Parents checking sugar claims
You’re looking for a chocolate biscuit for a children’s party and want to understand the difference between ‘sugar-free’, ‘no added sugars’ and ‘reduced sugars’.
Who is this for?
Organisers handing out treats to a group
If several children will be eating the treats, you’ll want to check the allergens on the packaging and any warnings about sweeteners before choosing.
Parents looking for a familiar chocolate biscuit
You’re weighing up a biscuit with chocolate chips against a chocolate-coated biscuit, without losing sight of the ingredients and nutritional information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for ‘sugar-free’ or whether ‘no added sugars’ or a lower sugar content will do. Then check the label on your chosen biscuit and, if you’re handing them out at school or nursery, find out what treats are allowed.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Read the exact claim and compare it with ‘of which sugars’ in the nutritional information per 100 g and, where shown, per portion. | I don’t want a biscuit with no added sugars to be mistaken for a sugar-free one. Around 31% of consumers put checking this claim first. |
| Allergens and sweeteners | Check the current ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging of the exact product. | When handing treats out to several children, I want to take allergies and sweetener warnings into account. For around 25% of consumers, these checks are the top priority. |
| Handing out treats at the party | Ask about the rules at the school, nursery or party venue, work out how many biscuits you’ll need and whether you need an alternative. | I want to know whether treats are allowed at the venue and make sure there’s something for every child. Around 25% of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
| Type of chocolate biscuit | Choose between options such as chocolate chips and a chocolate coating. For the option you choose, compare the ingredients and nutritional information too. | If the other checks are all right, I want to choose a biscuit with the type of chocolate I’m looking for. Around 19% of consumers put this first. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
A biscuit with no added sugars can still contain sugars. For example, Albert Heijn’s date biscuit recipe lists 6 g of sugars per portion, despite describing the recipe as ‘sugar-free’ in its title.
Compare the claim with ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and, where shown, per portion.
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Overlooking a sweetener warning
Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption of Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie may have a laxative effect. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wind and diarrhoea as possible effects of a high intake of polyols.
Read the ingredients and warnings, and don’t automatically choose a larger portion just because the biscuit is labelled ‘sugar-free’.
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Guessing allergens from the front of the packaging
A sugar claim tells you nothing about allergens. For Céréal Choco Delight Puur, Jumbo lists wheat, soya, oats, milk and egg yolk among the ingredients.
Check the label on the pack you’re handing out and, if you know of any allergies, check with the parents in advance.
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Checking the rules for treats only after you’ve bought them
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that a school’s policy may specify which treats are and aren’t allowed. The needs of children in the group may also mean you need an alternative.
Ask about the rules at the school, nursery or party venue in advance, then decide which treats to bring.
Brands and retailers to consider
Céréal
Céréal makes chocolate biscuits with different sugar claims and types of chocolate. Compare the exact products rather than relying on the brand name alone.
- Albert Heijn describes Chocolate Chip Cookie as a biscuit with chocolate chips and cocoa, containing a sweetener and labelled ‘sugar-free’. According to Céréal Nederland, Choco Delight Puur contains 0.5 g of sugars and 24 g of polyols per 100 g.
- Check the allergens and warnings for each product. For Chocolate Chip Cookie, Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Verkade
Verkade describes San Francisco Zero as a biscuit with no added sugars.
- This product range is worth considering if ‘no added sugars’ meets your needs.
- Don’t assume San Francisco Zero is a chocolate biscuit or a ‘sugar-free’ product without checking the exact variety.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has a range of biscuits for people watching their sugar intake and provides product information for Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie.
- The product description mentions chocolate chips, cocoa, a sweetener and the ‘sugar-free’ claim.
- Before handing them out, check the packaging itself for the current ingredients, allergens and warnings.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists ingredients for Céréal Choco Delight Puur, a chocolate biscuit containing a sweetener.
- The ingredients include wheat, soya, oats, milk and egg yolk, giving you a clear idea of what to check against the packaging.
- This information applies to this specific product. Check other biscuits and the packaging you buy individually.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugars’?
They don’t mean the same thing: a biscuit with no added sugars can still contain sugars. Albert Heijn’s date biscuit recipe lists 6 g of sugars per portion. So, as well as checking the claim, look at ‘of which sugars’ in the nutritional information.
What should I look out for in chocolate biscuits containing maltitol?
Check the ingredients, portion size and any warnings on the packaging, especially if you’re handing them out to several children. Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption of Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie may have a laxative effect. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that a high intake of polyols may cause digestive problems.
Which allergens should I check for a children’s party?
Always check the current allergen information for the exact biscuit you’re handing out. For Céréal Choco Delight Puur, Jumbo lists wheat, soya, oats, milk and egg yolk among the ingredients. That ingredients list doesn’t automatically apply to other chocolate biscuits.
Can I hand these biscuits out at school or nursery?
First, ask about the rules at the school or nursery in question. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says local policies may specify which treats can and can’t be handed out. Also take the needs of the children in the group into account.