A lower-sugar syrup waffle is a good choice for a birthday if you want to hand out a familiar treat while prioritising sugar reduction. According to Albert Heijn, its lower-sugar butter syrup waffle contains 23 g of sugars per 100 g, compared with 34 g per 100 g for the regular AH version. Also compare how much you’ll give each guest and check the ingredients and allergens: lower sugar does not mean sugar-free or suitable for everyone.
You want to serve a familiar syrup waffle, but are looking for a version that demonstrably contains less sugar than a regular syrup waffle. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g with the amount you’ll actually hand out.
If guests need to avoid certain ingredients or have agreed in advance what their treat will be, a lower-sugar claim isn’t enough. Check the packaging and, if necessary, agree a suitable alternative with the guest or their carer beforehand.
You want to hand out treats easily without giving every guest a large waffle. Mini syrup waffles come in a different size, but you decide how many to include in each portion.
First decide whether lower sugar, a specific dietary requirement or smaller portions are your priority for the party. Then compare the packaging and nutritional information for products that meet your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Less sugar | Compare sugars per 100 g and per portion handed out. If a product claims to contain less sugar, check which product it is being compared with. | I want to keep handing out syrup waffles, but would prefer a version that demonstrably contains less sugar. This would be the main consideration for around 50% of consumers. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy. Check that a gluten-free claim applies to the specific alternative. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know in advance which treat has been agreed for them. This suitability would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size and number of waffles | Count your guests and compare the number of waffles, total weight and planned portion; one waffle and several minis are not the same portion. | I want to hand out the waffles easily and have enough for everyone without accidentally giving out larger portions. Around 25% of consumers would focus mainly on this. |
According to Albert Heijn, its lower-sugar AH butter syrup waffle still contains 23 g of sugars per 100 g. A relative comparison also doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in the portion you hand out.
Read the nutritional information per 100 g, then decide how large each guest’s treat will be.
The lower-sugar AH version examined contains milk, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergens can cause severe reactions.
Ask about dietary requirements and allergies in advance, check the label on the pack you buy, and clearly set aside any agreed alternative.
A mini size changes the portion, but doesn’t in itself tell you how much sugar the product contains per 100 g.
Decide how many minis you’ll give each guest, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per planned portion.
Schools and childcare settings may have rules about what can be handed out for birthdays. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking the venue’s policy on treats or celebrations.
Before buying, ask the venue which treats are allowed.
Albert Heijn offers two butter syrup waffles, with product information that makes it possible to compare like for like within the same product category.
Jumbo is worth considering if you want to look at a separate gluten-free alternative alongside regular syrup waffles.
Daelmans is worth considering if you want to compare regular waffles with mini syrup waffles for your party.
Sondey butter syrup waffles are a regular option to compare by packaging and portion size.
Heerlijck Banket Mini Stroopwafels are worth considering if a smaller size for handing out is your priority.
PLUS is a shop where you can compare different sizes of syrup waffles, including Daelmans minis.
No. Albert Heijn lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g and 22 g of added sugars per 100 g for its lower-sugar butter syrup waffle. Check the nutritional information and bear in mind the portion you’ll hand out.
Not automatically. The lower-sugar AH version examined contains milk, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other ingredients, and may contain spelt. Check the allergens on the pack you buy; if you need a gluten-free option, choose an alternative that has been specifically checked for this.
Agree the treat with the child’s parent or carer in advance, and don’t assume that ‘less sugar’ automatically makes it suitable. The Diabetes Fund says children with diabetes can often join in when their treat is taken into account beforehand.
Yes. Before buying, ask what rules the school or childcare setting has for treats. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, its policy on treats or celebrations may determine what can be handed out for a birthday.
For its lower-sugar butter syrup waffles, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and putting them in a sealed tin after opening. For other products, follow the storage instructions on their packaging.
