People keeping an eye on their sugar intake
You’re looking for a biscuit with as little sugar as possible. Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per portion, rather than relying solely on the wording on the front of the pack.
Who are these options for?
Campers who want to portion things out
You want to take something with you for each festival day without leaving a large pack open. Individually wrapped slices are one option, but breakfast cake isn’t a biscuit.
People who check ingredients carefully
You’re mindful of allergens, polyols or animals at the campsite. Check the current ingredients list and warnings before buying, even if you’ve bought the product before.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a biscuit with as little sugar as possible or mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then compare the packaging and the information that matters for your stay at the campsite.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar content | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per portion; don’t take ‘no added sugars’ to mean that a product contains no sugars. | If I specifically want a biscuit with little sugar, the figure in the nutrition table is what matters most. Around 40% of consumers prioritise sugar content. |
| Storage and portions | Read the storage instructions and check whether the pack is divided into individual portions. | For several festival days, I want something I can take one portion of each day without leaving a large pack open; this is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and warnings | Check the current allergen information, sweeteners used and any warnings about excessive consumption. | If allergens or polyols are a concern for me, I want to know what the packaging says before setting off. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Wider nutritional value | As well as sugars, compare energy, fibre and fat per 100 g and per portion. | I don’t want to choose based on sugar alone; I want to compare nutritional values for the portion I’m taking with me. Around 10% of consumers prioritise this broader comparison. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’
These claims don’t mean the same thing. According to Jumbo, Verkade San Francisco Zero contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, while Peijnenburg plain breakfast cake with no added sugars contains 4.9 g per 100 g.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure with your own criteria, and check whether you’re buying biscuits or breakfast cake.
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Assuming low sugar means low calorie
Sugar content doesn’t tell you how much energy a product provides. The Voedingscentrum also points out that products labelled ‘light’ can still be high in calories.
Check energy and sugars separately in the nutrition table, and pay attention to portion size too.
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Leaving sweetener and allergen checks until after you buy
The Céréal products reviewed contain maltitols, while Peijnenburg breakfast cake contains xylitol. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; Peijnenburg also states that xylitol is unsuitable for animals.
Check the current ingredients, allergens and warnings on every pack. Keep products containing xylitol out of reach of animals.
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Leaving an opened pack unsealed
A large opened pack is less convenient for a festival day if you only want to take a few portions with you. The Voedingscentrum recommends choosing products with a longer shelf life for camping.
Follow the storage instructions and keep opened biscuits sealed and dry.
Relevant brands to compare
Céréal
Céréal makes biscuits labelled ‘sugar-free’, including Speculoos with Almond and Sesame-Vanilla.
- Jumbo lists 0.4 g of sugars and 29 g of polyols per 100 g for Speculoos with Almond; Albert Heijn lists 0 g of sugars and 17 g of polyols per 100 g for Sesame-Vanilla.
- Check the allergens and warnings for each variant. The products reviewed contain maltitols and carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Verkade
San Francisco Naturel Zero is a biscuit with no added sugars, not a product with zero sugars.
- Jumbo lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for this variant.
- The product information lists wheat, milk and soya, advises storing it in a cool, dry place, and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Peijnenburg
The plain variant with no added sugars is breakfast cake: an option if you want to portion things out, but not a crunchy biscuit.
- According to Jumbo, the pack contains eight individually wrapped 28 g slices.
- The product information lists xylitol, warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect, and states that xylitol is unsuitable for animals.
Lotus Biscoff
Original speculoos biscuits offer a useful comparison for individually wrapped portions, but aren’t an option if you’re looking for a low-sugar biscuit.
- Lotus Bakeries Nederland lists a Pocket Pack containing eight packs of two biscuits.
- According to Lotus Bakeries Nederland, original Lotus Biscoff contains 38.1 g of sugars per 100 g; sugar and candy syrup are listed among the ingredients.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. Jumbo lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero and 4.9 g per 100 g for Peijnenburg plain breakfast cake with no added sugars. So always compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure.
Can I take lower-sugar biscuits with me without keeping them chilled?
Follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. Albert Heijn advises storing Céréal Sesame-Vanilla in a dry place at room temperature; Jumbo advises storing Verkade San Francisco Zero in a cool, dry place. Keep opened packs well sealed and dry.
Why should I check for maltitol and xylitol?
These sweeteners are found in the products reviewed and come with warnings that may affect your choice. Céréal and Peijnenburg product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; Peijnenburg also states that xylitol is unsuitable for animals. Check the current packaging for the variant you’re buying.
Does a low sugar content also tell me anything about calories?
No. Assess sugars and energy separately. The Voedingscentrum points out that products labelled ‘light’ can still be high in calories. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion if both figures matter to your choice.