If reducing sugar is your priority when choosing egg cakes for the school holidays, don’t rely on a small size or a wholemeal label. Look for an explicit claim on the packaging and compare the nutritional information with that of a similar egg cake. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the claim ‘reduced sugars’ requires at least 30% less sugar and an equal or lower energy value than a similar product. Without that comparison, you can’t choose an egg cake as a reduced-sugar option based on its size or type alone.
You want to take an egg cake with you during the school holidays and are specifically looking for a reduced-sugar option. Check the claim on the packaging and compare the sugar and energy values with those of a similar product. A light or small cake won’t automatically meet that aim.
You’re considering a wholemeal egg cake and also want to check its fibre content on the label. Compare sugar separately: wholemeal and reduced sugar are different product characteristics.
For a day out or a snack at home, the number of cakes and their size matter. This information helps you divide up the pack, but doesn’t in itself tell you how much sugar it contains per 100 g.
First decide whether your priority is a proven reduction in sugar, the ingredients or a practical portion size. Whichever you choose, compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then use the weight of each cake to work out a portion.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| A proven reduction in sugar | Look for an explicit claim on the packaging. Compare sugar and energy values per 100 g with those of a similar egg cake; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority also sets requirements for both values when using the ‘reduced sugars’ claim. | If I’m specifically looking for a lower-sugar egg cake for a holiday outing, I want to be able to assess the difference rather than judge by its appearance. For around 44% of consumers, a proven reduction in sugar is the top priority. |
| Ingredients and wholegrain content | Check the ingredients and compare sugar and fibre per 100 g. The wholemeal label doesn’t prove that the product has a reduced sugar content. | When I’m considering a wholemeal option, I want to know how its sugar and fibre content compares with another egg cake. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Size and how easy it is to share | Check the number of cakes and the weight of each one. For sugar content, always compare per 100 g as well, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre when comparing labels. | When I’m out and about, I want to decide in advance how many cakes to take and how to share them. For around 23% of consumers, this practical portion size is the first consideration. |
None of these characteristics shows that an egg cake has a lower sugar content than a similar product.
If you’re choosing based on reduced sugar, look for the claim and check what it is being compared with, as well as the sugar and energy values.
Portion sizes can vary from one product to another. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that manufacturers set their own portion sizes, which can make it difficult to compare values per portion.
Compare egg cakes per 100 g first, then check the weight of each cake to work out your snack portion.
Choosing a sweet cake is different from choosing vegetables or fruit, which the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends as snacks for children aged 4 to 12.
Remember to include vegetables or fruit when choosing snacks for the school holidays.
Albert Heijn has a product page for AH Egg Cakes.
Jumbo lists regular, mini and wholemeal egg cakes in its range.
Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel as an egg cake with a milk coating and cinnamon.
ALDI lists Heerlijck Banket own-brand free-range egg cakes in a multipack.
No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this claim means the product contains at least 30% less sugar than a similar product, while its energy value must be equal to or lower than that of the comparable product. Check the nutritional information to see how much sugar the egg cake itself contains.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g first. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that portion sizes can vary between manufacturers; then use the weight of each cake to decide how many to take or serve.
No. Wholemeal and reduced sugar are separate characteristics. Check the sugar and fibre per 100 g for the specific wholemeal egg cake, and if it claims to contain less sugar, find out what it’s being compared with.
Vegetables and fruit are options the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends as snacks for children aged 4 to 12, such as cucumber or an apple. You can offer these for variety when you sometimes choose a sweet cake too.
