Who is this relevant to?

Walkers looking to avoid added sugars

You’re looking for Dutch spiced cake with no added sugars, not simply a lower-sugar variety. So compare the exact claim with the sugars per 100 g.

Walkers who want to take individual portions

You don’t want to have to cut a large cake while you’re out. An individually wrapped bar or slice is a different option from a pre-sliced cake that you portion out at home.

Walkers who check ingredients and warnings

For the Peijnenburg varieties reviewed, xylitol, a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect, and rye or gluten-containing cereals are all worth noting. Jumbo also warns that xylitol in its Zero bars is dangerous for animals.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the sugar claim matches what you’re looking for. Then choose a pack that’s practical for your walk and read the ingredients and warnings for that specific variety.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugar claim Compare the claim on the pack with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I want to avoid added sugars, I don’t want to choose Dutch spiced cake that’s only described as ‘less sugar’. For around 33% of consumers, having the right sugar claim is the most important factor.
Portion format Check whether it’s individually wrapped bars, loose slices or a large pre-sliced cake, and look at the portion size. When I’m out, I want to be able to grab a portion without having to cut a large cake. For around 27% of consumers, convenience on the go comes first.
Ingredients and warnings Check the allergens and any warnings about polyols and pets for each variety. If I’m taking a dog with me or need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the cake before I set off. For around 20% of consumers, this is their main concern.
Pack size Compare the total weight and number of portions. Decide whether you want to portion the cake out at home or need individual packs. For regular walks, I want to be able to portion out slices at home without having to take the whole cake each time. For around 20% of consumers, this choice of pack is the deciding factor.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’

    The Peijnenburg Naturel variety with no added sugars lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s ‘sugar-free’ limit of no more than 0.5 g per 100 g.

    If sugar-free is what you’re looking for, check both the specific claim and the nutritional information per 100 g.

  • Taking a xylitol variety on a long walk for the first time

    The Peijnenburg varieties reviewed carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. This is worth bearing in mind if you’ll be out for a long time.

    Check the portion size and warning on the pack, and avoid trying a new variety for the first time on a long walk.

  • Confusing ‘less sugar’ with ‘no added sugars’

    PLUS Ontbijtkoekrepen Minder suiker lists glucose-fructose syrup and 11.82 g of added sugars per 100 g. So the product name doesn’t mean it’s suitable if you want to avoid added sugars.

    As well as checking the front of the pack, read the ingredients list and the information about added sugars.

  • Choosing a large Zero cake without checking the label

    A label such as ‘Zero’ doesn’t tell you which allergens or sweeteners a particular cake contains.

    Before buying a large pre-sliced pack, check the ingredients, nutritional information and warnings for the current variety.

Brands to consider

Peijnenburg

Worth considering if you’re comparing sliced Dutch spiced cake with no added sugars or individually wrapped Zero bars.

  • The Naturel variety with no added sugars lists 4.9 g of sugars and 17 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The variety reviewed contains xylitol, rye and gluten-containing cereals; the pack warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Koek & Bakker

An ALDI own-label brand offering a large, pre-sliced Zero Dutch spiced cake that you can portion out at home.

  • ALDI describes the 485 g pack as pre-sliced and containing no added sugars.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack to see if it suits your needs.

Snelle Jelle

Worth considering if you’re looking for Dutch spiced cake bars and want to compare the claim for each variety.

  • PLUS lists both lower-sugar bars and Zero spiced cake bars under this brand.
  • Check the sugar claim, ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you choose; the two claims don’t mean the same thing.

PLUS

The own-label range is worth considering if you’re thinking of buying Dutch spiced cake bars labelled ‘less sugar’.

  • The bars are individually wrapped.
  • PLUS lists glucose-fructose syrup and 11.82 g of added sugars per 100 g for these bars; ‘less sugar’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘no added sugars’ here.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dutch spiced cake with no added sugars also sugar-free?

No, not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, while a product with no added sugars may still contain sugars that occur naturally. The Peijnenburg Naturel variety reviewed lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g.

What should I look out for with xylitol-containing Dutch spiced cake on a walk?

Read the warning about the possible laxative effect of excessive consumption, and bear in mind that your reaction to a new variety may differ. The Peijnenburg varieties reviewed contain xylitol, so it’s best not to try one for the first time on a long walk.

Can my dog have a piece of Zero Dutch spiced cake containing xylitol?

No, don’t give your dog Dutch spiced cake containing xylitol. For the Peijnenburg Zero bars reviewed, Jumbo warns that xylitol is dangerous for animals and advises contacting a vet immediately if it’s ingested. Keep the bars out of reach of pets.

Is Dutch spiced cake with no added sugars gluten-free?

No, the sugar claim tells you nothing about gluten. The Peijnenburg Naturel variety reviewed contains rye and is labelled as containing gluten-containing cereals. If you need a gluten-free option, check the claim and allergen information on the specific pack.

Does the Dutch rule on bakers’ salt mean that all Dutch spiced cake contains iodine?

No, it doesn’t follow that every Dutch spiced cake contains iodine. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says iodine compounds may be used in bakery products. If iodine content matters to your purchase, check the ingredients of the specific product.