Who is this choice relevant to?

Holidaymaker with a strict sugar-free requirement

You’re looking for a stroopwafel that genuinely meets the EU requirements for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. A product that simply contains less sugar doesn’t meet this requirement.

Shopper keeping an eye on sugar

You’re looking for a stroopwafel with less sugar than a regular version to enjoy on holiday, but you’re happy for it to still contain some sugar. The amount per 100 g makes it easier to compare products.

Traveller with dietary or allergy requirements

You choose primarily based on a feature such as a gluten-free or plant-based label. Check the sugar content, ingredients and allergens separately on the pack too.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free or less sugar Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and see whether the label actually says ‘sugar-free’. Under the EU conditions published via EUR-Lex, the limit for this claim is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. I only want to choose a stroopwafel that’s genuinely sugar-free; a relative reduction in sugar isn’t enough for me. Around 50% of consumers make this strict requirement their top priority.
A lower sugar content Compare the sugar content and nutritional values per 100 g. If a product contains sweeteners, check the ingredients list too. For a holiday treat, I’m mainly looking for less sugar than in the regular version, even if it still contains sugar. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this reduction.
Diet, allergens and storage Read the allergen information and storage instructions on the pack. Check for a gluten-free or vegan label separately from the sugar content. My main concern is my diet or allergens, and I need to be able to store the stroopwafels as directed while travelling. For around 20% of consumers, suitability is the most important factor.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘less sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’

    Comparing a product with a regular stroopwafel doesn’t tell you how much sugar it contains in total. Albert Heijn says AH Roomboter minder suiker contains 32% less sugar than its regular butter stroopwafels, but it still contains 23 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Start with the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutritional information, and check separately for any sugar-free claim.

  • Planning to take a product on your trip without checking whether it’s available

    Albert Heijn marks Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as ‘discontinued’ on its product page. So, even though the product details are listed, it isn’t currently an option to buy from that retailer.

    Check just before you buy whether the version you want is available from your chosen retailer.

  • Confusing gluten-free or vegan with less sugar

    Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels. Albert Heijn lists 35 g per 100 g for AH Terra Plantaardig stroopwafels. A dietary label alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar a stroopwafel contains.

    Decide which requirement matters most to you, and check the other features separately on the pack you choose.

  • Relying on the ingredients from a previous purchase

    Albert Heijn warns that product information can change. This is particularly important if you choose stroopwafels based on their ingredients or allergens.

    Before you set off, read the label on the exact pack you’re taking with you.

Brands and own-label options to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels and AH Terra Plantaardig stroopwafels.

  • According to Albert Heijn, the butter version contains 32% less sugar than AH Roomboter stroopwafels; its nutritional information lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The vegan AH Terra version contains 35 g of sugars per 100 g. For both versions, check the current packaging for ingredients and nutritional information.

Céréal

Albert Heijn describes Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as a version that contains sugars and the sweetener isomalt.

  • Albert Heijn’s product page says it contains 65% less sugar than a regular stroopwafel.
  • Albert Heijn marks this version as ‘discontinued’. Check whether it’s available before planning to buy it for your holiday.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes its Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels as a gluten-free option with the Crossed Grain trademark.

  • The clear gluten-free label is helpful if that’s your main requirement when buying.
  • Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g. The stroopwafels also contain egg and lupin, so read the full label if you have allergies.

Stroopwafels at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. Under the EU conditions published via EUR-Lex, a solid food may only be called ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Roomboter minder suiker, despite comparing it with the regular version.

Does gluten-free also mean a stroopwafel contains less sugar?

No. Gluten-free and lower in sugar are separate features. Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for its Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels. If both matter to you, check the nutritional information.

How should I take stroopwafels with me on a summer holiday?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack you buy. Albert Heijn advises storing its plant-based stroopwafels in a cool, dark and dry place. Before you set off, check the current ingredients and allergen information too.

What should I look for in stroopwafels that contain sweeteners?

Check which sweetener is listed in the ingredients: for example, Albert Heijn lists isomalt for Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, consuming large amounts of polyols can cause flatulence and diarrhoea. Bear this in mind when choosing snacks for your journey.