Buyers following a strict allergen policy
For anyone who needs to check before packing whether rye, gluten and any ‘may contain’ warnings meet the requirements for the child and nursery.
Who are these options relevant to?
Buyers comparing sugars per portion
For anyone weighing up sliced varieties with less or no added sugar, while also checking fibre, sweeteners and any warnings on the packaging.
Buyers who portion food in advance
For anyone who finds pre-sliced portions easier to pack. The number of slices and the portion size are more useful when choosing than assuming the slices are extra thick.
What should you look for?
Start with the nursery’s allergen policy. Then compare the nutritional information per portion and check whether the Dutch breakfast cake is actually pre-sliced.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and policy | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements, and compare it with the requirements for the child. | If rye or gluten aren’t allowed under the policy, I need to know before packing a slice. Around 42% of consumers put this check first. |
| Sugars, fibre and sweeteners | Compare the nutritional information per portion, and check the ingredients and any warnings about sweeteners. | When the lunch’s nutritional make-up is the priority, I want to know what’s in one slice, not just what’s on the front of the pack. This matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Sliced portions | Check whether the cake is sliced, how many slices the pack contains and whether they match the agreed portion size. | I want to be able to portion the lunch in advance without having to cut it on the spot; around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience when portioning. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free
According to the manufacturer, Peijnenburg’s gluten-free, unsliced Dutch breakfast cake also contains lupin and milk ingredients.
When choosing a gluten-free option, compare the full allergen information on the current packaging with the requirements for the child in question.
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Choosing based only on ‘no added sugars’
This claim doesn’t mean that a Dutch breakfast cake contains no sugars or sweeteners. For its tested variety, Peijnenburg lists 1.4 g of sugars per 28 g slice and includes xylitol as an ingredient.
Read the nutritional information per portion, and check the ingredients and usage warnings too.
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Assuming the packaging hasn’t changed
PLUS points out that product ingredients and allergen information can change. This is particularly important when lunch needs to meet specific allergen requirements.
Check the packaging you’re actually packing every time you buy it.
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Assuming baking salt means Dutch breakfast cake contains iodine
Voedingscentrum discusses baking salt in connection with bread. Don’t use this to draw conclusions about the ingredients in a specific Dutch breakfast cake.
Only include iodine in a product comparison if the information for that particular cake confirms it.
Brands to consider
Peijnenburg
Offers sliced plain, wholemeal and no-added-sugar varieties, as well as an unsliced gluten-free option.
- For the sliced varieties reviewed, Peijnenburg lists the number of slices and nutritional information per portion.
- The wholemeal and no-added-sugar varieties reviewed contain rye. The gluten-free variety is unsliced and contains lupin and milk ingredients.
Jumbo
Offers a reviewed sliced Dutch breakfast cake variety containing sweeteners.
- The product information lists nutritional values per portion, making it possible to compare slices.
- The variety reviewed contains rye and wheat, and states that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect due to the sweeteners.
PLUS
Offers a reviewed 485 g sliced plain Dutch breakfast cake.
- The variety reviewed is pre-sliced.
- According to PLUS, this variety contains rye and may contain wheat, barley and oats. Check the current packaging, as product information can change.
Lidl
Offers, among other options, a 485 g sliced wholemeal Dutch breakfast cake.
- The product description makes clear that the wholemeal variety reviewed is sliced.
- Lidl refers customers to the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values. Use this information to check whether the variety meets the nursery’s policy.
Sliced Dutch breakfast cake at Joybuy
This sliced wholemeal Dutch breakfast cake is worth considering if pre-sliced portions suit your lunch arrangements. Before packing it, check the current packaging for allergens and portion information.
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g'woon wholemeal Dutch breakfast cake, sliced, 485 g
A pre-sliced option if you want to portion out slices for lunch in advance.
Before packing this Dutch breakfast cake, check the current packaging for rye and other allergens. If you’re comparing nutritional values per slice, check the portion size too; don’t assume the slices are extra thick.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to check the allergens on packaged Dutch breakfast cake?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed products is shown on the label. Compare it with the requirements for the child and the nursery.
Is gluten-free Dutch breakfast cake suitable for every allergy?
No. According to the manufacturer, the gluten-free variety of Peijnenburg reviewed contains lupin and milk ingredients. Check all relevant allergens on the current packaging; this variety is also unsliced.
Does Dutch breakfast cake with no added sugars contain no sugar or sweeteners?
No. For its reviewed sliced variety, Peijnenburg lists 1.4 g of sugars per 28 g slice and includes xylitol as an ingredient. Compare the nutritional information per portion and read any warnings.
Are sliced portions of Dutch breakfast cake automatically extra thick?
No. The number of slices or the pack weight alone doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. Check the actual product if slice thickness matters for the agreed lunch portion.