If you want to grab a single slice
You don’t want to have to slice your own for a late-night snack. As well as the number of slices, check the weight per slice: Albert Heijn, for example, lists 28 g portions for its plain sliced Peijnenburg.
Who is this relevant to?
If you’re keeping an eye on sugars
You want to compare regular ontbijtkoek with a variety that has no added sugars. Check both the nutritional information per serving and the ingredients list so you can see which sweeteners have been used.
If you check ingredients carefully
Fibre, allergens or sweeteners are what make the difference for you. Product information from retailers including PLUS and Jumbo shows why it’s important to check the specific variety and the packaging currently on sale.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the amount you actually want to eat, then compare the nutritional information and ingredients for that same portion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and energy | Compare the sugars and energy per slice, and check how many grams the stated portion weighs. | If I have a slice late at night, I want to know how much sugar and energy it contains. An estimated 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Portion size | Check the number of slices and the weight per slice, not just the pack size. | I want to be able to grab a slice without cutting it, and decide for myself whether to stop there. For around 29% of consumers, portion size is the most important consideration. |
| Fibre and ingredients | Compare the fibre per portion and read the ingredients list for varieties with no added sugars. | If fibre is what determines my choice, I also want to know what else is in the cake. An estimated 21% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Allergens and sweeteners | Read the current allergen information and any warnings about sweeteners. | If I need to avoid an allergen or my dog might get to the food, I check the ingredients first. This is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
The Peijnenburg variety without added sugars listed by Jumbo still contains 1.4 g of sugars and 6.5 g of polyols per 28 g slice. It contains xylitol, and the product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Compare the nutritional information per slice and check which sweeteners are listed in the ingredients.
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Assuming the allergens based on the brand
The plain own-brand ontbijtkoek listed by PLUS contains rye and may contain wheat, barley and oats. The Bolletje variety listed also contains lupin and may contain nuts. This information applies to the specific products in question, not automatically to every variety from a brand.
Check the allergen information on the pack you’re buying every time.
Brands to compare
Peijnenburg
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list sliced Peijnenburg varieties, including plain and no-added-sugars options.
- For the 550 g plain pack, Albert Heijn lists 18 slices and a portion size of 28 g.
- The no-added-sugars variety listed by Jumbo contains xylitol and carries warnings about excessive consumption and pets.
PLUS
The own brand offers plain sliced ontbijtkoek in a 485 g pack.
- The product page lists the ingredients and a Nutri-Score of D for this variety.
- According to PLUS, this cake contains rye and may contain wheat, barley and oats.
Bolletje
PLUS lists a 500 g pack of plain sliced Bolletje ontbijtkoek.
- The product page lists the ingredients for this specific variety.
- According to PLUS, the cake contains rye and lupin and may contain nuts.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 485 g pack of plain sliced ontbijtkoek, available in store only.
- Check the pack in store for the ingredients and nutritional information before comparing this variety with others.
Sliced ontbijtkoek at Joybuy
This sliced wholemeal ontbijtkoek is an option if you want to grab a slice without cutting it yourself and check the ingredients on the pack you choose.
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g'woon wholemeal ontbijtkoek, sliced, 485 g
This pre-sliced cake is a handy choice for a late-night snack when you don’t want to cut your own. The pack contains 485 g. Check the weight per slice and the nutritional information on the packaging if you want to measure out a portion or compare nutritional values.
Frequently asked questions
What does a slice of regular ontbijtkoek contain?
According to the Voedingscentrum, a 30 g slice of regular ontbijtkoek contains an average of 92 kcal and 11.2 g of sugars. For the values of the cake you’re buying, check the portion size and nutritional information on the pack.
Does ontbijtkoek with no added sugars still contain sugar?
Yes, it can: the Peijnenburg variety listed by Jumbo contains 1.4 g of sugars per 28 g slice. This variety also contains xylitol and lists 6.5 g of polyols per slice.
What should I look for in ontbijtkoek containing xylitol if I have a dog?
Keep ontbijtkoek containing xylitol out of your dog’s reach. Jumbo’s product information states that xylitol is not suitable for animals and advises contacting a vet immediately if it is eaten.
How should I store sliced ontbijtkoek once opened?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. The product information for plain Peijnenburg recommends storing it in a cool, dry, dark place, such as in a sealed container or tin. For the Bolletje variety, PLUS advises keeping it sealed after opening.