Which option is right for you?

Sugar-conscious host

You’re looking for a speculaas-style biscuit with an explicit ‘sugar-free’ claim. Check the ingredients and sweeteners too: the claim doesn’t tell you the whole story.

Host catering for different dietary needs

You’re serving biscuits to several guests and need to consider allergens and polyols. Keep the packaging to hand and serve the biscuits separately from other snacks so guests can check the information for themselves.

Fan of classic speculaas flavour

You want to round off your drinks spread with a crisp, sweet biscuit. Traditional baker’s speculaas or Lotus Biscoff could fit the bill, as long as lower sugar isn’t a requirement.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the sugar claim, flavour or ingredients matter most to your guests. If you want to choose the sweetener and portion size yourself, baking from scratch is another option, but it takes preparation.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Less or no sugar Read the exact claim on the packaging and compare the sugars listed in the nutritional information per 100 g. I want to offer a sweet biscuit where less or no sugar is my main requirement; around 38% of consumers put this first.
Classic flavour Choose between traditional baker’s speculaas and a biscuit with a sugar-related claim; don’t treat them as interchangeable. When I finish a get-together with biscuits, a familiar, crisp flavour matters most to me. Around 37% of consumers say this is their top priority.
Allergens and polyols Check the allergens and sweeteners for each product; treat gluten-free and lower sugar as separate requirements. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients or are sensitive to polyols, I want to know what I can serve them first; around 25% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘sugar-free’ means suitable for every guest

    A sugar claim tells you nothing about allergens. Jumbo’s product information for Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces lists maltitol and, among other ingredients, almonds, barley, egg, milk, soya and wheat. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large quantities of polyols can cause digestive problems.

    Ask guests to check the current packaging and serve the biscuits separately. If they have specific dietary needs, ask which ingredients they need to avoid.

  • Assuming gluten-free means lower in sugar

    Jumbo describes Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas as gluten-free. That’s a different claim from one about sugar.

    If both matter to your guests, check each claim separately.

  • Treating traditional speculaas as a low-sugar option

    A familiar brand name or classic appearance doesn’t tell you how much sugar a biscuit contains.

    If you’re choosing with sugar in mind, compare the current nutritional information for traditional speculaas and a relevant alternative on the same basis, for example per 100 g.

Brands and retailers to consider

Céréal

Céréal sells Speculoos with almond pieces with a ‘sugar-free’ claim.

  • The manufacturer lists 44 kcal per biscuit and a Nutri-Score of D; Jumbo lists maltitol among the ingredients.
  • According to Jumbo’s product information, this variety contains, among other ingredients, almonds, barley, egg, milk, soya and wheat. Check the current packaging before offering it to guests.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crisp biscuit with a caramelised flavour, ideal with coffee.

  • An option if you’re looking for a sweet, crisp way to finish a get-together.
  • Don’t assume Biscoff is lower in sugar based on its flavour or brand name; check the current nutritional information to compare.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists traditional Bakkers Speculaas and Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces, and publishes a recipe for sugar-free speculaas.

  • You can compare a packaged biscuit with homemade baking if you want to choose the ingredients and portions yourself.
  • When you bake from scratch, the nutritional values depend on the ingredients you use and the portion sizes. Check traditional baker’s speculaas separately if your aim is to reduce sugar.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both AH Bakkers speculaas and Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces as sugar-free.

  • These listings give you a starting point for comparing a traditional biscuit with a sugar-conscious option.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. Always read the packaging of the product you buy.

Lidl

Lidl lists Bakkers speculaas as a traditional speculaas option.

  • An option to consider if traditional baker’s speculaas suits the sweet finish you have in mind.
  • Check the nutritional information on the packaging before choosing this biscuit with lower sugar in mind.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat unlimited amounts of ‘sugar-free’ speculoos?

No. The claim doesn’t mean portion size or other ingredients no longer matter. Jumbo lists maltitol in Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large quantities of polyols can cause digestive problems.

How do I compare traditional and sugar-conscious speculaas?

Compare the current nutritional information for both products on the same basis, for example per 100 g. As well as sugars, look at energy, fat, fibre and the ingredients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing labels rather than relying only on a claim on the front of the pack.

Is gluten-free speculaas also low in sugar?

Not necessarily: gluten-free and lower sugar are separate product characteristics. Jumbo labels Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas as gluten-free; check the sugar claim and nutritional information separately if reducing sugar is important.

Which allergens should I check in Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces?

Jumbo’s product information lists almonds, barley, egg, milk, nuts, soya and wheat. Check the current packaging before serving, as ingredients and allergen information can change.