Who are these biscuits for?

A host keeping an eye on sugar content

You’re looking for a biscuit for guests who ask for sugar-free options, and want to be able to check its sugar content in the nutrition table.

A host choosing biscuits for a sharing platter

You want to serve biscuits your guests will recognise and are considering an option with no added sugar. Check the total sugar content of that option separately.

A host catering for different dietary requirements

When choosing, you take account of allergens, ingredients such as sweeteners, and any vegan or lactose-free labels on the specific packet.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, compare the sugar claim with the nutritional information per 100 g. Then check whether the ingredients and allergens are suitable for the guests you’re serving.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar content Read the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and check separately what the claim says about added sugars. I want to check the sugar content for guests who ask for sugar-free options. For around 40% of consumers, the lowest possible sugar content is the top priority.
A biscuit for a sharing platter Check whether the packet says ‘sugar-free’ or ‘no added sugar’, and how many biscuits it contains. For a sharing platter, I want to offer a familiar biscuit without misinterpreting a claim. For around 40% of consumers, this combination of serving preference and less added sugar comes first.
Ingredients and allergens Check the allergen information for the exact variety and see whether it lists sweeteners or a warning about excessive consumption. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check what they can eat before serving. For around 20% of consumers, dietary requirements and allergens are the deciding factors.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A biscuit can be made with no added sugar and still contain naturally occurring sugars. Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero.

    As well as checking the claim, read the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table and compare similar biscuits per 100 g.

  • Treating a sugar claim as a statement about overall nutritional value

    The claim doesn’t automatically tell you anything about energy, fat, salt or fibre.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for similar biscuits before you choose.

  • Overlooking the warning about polyols

    The product information for AH Digestive 0% sugar and Verkade San Francisco zero warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients and warnings on the packet, and let guests see which biscuits you’re serving.

  • Confusing vegan or lactose-free with allergen-free

    AH Digestive 0% sugar is labelled vegan and lactose-free, but contains wheat. Other sugar-conscious biscuits may contain different allergens.

    If someone has an allergy, always check the allergen information on the exact packet and keep it by the platter.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Digestive 0% sugar is one example for anyone who wants to compare a sugar claim with the nutritional information.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g for this product and labels it vegan and lactose-free.
  • It contains wheat, may contain other cereals containing gluten, and carries a warning about excessive consumption.

Verkade

San Francisco zero is a biscuit to consider if you’re specifically looking for an option with no added sugar.

  • The product information on Albert Heijn’s website states 0% added sugar.
  • The same information mentions naturally occurring sugars, 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, allergens including milk and soya, and a warning about excessive consumption.

Céréal

Albert Heijn’s range includes Céréal chocolate chip biscuits and speculoos with almond pieces, both labelled ‘sugar-free’.

  • These options offer different types of biscuits to consider for a get-together.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packet for the specific option you choose.

Gullón

The ZERO range is worth exploring if you want to serve several types of individually wrapped biscuits.

  • Dietshop describes a range of seven varieties with no added sugar and containing sweeteners.
  • The range includes cereals containing gluten, milk and soya; it may contain traces of nuts and mustard, and carries a warning about excessive consumption.

Biscuits at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?

No. A biscuit with no added sugar may contain naturally occurring sugars. For example, Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero, so remember to check the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table too.

Should I compare other nutritional values as well as sugar?

Yes, if you want to compare the nutritional value of biscuits. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the information per 100 g for similar products. A sugar claim alone doesn’t tell you anything about energy, saturated fat or salt, for example.

Why do some packets warn against excessive consumption?

Some biscuits containing sweeteners also contain polyols and carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. According to the product information, this warning appears on AH Digestive 0% sugar and Verkade San Francisco zero, among others. Keep the packet by the biscuit platter so guests can check it.

How do I check allergens for a neighbourhood get-together?

Read the allergen information on the current packet for every variety you serve. AH Digestive 0% sugar, for example, contains wheat, while Verkade San Francisco zero contains milk and soya, among other allergens. A label such as vegan or lactose-free doesn’t replace this check.