If you’re looking for something strictly sugar-free
You want a biscuit to take with you that meets the threshold for ‘sugar-free’. So you check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g, rather than relying on a claim on the front of the pack.
Who is this distinction important for?
If you want to stick with spritz biscuits
You’d rather choose the familiar spritz shape or a chocolate version, and accept that ‘less sugar’ is not the same as sugar-free. The nutritional values per 100 g will tell you whether the product meets your goal.
If you’re taking a biscuit with you for lunch
You want to be able to check the portion size, ingredients and allergens in advance. For biscuits containing polyols, it’s also worth noting the warning about excessive consumption if you’re eating one on the go.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether sugar-free is a must-have, or whether you’d prefer a spritz biscuit with a different sugar claim. Then check the nutritional information and ingredients of the specific product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Truly sugar-free | Check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum sets the threshold for ‘sugar-free’ at no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. | If I want to choose something that’s genuinely sugar-free for when I’m out and about, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘zero’ alone. Around 45% of consumers prioritise meeting the recognised sugar-free threshold. |
| Spritz biscuits with less sugar | Compare the actual amount of sugars per 100 g; a ‘less sugar’ claim doesn’t tell you the amount on its own. | I want to stick with the familiar spritz shape and accept that the biscuit isn’t sugar-free. This preference matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and portion size | Check the portion size, allergens and ingredients such as maltitol or isomalt, as well as any warnings on the packaging. | For my lunch on the go, I want to know in advance what I’m taking with me and which ingredients to avoid. Tolerance and portion size come first for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘zero’ means ‘sugar-free’
According to Jumbo, Verkade San Francisco Zero contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the 0.5 g per 100 g threshold for ‘sugar-free’ set by the Voedingscentrum.
If sugar-free is a must, check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g on the packaging.
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Confusing ‘less sugar’ with ‘low sugar’
PLUS describes Elvee Chocolade spritsen as a variety with 30% less sugar. The stated nutritional value is 28 g of sugars per 100 g, so the comparative claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar the biscuit contains.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, and choose this option only if your goal is less sugar, rather than sugar-free.
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Overlooking the warning about polyols
AH Digestive 0% suiker contains maltitol and isomalt. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; the Voedingscentrum notes that large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems.
Read the ingredients and warning before packing a portion to take with you. If you’re sensitive to polyols, check the ingredients of any alternative too.
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Taking a sugar claim as allergen information
According to the product information, Verkade San Francisco Zero contains wheat, milk and soya. Milk and soya are listed for Elvee Chocolade spritsen. A sugar claim tells you nothing about these ingredients.
Check the current allergen information on the packaging before taking the biscuit with you for lunch or sharing it with others.
Brands and product ranges compared
Verkade
Two different biscuit options: Nobo Sprits Original is a spritz biscuit, while San Francisco Zero is a biscuit with no added sugar.
- Verkade lists 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g for Nobo Sprits Original; Jumbo lists 1.7 g per 100 g for San Francisco Zero.
- San Francisco Zero isn’t a spritz biscuit, and its 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g is above the sugar-free threshold set by the Voedingscentrum. Check the allergens and the warning about excessive consumption for this product too.
Albert Heijn
AH Digestive 0% suiker is an alternative for anyone looking for a biscuit that meets the stated sugar-free threshold.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g and describes the product as a sugar-free biscuit.
- It isn’t a spritz biscuit. The product contains polyols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; check the allergens on the packaging too.
Elvee
Elvee Chocolade spritsen is worth considering if the spritz shape or chocolate flavour comes first and sugar-free isn’t a must.
- PLUS describes the chocolate variety as a product with 30% less sugar.
- The stated value is 28 g of sugars per 100 g. ‘Less sugar’ doesn’t make this spritz biscuit sugar-free; the product information also lists milk and soya as allergens.
Related products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What sugar value qualifies as ‘sugar-free’ on a biscuit packet?
For solid foods, the Voedingscentrum sets the limit at 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Look for the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g on the label; a prominent claim on the front doesn’t replace this check.
Is a biscuit with no added sugars also sugar-free?
No, that claim alone doesn’t mean it’s sugar-free. Jumbo lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero, while the Voedingscentrum sets the sugar-free threshold at 0.5 g per 100 g.
Why do some sugar-free biscuits carry a warning?
For biscuits containing polyols, excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Albert Heijn includes this warning for AH Digestive 0% suiker; the Voedingscentrum notes that large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems. Check the packaging when choosing a portion to take with you.