Who might find these choices relevant?

People comparing sugar content

You want to compare biscuits by their ‘of which sugars’ content per 100 g. A claim about added sugar doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much sugar the product contains.

Biscuit lovers who stick to their favourite type

Perhaps you still want a syrup waffle or a biscuit and would like to see what the label says about sugar within that product category.

People weighing up sweeteners

You check the ingredients and warnings before adding biscuits made with sugar substitutes to your online basket.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what type of biscuit you’re looking for. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients. You can check availability when you complete your order.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugars and claims Compare the ‘of which sugars’ amount per 100 g for similar biscuits and check exactly what each claim means. If I mainly want less sugar, I don’t want to rely only on the front of the pack. Around 36% of consumers give comparing sugar content top priority.
Nutritional value As well as sugars, check energy, saturated fat, fibre and salt per 100 g. I’d rather choose a biscuit based on its full nutritional information than on one prominent claim; that matters most to around 29% of consumers.
Sweeteners Read the ingredients list and check for any warnings about polyols. If a biscuit contains sugar substitutes, I want to know which ingredients it contains before ordering. That’s the main consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Availability Choose a delivery slot, then check whether the product you want is available to order. If I’m having my groceries delivered, I want to know that my chosen biscuit will be available for my delivery slot. That’s the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    According to Albert Heijn, AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels contain 32% less sugar than the regular AH version, but still list 23 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Read both the comparative claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Where possible, compare syrup waffles with other syrup waffles.

  • Looking only at the sugar claim

    A low sugar figure doesn’t tell you about the rest of the nutritional value. Albert Heijn also lists 465 kcal per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% suiker.

    Also check energy, saturated fat, fibre and salt per 100 g.

  • Skipping the ingredients and warnings

    Biscuits made with sugar substitutes may contain polyols. AH Digestive 0% suiker and Verkade San Francisco Zero, among others, carry a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.

    Before ordering, read the ingredients and warnings for the specific product.

  • Assuming a product page confirms delivery availability

    According to Albert Heijn’s online ordering information, the relevant stock becomes visible after you’ve chosen a delivery slot.

    Select your delivery slot, then check again to see whether the biscuit is available.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

The own-label range includes both a digestive biscuit labelled ‘0% sugar’ and a syrup waffle with a relative sugar reduction.

  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% suiker contains 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The AH syrup waffle with less sugar still lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g. For the digestive biscuit, the polyols and warning are also worth checking.

Verkade

San Francisco Zero is a tea biscuit for anyone looking for a version of this type of biscuit with no added sugar.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for San Francisco Zero.
  • Also check the ingredients, including maltitols, and the warning about excessive consumption.

Céréal

Choco Delight Puur is a chocolate biscuit with sugar and fibre figures provided.

  • Jumbo lists 0.5 g of sugars and 8.8 g of fibre per 100 g for Céréal Minder Suikers Choco Delight Puur.
  • Check the ingredients and any warnings about sweeteners for the version you choose.

Lotus Biscoff

Here, Original is a reference point for regular speculoos, not a version with a less-sugar claim.

  • The stated sugar content makes it possible to compare this product with other speculoos biscuits.
  • Lotus Bakeries Nederland lists 38.1 g of sugars per 100 g for Lotus Biscoff Original. Don’t choose this product on the assumption that its sugar content has been reduced.

Biscuits and cookie bars on Joybuy

This selection includes an oat biscuit with a sugar claim and a pack of cookie bars labelled ‘Less Sugar’. Compare each product using its own nutritional information: they’re not the same type of biscuit.

Panpan Low GI Sugar-Free Oat High Fiber Biscuits, 216 g

Panpan Low GI Sugar-Free Oat High Fiber Biscuits, 216 g

An oat biscuit for anyone who wants to assess the sugar claim alongside the nutritional information.

The ‘Sugar-Free’ wording in the name doesn’t match the stated sugar content. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure and the ingredients, including maltitol, before choosing.

View on Joybuy
g'woon Cookie Bars Less Sugar, 6 pieces

g'woon Cookie Bars Less Sugar, 6 pieces

A pack of cookie bars for anyone specifically looking for this type of snack with a ‘Less Sugar’ claim.

Check the stated sugar content and the ingredients, including glucose syrup. Without a clear product to compare it with, ‘Less Sugar’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you how these cookie bars compare with other versions.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘0% added sugar’ mean a biscuit contains no sugars or has few calories?

No. Despite the ‘0% added sugar’ claim, Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero. Check the nutritional information for the specific biscuit to find out about both sugars and energy.

How do I compare biscuits when the portion sizes differ?

Start by comparing similar biscuits per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using this consistent measure prevents different portion sizes from distorting the comparison of nutritional values.

Where can I find information about maltitol and other sweeteners?

Check the ingredients list for the specific product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that sweeteners are listed on the label. Also read any warnings, such as those about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.

When should I check whether my chosen biscuits can be delivered?

Check availability after choosing a delivery slot. Albert Heijn says you’ll then see the stock available for that slot.