If sugar-free is essential, choose only a biscuit whose labelling and stated sugar content meet that requirement: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sugar-free means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. The classic spritz biscuits from Albert Heijn and Verkade discussed here do not meet that standard. A sugar-free biscuit alternative is not a spritz biscuit, and you’ll also need to consider its ingredients, allergens and portion size.
For anyone who wants a biscuit with their afternoon coffee that meets the sugar-free definition. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the amount of sugars per 100 g is what matters; no added sugars does not mean the same thing.
For anyone weighing up a familiar biscuit against portion size and nutritional value. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also discusses, in its guidance on nutrition for people over 70, the importance of how a snack contributes to their daily diet.
For anyone considering allergens or sweeteners as well as sugars. The Céréal coconut biscuit described by Jumbo contains wheat and maltitols; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies polyols as FODMAP carbohydrates.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it really is sugar-free | Check the labelling and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sugar-free means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If you want to make sure your choice with afternoon coffee is sugar-free, the words ‘no added sugars’ alone aren’t enough. Around 43% of consumers prioritise a sugar-free product. |
| Ingredients and tolerance | Read the ingredients and allergen information; if the biscuits contain sweeteners, check whether they also contain polyols. | If you have an allergy or sensitivity to polyols, the biscuit needs to suit you in terms of its ingredients, too. Around 29% of consumers say this check is their top priority. |
| Portion size and nutritional value | Compare the portion size and nutritional information per 100 g, including sugars, fibre and saturated fat. | If you mainly want to keep a familiar biscuit break, weigh the portion against how the snack contributes to your diet. Around 28% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets a limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for a product to be labelled sugar-free.
As well as checking the wording on the front, look at the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g in the nutrition table.
Albert Heijn lists 28 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Spritsen; Verkade lists 29.3 g per 100 g for Nobo Sprits Melk. Neither is suitable if you need a strictly sugar-free option.
If you want to stick with a classic spritz biscuit, take its sugar content into account when choosing your portion size.
The Céréal coconut biscuit described by Jumbo contains maltitols and wheat. So the sugar content alone doesn’t tell you whether its ingredients are right for you.
Before buying, check the latest ingredients and allergen information, especially if you need to avoid certain ingredients or are sensitive to polyols.
Less sugar on its own tells you little about the rest of a product’s nutritional value. In its guidance on nutrition for people over 70, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that the overall balance of your daily diet matters, too.
If you regularly enjoy a biscuit with your coffee, check the portion size and other nutritional information as well, rather than focusing only on the sugar claim.
Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos Smaak, described by Jumbo, is a biscuit alternative to enjoy with coffee, not a spritz biscuit.
Nobo Sprits Melk is a chocolate spritz biscuit for anyone who wants a classic spritz and doesn’t need to choose a strictly sugar-free option.
AH Spritsen are a classic spritz biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, not a sugar-free alternative.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sugar-free means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml; products labelled ‘no added sugars’ may still contain naturally occurring sugars. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table, too.
No. Albert Heijn lists 28 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Spritsen, while Verkade lists 29.3 g per 100 g for Nobo Sprits Melk. Both figures are above the sugar-free limit set by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Check that the ingredients suit you, even if the biscuit is sugar-free. Maltitols are polyols, which the Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies as FODMAP carbohydrates. If you’re sensitive to them, this may be an important consideration alongside the allergen information.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal the packet well after opening. For Verkade Nobo Spritzed Melkchocolade, Joybuy recommends a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. For another product, check its own packaging.
