If you’re mainly looking to keep sugar as low as possible with your tea, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g. If you’d rather have a stroopwafel, you could consider a lower-sugar version, but according to Albert Heijn, AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafel still contains 23 g of sugars per 100 g. In either case, also check the portion size, carbohydrates, polyols and allergens: a low sugar figure doesn’t tell you how those other factors compare.
For you, the main thing to check is the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the label. Biscuits made with sweeteners or polyols may be worth considering; also check the rest of the nutritional information.
You’d rather choose a familiar biscuit or a lower-sugar stroopwafel than a similar standard version. The sugar content could still be considerably higher than in a biscuit with a very low sugar figure.
Information about sugar alone isn’t enough to help you choose. You’ll also want to check the carbohydrates, ingredients, warnings and allergens for the specific biscuit.
First decide whether you’re looking for the lowest sugar figure or simply a particular type of biscuit to enjoy with your tea. Then compare the nutritional information for products that fit your preference.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per serving. ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean the sugar figure is zero. | If I mainly want as little sugar as possible with my tea, I check the figure on the label rather than relying on the wording on the front. For around 33% of consumers, the lowest sugar figure would be the top priority. |
| Type of biscuit and portion size | Check the product type, the weight of each biscuit and what a stated sugar reduction is being compared with. | A familiar stroopwafel or biscuit suits me better with tea, even if another biscuit contains less sugar. For around 20% of consumers, that familiar choice would come first. |
| Carbohydrates and energy | As well as sugars, check total carbohydrates and energy per 100 g, and the portion you eat. | If I’m also keeping an eye on carbohydrates or energy, I want to know what’s in the whole biscuit, not just how much sugar it contains. For around 27% of consumers, this would be the main consideration. |
| Polyols and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and check for any warning about excessive consumption. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or am sensitive to polyols, I check the packaging for the exact version I’m considering. Tolerance or allergens would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
According to Albert Heijn, Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels contain 32% less sugar than standard AH Roomboter stroopwafels, but still have 23 g of sugars per 100 g. The reduction is therefore a comparison between two stroopwafels; it doesn’t tell you how this version compares with a biscuit that has a very low sugar figure.
First compare the sugar content per 100 g, then check the amount per serving.
Jumbo lists Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos as containing 0 g of sugars, but 72 g of carbohydrates and 427 kcal per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists AH Digestive 0% suiker as containing 0.3 g of sugars and 63 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
Read the full nutritional information if carbohydrates or energy also matter to your choice.
Jumbo lists 18 g of polyols per 100 g for Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems; sensitivity varies from person to person.
Check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging, and bear in mind how many biscuits you eat.
Céréal makes biscuits with a very low stated sugar figure, including varieties sold through Jumbo.
Albert Heijn offers both a Digestive with a low stated sugar figure and a butter stroopwafel with less sugar than its standard version.
Verkade San Francisco zero is a tea biscuit which Albert Heijn describes as having no added sugar.
These biscuits sold through ALDI are different product types: individually wrapped koekhappers and sliced ontbijtkoek.
No. Albert Heijn says Verkade San Francisco zero has no added sugar, but it also contains naturally occurring sugars and 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. So if the amount matters to you, compare the ‘of which sugars’ line.
Not necessarily. Jumbo lists Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos as containing 0 g of sugars and 72 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. So check total carbohydrates separately, as well as how much you eat.
This may be related to polyols, which are used as sweeteners in some biscuits. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems, and sensitivity varies from person to person. Read the warning and ingredients for the biscuit you choose.
It depends on the specific product. Albert Heijn lists wheat for AH Digestive 0% suiker, and cereals containing gluten, milk and soya for Verkade San Francisco zero. For Céréal Speculoos with almonds, Jumbo lists almonds, barley, egg, milk, soya and wheat, among other allergens. Before buying, read the allergen information on the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen.
