Who might this choice be relevant to?

People comparing sugar content in the biscuit aisle

You want to keep buying speculaas, but first compare the sugar content per 100 g. This lets you compare products on a like-for-like basis instead of relying on the wording on the front of the pack.

People keeping an eye on sweeteners and polyols

You’re looking for a lower sugar content and also want to know which sweeteners an alternative contains. That makes the maltitols and declared polyols in the Céréal version relevant to your choice.

People checking allergens

As well as the nutritional information, you need to know which allergens the biscuits contain. If you’re buying loose speculaas from a market stall, you’ll need to ask the seller before you buy.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by comparing similar biscuits per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Then check whether the ingredients and product version suit you.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugars per 100 g For similar biscuits, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g; also check the rest of the nutritional information. I want to compare my usual biscuits without different serving sizes distorting the picture. For around 42% of consumers who consider sugar when making this choice, sugar content comes first.
Sweeteners and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information. For products containing polyols, also check the amount listed and any warnings. A lower sugar content isn’t enough for me if the ingredients don’t suit my needs. Around 33% of consumers prioritise ingredients and allergens when making this choice.
Flavour and type First choose between options such as plain or filled speculaas, or speculoos with almonds; then compare the label on the specific product. With my coffee or tea, I mainly want to find the type of biscuit I enjoy, even if reducing sugar is less of a priority. For around 25% of consumers, flavour and product choice come first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘sugar-free’ means ‘low in calories’

    Jumbo lists 0.4 g of sugars for Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces, but also 404 kcal and 12 g of saturated fat per 100 g. Sugar content doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s nutritional value.

    For the products you’re considering, compare the energy and saturated fat per 100 g too.

  • Overlooking the sweeteners

    Céréal lists maltitols and 29 g of polyols per 100 g for its almond version. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    As well as the sugar content, read the ingredients list and polyol information, and check for any warnings on the packaging.

  • Forgetting about allergens when choosing a lower-sugar option

    For the Céréal version, Jumbo lists almonds, barley, eggs, milk, soya and wheat, among other ingredients. A low sugar content doesn’t remove the need to check these ingredients.

    Read the label on packaged biscuits. If you’re buying loose speculaas, ask which allergens it contains before you buy.

  • Assuming an online listing matches the product on the shelf

    A category page can help you find products, but when you buy, it’s the specific version and the information on the pack in front of you that matter.

    Check the specific product in store and compare its current nutritional information per 100 g.

Brands and retailers to consider

Céréal

Offers speculoos with almond pieces for anyone mainly watching their sugar intake when choosing this type of biscuit.

  • Céréal lists 0.4 g of sugars and 29 g of polyols per 100 g for this version.
  • The product contains maltitols and, according to Jumbo, almonds, cereals containing gluten, egg, milk and soya, among other ingredients.

Lotus Biscoff

Original Speculoos is a useful point of comparison if you want to compare regular speculoos with a lower-sugar version.

  • Lotus Bakeries Netherlands describes Original as a crunchy biscuit with a caramelised flavour.
  • The manufacturer lists 38.1 g of sugars per 100 g, so of these two products, Original isn’t the option to choose for the lowest possible sugar content.

Albert Heijn

Its online category for biscuits for people watching their sugar intake includes Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces.

  • The category gives you a starting point for finding that specific version.
  • In store, check the packaging and nutritional information for the product you actually choose.

Jumbo

The online listing for Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces includes information to help you assess this version.

  • Jumbo lists the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values per 100 g for this product.
  • The information for this Céréal version doesn’t tell you about the sugar content of other speculaas products at Jumbo.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare speculaas if I want to eat less sugar?

Compare similar biscuits by their ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses 100 g as the basis for comparison; then check the rest of the nutritional information and the ingredients too.

Is sugar-free speculoos also low in calories?

The label ‘sugar-free’ doesn’t necessarily mean that. For Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces, Jumbo lists 404 kcal and 12 g of saturated fat per 100 g, as well as 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g.

Why do maltitols matter in this Céréal speculoos?

Maltitols are part of the ingredients you should consider alongside the sugar content. Céréal lists 29 g of polyols per 100 g and warns in its product information that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

How do I check for allergens in loose speculaas at a market?

Before buying, ask the seller which allergens the loose speculaas contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must also be provided to consumers for unpackaged foods.

Can I treat an online product page as the definitive label?

Use the online page to compare products before you shop, but check the packaging of your chosen version when you buy. That way, your choice is based on the ingredients and nutritional information for the product you’re taking home.