Who is this choice relevant to?

The party host putting out a sharing platter

You want to serve pre-sliced ontbijtkoek and are looking for a no-added-sugar option, without mistaking it for a completely sugar-free product.

The shopper who checks sugar claims carefully

You want to know whether ‘zero’, ‘less sugar’ or ‘no added sugar’ meets your own requirements, so you compare the sugar content per 100 g.

The host who checks ingredients and portions

You check for rye, gluten and xylitol for your guests, and consider whether there are pets in the home. Individually wrapped bars may be more practical to hand out than a large cake.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide which sugar claim matters to you. Then compare the ingredients and choose packaging that suits either a sharing platter or individual portions to hand out.

What to consider What should you check? Who does this matter to?
The sugar claim Read the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and distinguish between ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugar’. The Dutch Bakery Centre says that ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I’m specifically looking for sugar-free ontbijtkoek, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘zero’. For around 36% of consumers, checking the claim is the top priority.
Ingredients and allergens Check the current ingredients list and allergen information for rye, cereals containing gluten and xylitol. Also look out for warnings about excessive consumption. When I’m serving cake to guests or have pets nearby, I want to know what’s in it first. This is the most important consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Portions and serving Compare the number of slices or bars, portion size, and whether the product is pre-sliced or individually wrapped. For a buffet, I want to be able to put out pieces quickly; if I’m giving treats to guests to take away, I’d rather choose individual packs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this type of packaging.
Packaging and availability Check the net weight and whether the variety you want is available when you do your party shopping. If I’m buying for several guests, I want to know how much cake is in a pack and whether I can get it in time. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘zero’ means ‘sugar-free’

    A name containing ‘zero’ or a ‘no added sugar’ claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar the ontbijtkoek contains overall. Albert Heijn lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Ontbijtkoek zero; PLUS lists the same amount for Peijnenburg Naturel zonder toegevoegde suikers.

    Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g for each variety. If you’re specifically looking for a product labelled ‘sugar-free’, use the 0.5 g per 100 g limit given by the Dutch Bakery Centre.

  • Overlooking xylitol on the party table

    Several of the varieties mentioned contain xylitol. Product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; Peijnenburg also says that xylitol is not suitable for animals.

    Leave the packaging or ingredient information beside the platter, serve manageable portions and keep products containing xylitol out of pets’ reach.

  • Checking allergen information only after handing out the treats

    The ontbijtkoek and spiced cake bars mentioned contain rye or other cereals containing gluten. Allergens may vary from product to product.

    Ask guests in advance which ingredients they need to avoid, and check the current allergen information on the packaging before choosing a variety.

Brands and product ranges to compare

Peijnenburg

Offers sliced plain and wholemeal ontbijtkoek with no added sugars.

  • Jumbo says its wholemeal variety is 100% wholemeal and comes in 12 sliced portions.
  • PLUS lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g for the plain variety. Check the packaging for rye, gluten and xylitol for each variety too.

AH

AH Ontbijtkoek zero gesneden is a pre-sliced own-brand variety weighing 485 g.

  • Albert Heijn lists 16 portions and compares the sugar content with its own plain variety.
  • Albert Heijn lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g and xylitol; ‘zero’ does not mean the cake meets the ‘sugar-free’ limit.

Jumbo

Offers ontbijtkoek labelled ‘less sugar’ in a 475 g sliced pack and a pack of six individual portions.

  • The two pack formats let you choose between a sliced cake and individual portions.
  • Before assessing the sugar claim or allergens, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging for the variety you want.

Koek & Bakker

The Ontbijtkoek Zero listed by ALDI comes in a 485 g pre-sliced pack.

  • ALDI describes this variety as having ‘no added sugars’.
  • Check the sugars per 100 g, ingredients and allergens on the packaging; the name ‘Zero’ doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.

Snelle Jelle

Zero kruidkoek is a different type of product from ontbijtkoek, but its individually wrapped bars are handy for handing out at a party.

  • Albert Heijn lists four individually wrapped bars weighing 42 g each.
  • The product information lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g, rye and xylitol. Check the current allergen information too.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is ontbijtkoek labelled ‘zero’ or ‘no added sugar’ automatically sugar-free?

No. The Dutch Bakery Centre says that a product must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to claim it is ‘sugar-free’. Albert Heijn lists 4.9 g per 100 g for AH Ontbijtkoek zero, and PLUS lists the same amount for Peijnenburg Naturel zonder toegevoegde suikers. So compare the nutritional information rather than relying on the name alone.

Can you serve ontbijtkoek containing xylitol if there are dogs nearby?

Keep ontbijtkoek containing xylitol out of reach of dogs and other pets. Peijnenburg says that xylitol is not suitable for animals. Check the ingredients of the variety you choose, and don’t leave individual portions unattended where pets can reach them.

Which allergens should I check before handing out cake?

Check the current allergen information for each variety you choose, particularly for rye and cereals containing gluten. For Snelle Jelle Zero kruidkoek, Albert Heijn also says that milk, hazelnuts and almonds may be present.

What should I look for if I want to serve lots of portions?

First check the number of slices or bars and the ingredients of the variety you choose. For products containing xylitol, the product pages mentioned warn that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Serve clearly defined portions and keep the packaging available for guests who want to check the ingredients.