For a Mother’s Day coffee break, first decide what matters most: a low sugar content according to the nutrition table, no added sugars, or a familiar treat with a ‘reduced sugar’ claim. Compare similar biscuits per 100 g, then check the serving size, ingredients and allergens. If a biscuit contains polyols, pay attention to the warning on the packaging too.
You’re looking for a biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, and want to compare the sugar content per 100 g rather than relying on a word like ‘zero’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises comparing nutritional values per 100 g.
You want to know which sweeteners a biscuit contains and whether its packaging carries a warning about polyols. Allergens matter too, especially if the biscuit is for someone else.
For you, a biscuit, chocolate biscuit or syrup waffle is part of a proper coffee break. You want to take a reduced-sugar claim into account without assuming it means the same sugar content for every product.
First decide which feature matters most to the recipient. Then compare the nutritional information for similar biscuits per 100 g; when serving them, it’s also worth considering the weight of each biscuit.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars per 100 g | Check ‘of which sugars’ and compare similar biscuits; then look at the weight of each biscuit. | If my main aim is to serve something low in sugar, I want to be able to compare the nutrition table. For around 36% of consumers, sugar content comes first. |
| Added sugar and sweeteners | Read the ingredients list as well as the claim on the front. Look out for sweeteners such as maltitols and warnings about excessive consumption. | I want to know what the biscuit is sweetened with before giving it to someone. No added sugar and the choice of sweeteners are the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Type of treat | Consider whether the biscuit suits coffee or tea and what the nutritional information says; a reduced-sugar claim is not the same as a low sugar content. | For Mother’s Day, I’d rather give a familiar treat, even if it doesn’t have the lowest sugar figure. This is the most important consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Suitable for the recipient | Check the current packaging for allergens, ingredients and any warnings about polyols. | If I don’t know whether the recipient can eat certain ingredients, I want to check before giving them the biscuits. Suitability is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
These claims answer different questions. Albert Heijn, for example, lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g for its reduced-sugar butter syrup waffles. A biscuit with no added sugars can still contain sugars.
When comparing similar biscuits, first check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, then read the ingredients list and the exact claim on the packaging.
A low sugar content doesn’t tell you which sweeteners or allergens a biscuit contains. For the products reviewed that contain polyols, Albert Heijn and Verkade both include a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed excessively.
As well as sugars, check the ingredients, warnings and the portion you plan to serve.
The biscuits reviewed contain different ingredients; depending on the product, these may include wheat, milk, soya, egg or almonds. A sugar claim tells you nothing about whether a biscuit is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Check the current packaging before buying and serving, especially if you’re choosing for someone else.
Albert Heijn offers both AH Digestive 0% Sugar and AH reduced-sugar butter syrup waffles.
The Céréal products reviewed are a sugar-free speculoos and almond biscuit and a reduced-sugar chocolate biscuit.
Verkade San Francisco zero is a biscuit labelled as containing 0% added sugar.
Goud Gebakken Koekhappers are available in a variety labelled ‘30% less sugar’.
Lidl presents Sondey as a brand offering a range of biscuits and cookies.
No. A biscuit with no added sugars can still contain sugars. To check the total sugar content, look at the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutrition table as well as the ingredients list.
First compare similar biscuits per 100 g, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Then check the weight of the biscuit you’ll actually serve with coffee or tea.
Read the ingredients and warnings on the packaging. For the products reviewed, Albert Heijn and Verkade state that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. So don’t choose your serving size based on the sugar figure alone.
Check the current packaging for the specific biscuit. The products reviewed include ingredients such as wheat, milk, soya, egg and almonds, but the ingredients differ from one product to another.
