Parents and carers comparing fibre content
If fibre is the reason you’re comparing egg cakes, look at sugar and portion size too. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows that fibre content varies between products.
When choosing an egg cake for a secondary school lunch, don’t rely on the word ‘digestive’. Compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for the exact product instead. The wholemeal egg cakes from Albert Heijn and Jumbo reviewed here list fibre and gluten-containing ingredients. If you need to eat gluten-free, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check for other allergens too. Pack an egg cake as an addition to lunch, rather than assuming it will make a complete lunch on its own.
If fibre is the reason you’re comparing egg cakes, look at sugar and portion size too. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows that fibre content varies between products.
If you need a gluten-free option or have to avoid egg, milk, soya, nuts or sesame, the allergen information on the packaging is key. According to the label, Albert Heijn’s gluten-free egg cakes still contain egg, milk and soya.
If you’re packing an egg cake to eat on the go, consider the portion size, packaging and whether you prefer a soft or crisp texture. Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel as a crisp variety, while Jumbo says they are individually wrapped.
Before packing an egg cake for a secondary school lunch, first check that its ingredients meet any allergen requirements. Then compare the nutritional profile and packaging, based on what matters most to the pupil.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and nutritional information | Compare fibre and sugar per 100 g, and check the values per portion too. | If fibre is my priority, I want to know what a wholemeal variety actually contains without overlooking the sugar. For around 34% of consumers, nutritional profile is the main priority. |
| Gluten and other allergens | Read the gluten-free label, allergen list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. | If gluten or other allergens are a concern, the specific egg cake must meet those requirements. This check is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portability and texture | Check whether the cakes are individually wrapped and whether the variety is soft or crisp. | For a school bag, I want to be able to pack a suitable portion and choose a texture the pupil enjoys. Portability is the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Compare the net weight and number of cakes with how many you want to pack. | If I’m only packing an egg cake now and then, I check how many cakes are in the pack. Around 13% of consumers prioritise pack size. |
The wholemeal egg cakes from Albert Heijn and Jumbo reviewed here list wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Wholemeal is not a substitute for an explicit gluten-free label.
If you need a gluten-free option, check the label and the full allergen information on the product you choose.
A word on the front of the pack won’t tell you how fibre, sugar, portion size and allergens compare within that product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the ingredients and nutrition table.
Put the labels of the different products side by side and compare values on the same basis, for example per 100 g.
An egg cake on its own won’t necessarily replace the other parts of a packed lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests options such as fruit, vegetables, bread and wraps for a school day.
Decide what else to pack for lunch, and treat the egg cake as a possible addition.
Albert Heijn points out that product information can change. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises parents to check their own school’s food policy.
Check the physical packaging when packing lunch, and check the school’s current policy if necessary.
The product pages reviewed show standard, wholemeal and gluten-free egg cakes.
The range reviewed includes standard, mini and wholemeal egg cakes.
Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel is a crisp cinnamon egg cake with a milk coating, offering an alternative if you’re not looking for a soft egg cake.
No, not the wholemeal egg cakes from Albert Heijn and Jumbo reviewed here: their product information lists wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. If you need to eat gluten-free, check that the product you choose is explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the other allergen information.
Not necessarily. According to Albert Heijn, AH Glutenvrij Eierkoeken contain egg, milk and soya, and may contain sesame and certain nuts. Check the allergen information on the packaging for anything you need to avoid.
Compare the fibre content per 100 g for the exact products, and check sugar, portion size and allergens too. Albert Heijn lists 3.5 g of fibre per 100 g for its wholemeal egg cakes; Jumbo lists 3.9 g per 100 g for its wholemeal variety. Those figures alone won’t tell you which product meets your lunch requirements.