choosing a large portion without checking the polyols

    According to the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, the Céréal biscuits reviewed contain 26 g and 24 g of polyols per 100 g respectively. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that products with more than 10% added polyols carry a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.

    Read the warning on the pack and consider how many biscuits you plan to eat during the film.

  • Mistaking a larger pack of plain biscuits for chocolate biscuits

    According to Albert Heijn, Verkade San Francisco Zero is a biscuit with no added sugar; the product information described doesn’t list any chocolate. So a larger pack won’t necessarily replace the chocolate biscuits you had in mind.

    Decide before you buy whether chocolate is essential, then compare the pack sizes.

Brands to consider

Céréal

The Céréal varieties discussed here are a sugar-free chocolate chip cookie and a biscuit with a layer of dark chocolate.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 g sugars per 100 g for the chocolate chip cookie; Jumbo lists 0.5 g per 100 g for Choco Delight Puur.
  • The same product information lists 26 g and 24 g of polyols per 100 g respectively. Check the allergens for your chosen variety too.

Verkade

According to Albert Heijn, San Francisco Zero is a biscuit with no added sugar, but it isn’t a chocolate biscuit.

  • The 267 g pack described contains around 31 servings, which can make it practical for sharing.
  • Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g sugars per 100 g. If you’re specifically looking for chocolate, don’t rely on the name Zero alone.

Chocolate biscuits at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No, the claims don’t say the same thing about the amount of sugars in a product. Albert Heijn lists 0 g sugars per 100 g for Céréal Chocolate chip cookie zonder suikers, while Verkade San Francisco Zero, which the same retailer describes as having no added sugar, contains 1.7 g per 100 g. So make sure you check the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information too.

What does a reduced-sugar claim on a biscuit pack mean?

A claim about a reduced level compares a product with a similar product; it doesn’t automatically compare it with every other biscuit. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the amount of the nutrient in question must be reduced by at least 30% for this type of claim. Check which product the comparison refers to, as well as the amount of sugars per 100 g.

Why is there sometimes a warning about a laxative effect?

This warning is relevant to products with added polyols: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, it appears on foods containing more than 10% added polyols. Check the pack if you plan to eat several biscuits during the film; a low sugar content doesn’t tell you how many polyols a product contains.

Are low-sugar chocolate biscuits suitable for people with allergies?

You can’t tell from the sugar claim. The Céréal varieties described contain different allergens or may contain traces of them; which substances are relevant depends on the variety. Before buying, check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific biscuit.