Parents looking for an everyday snack for their toddler
You don’t need to start with biscuits for an everyday snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends options such as fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread and a suitable wholegrain cracker.
Who is this relevant for?
Parents who want to offer a biscuit now and then
A biscuit is an occasional treat, not a standard snack. Think about how much you’ll actually give: a wrapped bar or the stated serving size doesn’t have to be the right portion for a toddler.
Parents packing something for school or childcare
As well as the portion, ingredients and allergens matter. Read the latest label and check what food and allergen rules apply at the school, after-school club or childcare setting.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for an everyday snack or planning a small, occasional biscuit treat. Then check the portion you’ll actually give and, if you’re packing it to take out, read the label and check the rules at the place where it’ll be eaten.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday snack | For an everyday snack, choose something such as fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread or a suitable wholegrain cracker instead of a biscuit. For young children, think about the size and texture too. | If I give my toddler a snack every day, I don’t want a lower-sugar biscuit to become the regular choice without me noticing. A suitable everyday snack is the main priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Small biscuit treat | Compare the sugar and calorie content for the amount you’ll actually give. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends less than 75 kcal for an occasional treat like this. | I want to offer a biscuit now and then, but not automatically give my toddler the whole bar or pack. A small portion is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Packing food and allergens | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information, and check the rules at the school, after-school club or childcare setting in advance. | If my toddler eats away from home, I want to know what’s in the product and what’s allowed at that setting. This check is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘lower sugar’ means ‘suitable every day’
A sugar-reduction claim doesn’t turn a biscuit into an everyday snack for a toddler. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends offering biscuits once a week rather than every day.
Choose one of the recommended alternatives for everyday snacks, and save biscuits for a small, occasional treat.
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Taking the stated serving size at face value
According to Jumbo, its own Ontbijtkoek Minder Suiker contains 133 kcal per stated 50 g serving. That’s above the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s guideline of less than 75 kcal for an occasional biscuit treat for young children.
Decide in advance how much you’ll actually give, then work out the nutritional values for that amount.
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Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with ‘sugar-free’
A product with no added sugars can still contain naturally occurring sugars, polyols, fat and energy. The Peijnenburg variant listed by Jumbo contains xylitol and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
As well as checking the claim, read the ingredients and nutritional information, ideally calculated for the portion you’ll give.
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Checking the label and setting’s rules only after packing
If your child has a food intolerance or will be eating with others, the ingredients in the specific product and the setting’s rules may be crucial.
Check the current packaging and ask the school, after-school club or childcare setting about its food and allergen policy in advance.
Brands compared
Peijnenburg
Peijnenburg has breakfast cake variants made with wholegrain rye or with no added sugars, including sliced and individually wrapped options.
- According to the product listing on Jumbo, the wholegrain variant reviewed contains 40% rye flour.
- That variant also contains xylitol and rye. For the individually wrapped variant, Jumbo lists 65 kcal and 6.5 g of polyols per 28 g slice, along with a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Jumbo
The Jumbo breakfast cake bar reviewed is individually portioned and carries a comparative sugar-reduction claim.
- According to Jumbo, the bar contains 30% less sugar than its own plain breakfast cake bar; the pack contains six portions.
- According to Jumbo, the stated 50 g serving contains 133 kcal and 11.4 g of sugars. The bar contains rye and wheat, so consider how much you’ll actually give your toddler.
Albert Heijn
The AH Digestive 0% sugar reviewed is a biscuit, not breakfast cake or a wholegrain cracker.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g for this variant.
- Albert Heijn also lists 465 kcal, 20 g of fat and 14 g of polyols per 100 g. The product contains wheat and may contain barley, oats and rye.
Goud Gebakken
ALDI sells a lower-sugar Goud Gebakken koekhappers variant as individually wrapped biscuits.
- ALDI lists six individually wrapped biscuits and a 30% less sugar claim for this particular variant.
- An individual wrapper doesn’t mean the whole biscuit is a suitable portion for a toddler. Check the nutritional information and allergens on the packaging of the variant you choose.
Wholegrain alternatives on Joybuy
These wholegrain crackers are worth considering for an everyday toddler snack instead of biscuits. They aren’t lower-sugar biscuits: choose a suitable portion and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers, 300 g
A cracker to consider for an everyday snack instead of a biscuit. The pack contains 300 g; choose a suitable portion and check the latest label for ingredients and allergens.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
A crispbread to consider for an everyday snack instead of a biscuit. The pack contains 265 g; choose a portion to suit your toddler and read the latest label before serving, especially if you’re packing it for childcare or school.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lower-sugar biscuit suitable as an everyday snack for a toddler?
No, not as a regular snack. For toddlers, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends options such as fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread and a suitable wholegrain cracker. A biscuit is better kept for a small, occasional treat.
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean a biscuit is sugar-free?
No. It may contain naturally occurring sugars and other ingredients such as polyols. Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific variant. For example, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars for AH Digestive 0% sugar, but it contains 0.3 g of sugars and 465 kcal per 100 g.
How should I judge the portion for an occasional biscuit treat?
Base it on the amount you’ll actually give your toddler, rather than automatically using the stated serving size or the whole pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends less than 75 kcal if you do offer a young child a biscuit.