Shoppers looking for strictly sugar-free options
You want to serve biscuits that meet the sugar-free threshold. So check the total sugars per 100 g, rather than relying on words such as ‘zero’ on the front of the pack.
Who is this for?
Brunch hosts looking to avoid added sugar
You’re looking for biscuits to serve with tea or coffee that contain no added sugar. Bear in mind that they may still contain naturally occurring sugars.
Guests who need to check ingredients
As well as the sugar content, you check for polyols, product warnings and allergens. Depending on the product, wheat, milk or soya may also need to be taken into account.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for strictly sugar-free biscuits or simply want to avoid added sugars. Then check that the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g with the threshold of no more than 0.5 g per 100 g that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for the sugar-free claim. | If you want to serve only sugar-free biscuits, the total sugar content must meet this threshold. For around 42% of consumers, this strict sugar check comes first. |
| No added sugars | Read the claim and also check the total sugars per 100 g; no added sugars doesn’t mean 0 g of sugars. | If you mainly want biscuits with no added sugars to serve with coffee, you may be happy with a higher total sugar content. Around 33% of consumers say this is their priority. |
| Ingredients and portions | Check the current ingredients and allergen information. For products containing polyols, also read the product warning and consider the portion size. | If you’re catering for guests who need to avoid certain ingredients, this check matters more than the sugar claim alone. For around 25% of consumers, it’s their first priority. |
Common mistakes
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Relying only on ‘sugar-free’ in the product title
A product title and its nutritional information may not match. Joybuy describes a Panpan oat biscuit as sugar-free, while the same product information lists 11,7 g of sugars per 100 g. This is above the maximum of 0,5 g per 100 g specified by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g before serving a biscuit as strictly sugar-free at your brunch.
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Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘no sugars’
Albert Heijn lists both 0% added sugar and 1,7 g of total sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero. So this variety doesn’t meet the sugar-free threshold.
Choose according to your needs: no added sugars, or a total sugar content that meets the sugar-free threshold.
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Overlooking polyols and allergens
The Céréal and AH biscuits discussed contain polyols and wheat. AH Digestive 0% sugar also carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; the Verkade variety discussed also contains milk and soya.
Have the current packaging or ingredient information ready for guests, and offer other brunch options in case not everyone can or wants to eat the same biscuits.
Brands to consider
Céréal
The Coconut variety is worth considering if you’re looking for biscuits with a stated sugar content that meets the sugar-free threshold.
- Jumbo lists 0 g of sugars and 4,1 g of fibre per 100 g for Céréal No Added Sugar Coconut Flavour.
- The same variety contains wheat and, according to Jumbo, 18 g of polyols per 100 g.
Albert Heijn
AH Digestive 0% sugar is a supermarket own-brand option if you’re looking for sugar-free digestives; Albert Heijn describes this variety as vegan and lactose-free.
- Albert Heijn lists 0,3 g of sugars and 5,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The variety contains wheat and polyols, and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Check the current packaging.
Verkade
San Francisco zero is worth considering if you want to avoid added sugars, but not if you’re looking for strictly sugar-free biscuits.
- Albert Heijn lists 0% added sugar for this variety.
- Albert Heijn’s nutritional information lists 1,7 g of total sugars per 100 g. The variety contains wheat, milk and soya.
Joybuy products for Easter brunch
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
When can a biscuit be called sugar-free?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the sugar-free claim applies to products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the total sugars in the nutrition table, rather than relying on the product name alone.
Can biscuits with no added sugars still contain sugar?
Yes, sugars may occur naturally in the product. Check the information on the label and compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g if the total amount matters to you.
Why do some biscuits containing polyols carry a warning?
Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption of AH Digestive 0% sugar may have a laxative effect. Read the ingredients and warning on the packaging, especially if you’re serving several types of biscuits to your guests.
How do you compare biscuits for Easter brunch?
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then consider the portion you plan to serve. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products per 100 g. Also check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and any warnings.