When choosing rice cakes for a work meeting, don’t rely on the word ‘plain’ alone. Compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g for plain rice cakes. Product information from PLUS, Jumbo and Albert Heijn lists 0.4 g, 0.6 g and 1.4 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. Before serving rice cakes to the group, also check the current packaging for ingredients, allergen warnings, dietary information and storage instructions.
You’re looking for rice cakes to share at a meeting and want to compare their sugar content. For similar plain varieties, check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g and read the information about added sugars separately.
You want to make sure your chosen variety suits the participants’ dietary requirements. Check claims such as gluten-free or vegan for the exact product, and read any allergen warnings too.
You want to know how many packs you’ll need and how to store the rice cakes until they’re ready to serve. Check the pack size and storage instructions on the packaging you choose.
Start by comparing the nutritional information per 100 g for similar plain rice cakes. Then check that the exact product is suitable for the participants and the occasion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar content | For similar plain rice cakes, compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g and read the information about added sugars separately. | If I’m choosing a standard rice cake for the meeting table, I want to compare the sugar content of different products fairly. For around 42% of consumers, sugar content is the top priority. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging; check the dietary information for the exact variety. | When participants have allergies or specific dietary requirements, I don’t want to assume that ‘plain’ means suitable for everyone. Around 33% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Pack size and storage | Check the pack size and follow the storage instructions, including after opening. | When I’m buying in advance for a group, I need to get the quantity right and store any leftovers properly. For around 25% of consumers, these practical considerations come first. |
Sugar content varies even between plain varieties. For the rice cakes mentioned here, PLUS lists 0.4 g, Jumbo 0.6 g and Albert Heijn 1.4 g of sugars per 100 g.
Compare the same type of product per 100 g, and treat ‘of which sugars’ and added sugars as separate figures.
A short ingredients list doesn’t rule out a warning about possible allergens. Jumbo states that its Plain Rice Cakes may contain sesame and soya.
Ask which allergies are relevant and check the current packaging, including any warnings, before offering the product.
A product listing doesn’t guarantee that your chosen variety will be available when you shop. Product information can also change.
Check availability shortly before the work meeting. If you choose an alternative, check its sugar content, allergens and pack size again.
The number of rice cakes or portions you expect may differ from what’s stated on the packaging you choose. Packs opened in advance also need to be stored carefully.
Work out how much you need based on the pack size and follow the instructions for storing the product after opening.
AH Plain Rice Cakes are an own-brand option to consider as a standard rice cake for a meeting table.
Jumbo Plain Rice Cakes are an own-brand option whose nutritional information and allergen details you can take into account.
PLUS Plain Rice Cakes are an option to compare if you also want to take the added sugars information into account.
The organic Plain Rice Cakes are worth considering if organic ingredients are a specific requirement for your purchase.
These sea salt rice cakes are an option to check in store, using the packaging and nutritional information.
Compare similar rice cakes per 100 g rather than per serving. Check ‘of which sugars’ in the nutrition table, and look at the added sugars information separately.
No. For its Plain Rice Cakes, PLUS lists both 0 g of added sugars and 0.4 g of ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. These figures mean different things.
Check the allergen information and warnings on the packaging for the exact variety. For example, Jumbo states that its Plain Rice Cakes may contain sesame and soya, so don’t rely on the name or ingredients list alone.
Check the packaging of the product you actually buy too. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that product information can change, so check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergen details again before serving.
Follow the instructions on the packaging you choose. For the varieties mentioned, Albert Heijn and PLUS recommend storing them in a cool, dry place and advise using a closed tin and an airtight container respectively after opening.
