When comparing spritz biscuits for your gym bag, check the sugar content per 100 g and per biscuit, and make sure any claim about reduced sugar is actually shown on the packaging. The standard varieties listed by Albert Heijn contain 24 to 28 g of sugars per 100 g; a lower figure within this range does not, by itself, prove that a product has reduced sugar. If you eat shortly before exercising, also consider the portion size and fat content: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large or high-fat snack just before exercise.
You want to take a crisp biscuit with you, but you don’t want to assume that a lower sugar figure automatically means a spritz biscuit is low in sugar. Compare similar products per 100 g, then check how much sugar is in the portion you plan to eat.
You’re looking for a small snack, but want to avoid a large or high-fat portion sitting heavily just before exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre at that time.
You want to decide in advance how many biscuits to take and check the allergens on the packaging. The spritz biscuits described list wheat and milk, among other ingredients; possible traces vary by product.
When choosing spritz biscuits for your gym bag, start by checking the nutritional information. Then decide when you want to eat the biscuit and set aside your portion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Less sugar | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per portion. If a product claims to have reduced sugar, check the packaging and compare it with a similar spritz biscuit. | I want to choose a product with demonstrably less sugar without mistaking an ordinary spritz biscuit for a low-sugar one. Less sugar is the top priority for around 45% of consumers. |
| When you eat it | Decide whether you’ll eat before, just before or after your workout, and check the fat content and portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against a large or high-fat snack just before exercise. | If I eat shortly before exercising, I want to choose a snack that won’t feel too heavy. When to eat is the most important factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portion size and allergens | Check the weight of one biscuit or portion and read the latest allergen information. Set aside the amount you want before you leave. | I want to take a measured portion with me and check which allergens it contains. Portion size and allergens are the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Albert Heijn lists 24 to 28 g of sugars per 100 g for the standard varieties discussed. The fact that one of these spritz biscuits contains less sugar than another does not prove a claim of reduced or low sugar content.
Compare similar spritz biscuits per 100 g, then check the sugar content of the portion you plan to take with you. Only rely on a claim if it actually appears on the packaging.
The product information discussed lists 24 to 31 g of fat per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, foods high in fat can stay in your stomach for longer just before exercise.
If you want to eat shortly before your workout, it’s best to avoid a large or high-fat portion. You could save a spritz biscuit as a small treat for another time.
The portions listed vary: Verkade gives approximately 16.8 g per portion, AH Spritsen 20 g and De Molen's Banket 38 g per individual biscuit. This means the figures per biscuit are not directly comparable.
First use the nutritional information per 100 g as your basis for comparison, then look at how much you’ll actually take with you.
Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information can change. The Albert Heijn product page for De Molen's Banket Sprits also listed it as ‘Not in range’.
Before buying, check the current packaging and whether the product is available, especially if allergens affect your choice.
Nobo sprits naturel is a standard packaged variety that you can compare per biscuit and per 100 g.
The own-label range includes several spritz biscuit varieties, including AH Spritsen and AH Roomboter ronde spritsen.
The spritz biscuit described is individually wrapped and weighs 38 g, making it easy to decide how many to take with you.
No. ‘Reduced’ doesn’t mean that a product contains little sugar or is sugar-free. According to the European Union, a claim that a nutrient has been reduced requires a reduction of at least 30% compared with a similar product. Also check the packaging to see how much sugar the spritz biscuit contains per 100 g and per portion.
A spritz biscuit isn’t automatically a suitable choice just before exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre at that time; the spritz biscuits discussed list 24 to 31 g of fat per 100 g. Consider when you’re eating and, if necessary, choose another small snack.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sports bars and gels aren’t needed for exercise lasting less than an hour. So you don’t need to think of a spritz biscuit you’ve packed as essential sports nutrition; decide whether and when you want to eat something based on your own schedule.
Always check the allergens for the specific spritz biscuit on the current packaging. The products described list wheat and milk; Verkade Nobo sprits naturel also mentions possible traces of nuts and sesame, while De Molen's Banket Sprits lists possible soya and egg.
