For a children’s party, choose biscuits based on the precise sugar claim and the amount of sugars per 100 g, not just the word ‘zero’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘no added sugars’ does not mean the same as sugar-free. Also check the allergens, any warnings about sweeteners and how many biscuits you plan to give each child.
You want biscuits that are easy to hand out, but you check in advance about allergies and any rules set by the school, after-school club or party venue. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends taking into account what children can and can’t eat.
You compare the amount of sugars per 100 g and distinguish between ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugars’, rather than relying solely on the front of the packet.
You need to be able to check whether a particular biscuit contains ingredients such as wheat, milk, soya or nuts, for example. Check the current packaging for the variant you choose.
First decide whether you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit or mainly a product with no added sugars. Then compare the nutrition information per 100 g and check that the portion and ingredients you choose are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim and nutritional value | Compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and read the ingredients list. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that ‘no added sugars’ does not mean ‘sugar-free’. | If the sugar claim is my main selection criterion, I want to know how much sugar the product actually contains. For around 36% of consumers, this comparison comes first. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact packaging; ask in advance what your guests can’t eat. | If children with allergies or other dietary requirements are coming, I want to check that the biscuits are suitable before handing them out. Around 29% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Portions and serving | Check the number of biscuits and the portion size. Also check any rules about treats set by the school, after-school club or party venue. | For a party, I want to serve a small portion that fits the agreed rules. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Taste and texture | Once you’ve checked the ingredients and other requirements, choose a flavour and texture that work for the treat. | If several options are suitable for the guests, I mainly want to choose a biscuit they’re likely to enjoy. This matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
A claim about added sugars doesn’t mean a biscuit contains no sugars at all. Albert Heijn’s product page for Verkade San Francisco zero states that it contains 0% added sugar, but 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and read the ingredients list before choosing a variant.
A sugar claim says nothing about whether a product is suitable for guests with allergies. The biscuit variants mentioned contain different ingredients and allergens.
Ask in advance what your guests can’t eat and check the allergen information on the packaging you’ll actually be handing out. Keep the packaging to hand.
The number of biscuits and the stated portion size vary by product. As a result, the information per portion doesn’t always tell the same story as a comparison per 100 g.
Decide in advance how many biscuits you want to give each child. To compare products, use the nutrition information per 100 g, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends.
AH Digestive 0% sugar is an own-brand option to compare if you’re looking for a biscuit with a sugar-free claim.
The coconut and speculoos/almond variants offer two different biscuits to compare in terms of ingredients and nutritional value.
San Francisco zero is a biscuit variant to compare if you’re specifically looking for ‘no added sugars’.
No. A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking beyond the claim on the packaging. For example, Albert Heijn’s product page for Verkade San Francisco zero lists 0% added sugar and 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check which sweeteners are listed on the label and follow any warnings on the packaging. According to their product pages, AH Digestive 0% sugar and Verkade San Francisco zero carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Also decide how many biscuits you want to give each child at the party.
Ask in advance about allergies and other dietary requirements, then check the allergen information for the exact variant. The products mentioned contain different ingredients: as well as wheat, some variants may contain milk, soya, almonds or egg, for example. For children’s parties, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking in advance what children don’t eat.
No, biscuits aren’t the only option. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also suggests fruit, raisins and plain popcorn for children’s parties, and recommends choosing a small biscuit if you do serve one. If the party is at school, an after-school club or another venue, check what rules they have about treats.
