Choose an individually wrapped Dutch spiced cake bar if you want to hand out portions easily or crumble the cake while baking. Then compare the ingredients, allergens, sugars and any sweeteners in the exact product variant: a ‘less sugar’ claim doesn’t mean the same as ‘no added sugar’. Don’t let children taste raw batter while you’re baking; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre particularly warns against this for young children.
If children are handing out or crumbling the cake, individually wrapped bars can make portioning easier. According to the brand, Peijnenburg’s Original 5-pack contains five individually wrapped bars weighing 32.5 g each.
When choosing between regular bars and options with a sugar claim, it’s worth comparing the sugars per 100 g and per portion. Also check for added sugars, sweeteners and any warnings on the packaging.
Before sharing or using the bars, check the exact packaging for cereals containing gluten and any statements about milk or nuts. Information can vary between product variants.
First, decide how you plan to use the bar while baking. Then compare the nutritional information and allergens on the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dividing up portions | Check the number of bars, the weight of each bar and whether they’re individually wrapped. | If children are each having a bar or crumbling the cake, I want to know in advance how much is available per portion. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this kind of portioning convenience. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check both the ingredients and information about the possible presence of allergens on the exact packaging. | When several children are eating together, I want to check the listed ingredients and allergens before sharing. This is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Sugars and sweeteners | Compare sugars and added sugars per 100 g and per bar; also check for sweeteners, polyols and any warnings. | When choosing a bar for a recipe, I want to weigh up a sugar claim against the rest of its ingredients. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
These claims don’t mean the same thing. According to PLUS, the PLUS bar with less sugar included in this comparison still contains added sugars. The AH Kruidkoekreep zero lists 0 g of added sugars per 100 g, but contains xylitol and polyols. Albert Heijn warns that this variant may have a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Compare the full nutritional information and ingredients list per 100 g and per bar, rather than relying only on the wording on the front of the pack.
An individually wrapped bar isn’t automatically suitable for every child. The variants included in this comparison contain rye or mention the possible presence of ingredients such as milk and nuts.
Keep the packaging with the product and check the allergen information for the exact variant before sharing.
When baking with children, the batter needs attention too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that raw dough or batter can pose a risk, particularly for young children.
Make it clear that children shouldn’t taste the batter, and serve the bake only once it’s fully cooked.
Peijnenburg sells Dutch spiced cake in portion packs, including the Original 5-pack.
The AH Kruidkoekreep zero 5-pack contains individually wrapped spiced cake bars with sweetener.
PLUS sells Dutch spiced cake bars in several varieties, including the Less Sugar 6-pack.
If you’re looking for a Dutch spiced cake bar to use while baking, you can consider the product below. Before using it with children, check the portion packaging, nutritional information and allergens for this variant.
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An option to consider if you’re looking for Dutch spiced cake to use while baking with children.
The product name indicates a 250 g pack. Check the packaging to see whether the bars are individually wrapped, and compare the sugars per 100 g and per bar; don’t infer the exact sugar content from the product name.
Before sharing, read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging.
Not based on the packaging alone: it doesn’t tell you whether the ingredients are suitable. The Peijnenburg, PLUS and AH variants included in this comparison contain rye or mention the possible presence of ingredients such as milk and nuts. Check the allergen information on the exact packaging before use.
No, you can’t assume that from this claim. Albert Heijn’s product information lists 0 g of added sugars per 100 g for the AH Kruidkoekreep zero, but it also contains xylitol and 23 g of polyols per 100 g. Albert Heijn warns that consuming it in excess may have a laxative effect.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against tasting raw dough or batter, particularly for young children. Ask children to wait until the bake is fully cooked.
