Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents comparing ways to reduce sugar

You want to know what ‘less sugar’ means for a particular biscuit. Compare the nutrition information and check which similar product the claim is based on, then consider the portion you plan to hand out.

Parents considering allergies and school rules

Allergies, dietary requirements and rules for treats can all affect what’s suitable for a class. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking about these in advance; then check the allergen information on the pack you actually buy.

Parents planning to hand out a small treat

You’re looking for a biscuit you can give each child in a small portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions, but a convenient serving doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and class rules.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the rules for the group and the label. Then compare the sugar claim and decide how much each child will get. Only consider taste and convenience once those requirements are met.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Allergens and school rules Ask about the class rules and children’s needs. Read the allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging. If there’s an allergy or a rule about treats in the class, I want to know first whether I can hand out this biscuit. Around 36% of consumers would choose this as their main consideration.
What the sugar claim means For ‘less sugar’, check how the biscuit compares with a similar one. Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and per intended portion, and read the ingredients. If I want to make a conscious choice to reduce sugar, I want to understand what the claim means for this biscuit. Around 29% of consumers would put this evidence first.
A small portion to hand out Check the size and number of biscuits in the pack, and decide how many to give each child in line with the class rules. I want to be able to give each child a small, manageable amount without having to work out portions on the spot. Around 21% of consumers would make this their first consideration.
Taste and convenience Only choose based on taste or packaging once the claim, allergens and portion work for your plans. Once the main requirements are met, I want a familiar flavour that’s easy to hand out. For around 14% of consumers, this would be the deciding factor.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘less sugar’ is a verdict on the whole biscuit

    A claim about sugar doesn’t automatically tell you about portion size, other nutritional values or allergens. The European Commission describes nutrition claims as claims that have to meet specific conditions, not as an overall assessment of a product.

    As well as checking the claim, read the nutrition information, ingredients list and allergen information. Compare biscuits on the same basis, then consider the portion you’ll be handing out.

  • Waiting until after you’ve bought the biscuits to ask about class rules

    A biscuit that suits your own preferences may not meet the needs or rules of the group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends considering allergies and dietary requirements in advance.

    Before buying, ask the school or teacher what the class rules are, then check the label on the biscuits you plan to pack.

  • Assuming ‘sugar-free’ means suitable for every child

    A claim about sugar doesn’t tell you what other ingredients or allergens a biscuit contains. According to their product information, some specific Céréal products use maltitol as a sugar substitute.

    Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the pack, and stick to the agreed portion size.

Brands to consider

Céréal

Céréal has specific biscuits labelled ‘less sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’; compare each variety individually.

  • Jumbo states that Céréal Minder Suikers Choco Delight Puur has 97% less sugar than a standard biscuit. This claim applies to this variety, not the entire product range.
  • Check the ingredients, nutrition information, allergens and portion size on each pack. The claim doesn’t tell you whether the biscuit meets the class rules.

Albert Heijn

The own-brand range includes AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels. A stroopwafel is a different type of product from the other biscuits in this selection.

  • The product name makes it clear that this variety is sold with a claim about having less sugar.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information may change. Use the current label to compare products and check before handing them out.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff Speculoos is a regular biscuit to consider if a small portion matters more than a specific sugar-reduction claim.

  • Albert Heijn also lists a snack pack version, so you can take the packaging format into account when choosing biscuits to hand out.
  • The product pages mentioned don’t support a claim that these biscuits contain less sugar. Check the current label for your chosen variety and confirm that it meets the class rules.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean a biscuit is suitable as a treat for children?

No, the sugar claim alone isn’t enough. Check what the claim is based on, the portion size, ingredients and allergens, and make sure the biscuit meets the class rules.

Can I hand out biscuits containing cereals with gluten at school?

That depends on the children’s needs and the school rules. Check before buying, and read the allergen information and any warnings on the pack you plan to hand out.

Are sugar-free biscuits containing maltitol suitable for every child?

No. ‘Sugar-free’ says nothing about other ingredients or allergens, and doesn’t automatically make a biscuit suitable for the class. Check the ingredients and any warnings for the variety you’ve chosen, and keep the portion small.

How many biscuits should I pack for each child?

Choose the amount based on the size of the biscuit and the agreement with the school. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions for treats; check the packaging information before dividing up the biscuits too.