If you’re looking for digestive biscuits to add to lunch on the go, a wholemeal option may suit you if comparing fibre content is your main priority. A standard option is worth considering if you have no specific ingredient requirements. If you choose a no added sugar option, check the sweeteners and any warnings on the label too. Digestive biscuits are not automatically a complete lunch.
You want to take digestive biscuits as a snack or an addition to your lunch, and would rather compare fibre, sugars, fat and salt using the nutritional information than rely on claims on the front of the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the ingredients list and nutrition table too.
You often take biscuits with you and want to know how many are in a pack, what portion to take and whether you prefer a branded recipe or an own-label option.
For example, you may be looking for an option with no added sugars, or need to check for wheat, possible traces of milk or other allergens. In that case, the ingredients list for the exact product matters more than the word ‘digestive’ alone.
Start by choosing the option that best matches your main ingredient or nutrition requirement. Then consider how many biscuits you want to take with you and how you’ll store the rest of the pack.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Compare fibre, sugars, saturated fat and salt per 100 g, then work out the values for the portion you’ll take with you. | If I add biscuits to my lunch regularly, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘wholemeal’ alone. Around 38% of consumers say comparing nutritional values is their top priority. |
| Portion and transport | Check the portion size and storage instructions, then decide whether you need a resealable tub or bag. | I only want to take the biscuits I’ve chosen for that occasion in my bag. For around 31% of consumers, a practical portion for eating on the go comes first. |
| Variety and pack size | Check the net weight and the exact variety if you’re choosing a pack for several occasions. | If you regularly buy a pack to keep at home, you’ll want to choose between a standard recipe and a specific branded or own-label option. Around 23% of consumers prioritise having a choice for different eating occasions. |
| Ingredients | Read the highlighted allergens, ‘may contain’ statements, and any information about sweeteners and warnings. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the label for the exact variety determines whether I can choose it. This is the top priority for around 8% of consumers. |
The name doesn’t tell you what the full nutritional information looks like. Albert Heijn lists 6 g of fibre, but also 20 g of sugars per 100 g for its AH Digestive wholemeal biscuits.
Follow the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice and check the back of the pack too: compare the ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g, then consider your portion size.
According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% sugar contains polyols. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Check which sweeteners your chosen variety contains and read the warning before deciding how much to take with you.
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ statements vary between digestive biscuits. For example, Jumbo lists wheat in its Krokante Digestive Biscuit, while Jumbo also notes possible traces of milk in McVitie's Digestives Original.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack for each variety you choose.
Albert Heijn lists standard, wholemeal and 0% sugar digestive biscuits in 400 g packs. This lets you compare different ingredients and nutritional values within the same own-label range.
Jumbo Krokante Digestive Biscuit is an own-label option in a 400 g pack.
McVitie's Digestives Original is the branded option for anyone looking for this specific recipe. The pack described by Jumbo contains 400 g.
Sondey is a biscuit brand from Lidl; Lidl lists Digestives naturel among its products.
ALDI lists Biscotto Digestive Biscuits in varieties weighing around 400 g and 300 g.
This product suits anyone looking for a classic branded digestive biscuit as a snack or an addition to lunch on the go. Check the portion size and label to see whether this variety suits the way you plan to use it.
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For anyone looking specifically for Digestive Original biscuits to take along as a portion.
400 g pack. The variety described by Jumbo lists 14.7 g per biscuit and 3.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
This variety contains wheat and may contain milk. Check the current pack for allergen information, and consider whether you need a resealable tub or bag to carry the biscuits.
No, digestive biscuits are not automatically a complete lunch. Have them as a snack or an addition to your lunch, and consider the portion alongside what else you eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises looking beyond the front of the pack.
No. Albert Heijn lists both 6 g of fibre and 20 g of sugars per 100 g for its AH Digestive wholemeal biscuits. So compare the full nutritional information and ingredients list for the varieties you’re considering.
Check the ingredients and any warnings, not just the claim on the front of the pack. According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% sugar contains 0 g of added sugars per 100 g, but it also contains polyols. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Yes. Check the information for the exact digestive biscuit variety you’re ordering, and read the packaging when it arrives too. Look out for highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ statements, particularly if wheat, other cereals or milk are relevant to your choice.
Put the portion you want to eat in a well-sealed tub or bag, and close the remaining pack. The product information for the standard and branded varieties described here recommends storing them in a dry place; follow the instructions on your own pack too.
