Anyone comparing sugar values
You want to choose crackers for your meeting based on their ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g, rather than relying on wording on the front of the pack.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Anyone considering wholegrains and fibre
You’re looking for a wholegrain cracker for lunch or a coffee break, and want to check its fibre content as well as its sugar value.
Anyone with a specific request for fewer carbohydrates
Attendees have specifically asked for fewer carbohydrates. Treat this as a different need from a low sugar content.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether sugar, wholegrains and fibre, or a specific request for fewer carbohydrates is the main priority. Before serving, check the allergens on the current packaging for every option.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g in the nutrition table. Don’t confuse a low value with the claim ‘reduced sugars’. | I want to serve low-sugar crackers without relying on a claim on the front of the pack; around 42% of consumers prioritise sugar content. |
| Wholegrains and fibre | Check that the product is labelled ‘wholegrain’ and compare fibre and sugars per 100 g. | I want to offer wholegrain crackers with fibre for lunch; around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Carbohydrates | Ask whether the request is specifically about carbohydrates, then check both carbohydrates and sugars per 100 g. | If attendees ask for fewer carbohydrates, I want to treat that request separately; around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘low carb’ means ‘low sugar’
Carbohydrates and sugars are listed separately in the nutrition table. So a product name referring to fewer carbohydrates does not automatically answer the question of how much sugar it contains.
Ask which value matters to the attendees. If the aim is to limit sugar, compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g.
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Calling a low sugar value ‘reduced sugars’
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the comparative claim ‘reduced sugars’ requires at least 30% less sugar than a similar food, as well as an equal or lower energy value. A low value on its own does not meet these conditions.
If you can’t assess whether the conditions for the claim are met, it’s better to communicate the actual value shown on the label.
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Relying on ‘wholegrain’ alone
The ‘wholegrain’ label doesn’t tell you which cracker has the lowest sugar value. When catering for a group, you should also consider allergens, including cereals and sesame in some varieties.
Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and read the allergens list on the pack before serving.
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Overlooking the topping
The cracker is only one part of what you’re serving; toppings have their own nutritional values and ingredients lists.
Choose a topping that fits the purpose of the meeting. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests options including vegetables, fruit, eggs and pulses.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo Organic Wholegrain Crackers are a wholegrain option containing ingredients such as wheat, sesame and linseed.
- Jumbo lists 0.3 g of sugars and 12.4 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- Jumbo’s allergen information includes cereals containing gluten and sesame; check the packaging before serving to your group.
Albert Heijn
AH Hearty Wholegrain Crackers are an own-brand option with sesame seeds and linseed.
- Albert Heijn lists 1.6 g of sugars and 13 g of fibre per 100 g for these crackers.
- Before serving, check the listed allergens, including sesame and cereals containing gluten.
Melba
Melba Wholegrain Crackers are a light, wholegrain option with sesame.
- Jumbo’s product information lists 3.1 g of sugars and 9.5 g of fibre per 100 g for Melba Wholegrain Crackers.
- The listed sugar value is higher than those of the Jumbo and AH varieties mentioned here; also check the allergens before serving to a group.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers products including 45% Seed Crackers Sunflower Seeds and Protein & Low Carb Crackers.
- Bolletje describes its 45% Seed Crackers as 100% wholegrain and states that this variety contains 45% seeds.
- ‘Low carb’ refers to a different nutritional value from ‘of which sugars’. Compare the sugar value of your chosen variety separately and check the allergens.
ALDI
ALDI sells Goud Gebakken crackers, including wholegrain varieties and a low-carb option.
- ALDI lists 1.2 g of carbohydrates per cracker for its low-carb variety.
- Don’t use this value per cracker to compare sugar content per 100 g; check the nutrition table on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists Tastino Luxe wholegrain crackers as a 210 g option.
- Lidl’s product information states that this variety is only available in store.
- If you’re choosing based on sugar, fibre or salt, first compare the nutrition table on the pack.
Crackers for different meeting needs
These Joybuy products may be worth considering for specific requests at a work meeting, such as wanting fewer carbohydrates or preferring wholegrain crackers. If sugar is your priority, compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g on the packaging before choosing.
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Leev Organic Low-Carb Tomato Oregano crackers, 80 g
An option to consider when attendees specifically ask for fewer carbohydrates. If sugar is your priority, also compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check the allergens on the packaging before serving.
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Wasa High-Fiber crackers, 300 g
A cracker to consider if fibre is a factor in your choice for the meeting. Check the nutrition information per 100 g for this variety and make sure it’s suitable for those attending by checking the allergens.
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Hollandia Matzo Crackers Natural, 16 stuks
A plain cracker to consider for a simple snack. If sugar content is a deciding factor, check the current nutrition table and read the allergens on the packaging before serving to a group.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye crackers, 235 g
A rye option to consider if the type of grain matters. Before comparing this variety by sugar content, check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g on the current packaging, and read the allergen information too.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
A wholegrain option to consider for your work meeting. Compare sugar values on a consistent per-100 g basis, and check the allergens on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I call any cracker with little sugar ‘reduced sugar’?
No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, to use the claim ‘reduced sugars’, a food must contain at least 30% less sugar than a similar food, while its energy value must be equal to or lower. A low sugar value per 100 g does not, on its own, prove that these conditions have been met.
Does ‘low carb’ also mean low sugar?
No. The term refers to carbohydrates and does not, on its own, tell you how much sugar a cracker contains. If sugar is your priority, check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g in the current nutrition table.
What should I check for allergens at a work meeting?
Ask attendees in advance about any relevant allergies, and read the allergen information on the current packaging for every cracker you choose. The wholegrain varieties mentioned here include cereals containing gluten and sesame; don’t assume they’re suitable for everyone just because they’re labelled ‘wholegrain’.
Does the topping matter if I’m choosing crackers based on sugar content?
Yes. The topping is a separate part of what you’re serving. Check the ingredients and nutrition information for your chosen topping; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests options including vegetables, fruit, eggs and pulses.