TV viewers who want to choose a portion in advance
If you’d rather not keep reaching into an open pack, check the stated portion size and the number of portions per pack. Set some aside before the film or series starts.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Shoppers comparing nutritional information
If you want to compare varieties, check the nutritional information for things such as sugars, fibre, saturated fat and salt per 100 g. According to the Voedingscentrum, this is a useful basis for comparison; the values per biscuit can then help you choose a portion.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
The allergen information for the specific variety is what matters. For example, Jumbo lists wheat for McVitie's Original, while its gluten-free digestive with milk chocolate contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, choose between a classic biscuit and a variety where wholegrain ingredients, chocolate, added sugar or gluten are the deciding factors for you. Then read the label on your chosen variety: a single claim on the front doesn’t tell you everything about its nutritional value or allergens.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions | Check the portion size and the number of portions per pack. Set biscuits aside before you start watching. | For a long film, I want to decide in advance how many biscuits to have, rather than keep eating from the open pack. Portion control is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Nutritional value | Compare sugars, fibre, saturated fat and salt per 100 g, then check the values per biscuit. If you choose a no added sugar variety, read the warnings too. | When choosing between wholemeal and a no added sugar variety, I want to know what else is in the biscuit. Around 31% of consumers say comparing nutritional values is their top priority. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement for the exact variety. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I can’t rely on just the words ‘gluten-free’ or ‘digestive’. Checking allergens is the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
| Classic or chocolate | Choose the variety you want and, for chocolate biscuits, compare the nutritional information and allergens for each product too. | For my night in, the choice between a plain biscuit and a chocolate coating makes all the difference. Around 23% of consumers place the most importance on this flavour preference. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a claim such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘0% sugar’ tells you everything about the nutritional profile
These claims don’t describe every aspect of a biscuit. For example, Albert Heijn lists 465 kcal per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% sugar and includes a warning about excessive consumption; Jumbo’s Digestive Volkoren also contains sugars and salt.
Compare the full nutritional information per 100 g, consider the portion size and read any warnings on the pack.
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Eating straight from a large pack
According to the Voedingscentrum, pack size and portion size can affect how much you eat. It’s easy to lose track of how many biscuits you’ve had while watching.
Put your chosen amount in a bowl before you start watching, then close the rest of the pack.
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Using allergen information from a different variety
A gluten-free claim doesn’t mean that all other allergens are absent. Jumbo says its gluten-free digestive with milk chocolate contains milk, oats and soya, and warns that it may contain nuts.
If you need to avoid an ingredient, always check the current packaging of the exact product you’re buying.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Albert Heijn
Own-label range that includes a standard AH Digestive and an AH Digestive 0% sugar.
- The standard AH Digestive lists 16 g of sugars and 3.2 g of fibre per 100 g.
- AH Digestive 0% sugar lists 0 g of added sugars, but also 465 kcal and 14 g of polyols per 100 g. The product information warns of a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Jumbo
Own-label range with wholemeal, chocolate and specifically labelled gluten-free digestive biscuits.
- Jumbo Digestive Volkoren lists 5.8 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This wholemeal variety also lists 19.3 g of sugars and 1.15 g of salt per 100 g. The gluten-free variety with milk chocolate contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts.
McVitie's
For anyone comparing an Original digestive with a dark chocolate variety.
- For Original, Jumbo lists 15.1 g of sugars and 3.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Original contains wheat and may contain milk. Check chocolate varieties separately: Albert Heijn also lists milk and soya as allergens for McVitie's Pure Chocolade.
Verkade
An option to consider if you’re looking for a digestive with dark chocolate.
- Albert Heijn describes Verk digestive puur as a wheat biscuit with 30% dark chocolate.
- For this variety, Albert Heijn lists 28 g of sugars and 13 g of saturated fat per 100 g, and milk, soya and wheat as allergens.
Digestive biscuits: classic or chocolate?
These Joybuy products suit anyone choosing between a classic digestive and a biscuit covered in milk or dark chocolate. Compare the exact variety and check the packaging when planning your portion.
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McVitie's Digestive Original 400 g
A classic digestive for anyone who doesn’t want a chocolate coating. Jumbo lists wheat as an allergen for Original and says it may contain milk; check the current packaging if this is relevant to you.
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McVitie's Digestives Milk Chocolate 266 g
A milk chocolate digestive for anyone who fancies a chocolate biscuit while watching. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the allergens and portion size on the pack.
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McVitie's Digestives with Dark Chocolate 266 g
A dark chocolate digestive as an alternative to the milk chocolate variety. Check the nutritional information and allergens on this pack separately; don’t rely on details for another chocolate variety.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a digestive biscuit for a night in?
Choose a variety based on what matters most to you and decide on a portion in advance. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the allergens for the product you’re thinking of buying.
Why does portion size matter when watching TV?
Choosing a portion in advance makes it clear how many biscuits you want to have. According to the Voedingscentrum, larger portions and packs can affect how much you eat, so set some aside before you start watching if you wish.
Is AH Digestive 0% sugar also low in calories?
The ‘0% sugar’ claim doesn’t mean it’s low in calories: Albert Heijn lists 465 kcal per 100 g for this variety. According to Albert Heijn, the product also contains polyols and carries a warning about a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Is a gluten-free digestive also free from milk, soya and nuts?
Not necessarily. Jumbo says its gluten-free digestive with milk chocolate contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts. If you have an allergy, check the current information on the pack you’ve chosen.