Host looking to limit sugar
You’re looking for a biscuit to serve separately with coffee or tea, and want to be able to check the sugar claim on the packaging. Check the ingredients, allergens and serving size too.
Who are these biscuits for?
Consumer watching their carbohydrate intake
A sugar-free label isn’t enough for you: you compare the total carbohydrates per 100 g and per planned serving. The Voedingscentrum describes sugars, starch and fibre as forms of carbohydrate.
Guest who checks ingredients carefully
You want to know which sweeteners and allergens a biscuit contains. Any warnings on the packaging about polyols are important too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit or mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then compare the nutrition information and check that the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| The sugar claim | Read the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ row. ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘sugar-free’. | If I want to serve guests less sugar, I want to be able to see which claim applies to the biscuit. Around 36% of consumers would put this sugar claim first. |
| Carbohydrates and serving size | Compare total carbohydrates per 100 g and factor in the planned serving; don’t look only at ‘of which sugars’. | If I’m also watching my carbohydrate intake, the amount I serve determines whether a biscuit suits my choice. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise carbohydrates per serving. |
| Polyols and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergen information, any ‘may contain’ information and warnings about polyols. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the biscuit before serving it. Around 21% of consumers would make checking ingredients their top priority. |
| When you’re serving them | Decide whether the biscuits will be served separately with coffee or tea, or whether you only want to offer savoury nibbles. | If I’m putting together a selection of savoury nibbles, I only want to serve a sweet biscuit if there’s also a separate coffee or tea break. This would be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘sugar-free’ means ‘low-carb’
A biscuit that’s low in sugars can still contain a lot of total carbohydrates. Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars and 63 g of carbohydrates per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% sugar.
Compare the total carbohydrates and your planned serving if they matter to your choice.
-
Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘no sugar’
Ingredients can contain naturally occurring sugars. For example, Albert Heijn’s date biscuit recipe lists 6 g of sugars per serving, despite being described as having ‘no added sugars’.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit, check the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ row.
-
Leaving polyols and allergens until after you’ve bought them
According to the Voedingscentrum, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems. Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information also lists wheat in the biscuit varieties discussed.
Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens, ‘may contain’ statements and warnings on the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen.
-
Planning to serve sweet biscuits as savoury nibbles
A sweet biscuit has a different role from the savoury nibbles in a selection of snacks.
Serve biscuits separately with coffee or tea, or choose savoury nibbles if you’re putting together an entirely savoury platter.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Digestive 0% sugar is a biscuit variety described as sugar-free.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars, 63 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of polyols per 100 g.
- The product contains wheat and carries a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess. Check the current packaging before serving it.
Céréal
Céréal offers biscuit varieties described as sugar-free, including coconut and almond speculoos.
- For its coconut variety, Jumbo lists 0 g of sugars, 72 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of polyols per 100 g.
- According to Jumbo, the coconut variety contains wheat. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety separately.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Biscoff is known for its classic speculoos biscuit, often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
- The classic variety may be a good fit for a separate coffee or tea break.
- If you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit, don’t rely on the brand name: check the claim and nutrition information on the exact packaging.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘sugar-free’ also mean low-carb?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, sugars, starch and fibre are forms of carbohydrate. Albert Heijn lists 63 g of carbohydrates per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% sugar, alongside 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g. So compare both figures if carbohydrates matter to your choice.
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars from its ingredients. Albert Heijn’s date biscuit recipe lists 6 g of sugars per serving, so check the nutrition information too.
Why do biscuits sometimes carry a warning about a laxative effect?
This warning may be linked to polyols in the product. The Voedingscentrum says that large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems. Check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging, especially if you’re planning to serve several biscuits.
What does the ‘sugar-free’ claim tell you about a biscuit?
‘Sugar-free’ is a nutrition claim about the product’s composition, not an overall assessment of the biscuit. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that a nutrition claim must be accurate. Also check the other nutrition information and ingredients that are relevant to your guests.