If you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit to take to a festival campsite, don’t choose a standard sprits: according to Verkade, Nobo Sprits Original contains 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g. A biscuit sold as sugar-free, such as AH Digestive 0% suiker, is a different type of biscuit; Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g for this product. Also check the allergens, sweetener warnings and storage instructions on the packaging.
They want to take a dry biscuit to the festival campsite that is actually sold as sugar-free. They compare the nutritional information per 100 g rather than relying on words such as ‘zero’ on the front of the pack.
They’re looking for an alternative to enjoy with a cuppa, but accept that a digestive is different from a traditional sprits in shape, taste and ingredients.
They also consider allergens and warnings about sweeteners such as polyols when making their choice. For them, the information on the current packaging is what matters.
A good choice when: The shape and taste of a sprits matter more to you than choosing a sugar-free option.
The trade-off: Verkade lists 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g for Nobo Sprits Original, so this product doesn’t meet the requirement for a sugar-free biscuit.
A good choice when: The ‘sugar-free’ label is your priority and you’re happy with a different type of biscuit instead of sprits.
The trade-off: AH Digestive 0% suiker is a digestive biscuit, not a sprits. Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
A good choice when: No added sugar is enough for you, even if the biscuit still contains sugars.
The trade-off: Verkade San Francisco Zero contains naturally occurring sugars; according to Jumbo, the product contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. It isn’t a sugar-free sprits.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check whether the packaging says ‘sugar-free’ or ‘no added sugar’. | I want a biscuit that is explicitly sold as sugar-free, not just a product with no added sugar. Around 42% of consumers put this requirement first. |
| Storing biscuits at the campsite | Check the best-before date and the instructions for keeping the biscuits dry and storing them after opening. | Without a fridge, I want to be able to keep my biscuits for several days of the festival, as long as the packaging and storage instructions allow it. For around 33% of consumers, shelf life is the main concern. |
| Allergens and sweeteners | Read the allergen information and check the current packaging for any warnings about polyols. | If I have an allergy or sensitivity to polyols, I need to be able to check the ingredients before taking biscuits with me. For around 25% of consumers, this check matters most. |
No added sugar doesn’t mean a biscuit contains no sugars. Verkade San Francisco Zero contains naturally occurring sugars; Jumbo lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Decide which claim you’re looking for, then compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends comparing nutritional values on this basis.
The name of a type of biscuit tells you nothing about its sugar content. According to Verkade, Nobo Sprits Original contains sugar as an ingredient and has 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g.
If sugar-free is a must, consider other biscuits too and check their labels rather than only searching for sprits.
The biscuit alternatives mentioned may contain wheat and other allergens. Products containing certain sweeteners also carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Before buying, check the ingredients, allergens and usage warnings on the current packaging.
Storage advice varies from product to product. Albert Heijn says AH Digestive 0% suiker should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place; PLUS recommends keeping Céréal Koekjes kokos zonder suikers in a dry place at room temperature.
Follow the instructions on the packaging and seal an opened pack securely.
If biscuits get damp, they can go soft and may need to be thrown away.
Offers both a traditional sprits and a biscuit with no added sugar; these products cater to different needs.
AH Digestive 0% suiker is a biscuit option for anyone looking for the ‘sugar-free’ label who doesn’t need a sprits shape.
Céréal Koekjes kokos zonder suikers is an alternative for anyone who isn’t looking for a traditional sprits.
No. A product with no added sugar may still contain sugars. Verkade San Francisco Zero contains naturally occurring sugars; according to Jumbo, it has 1.7 g per 100 g. So check both the claim on the packaging and the nutritional information per 100 g.
Yes, as long as the best-before date and storage instructions for your chosen product allow it. Albert Heijn says AH Digestive 0% suiker should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place; PLUS recommends storing Céréal Koekjes kokos zonder suikers in a dry place at room temperature. Keep the packaging intact and follow the instructions on the pack after opening.
For the biscuits mentioned that contain certain sweeteners, including maltitol, the product information states that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Check the warning on the packaging when choosing biscuits to take for several days of the festival.
Check the current allergen information for the specific product, even if two packs look similar. The biscuit alternatives mentioned contain wheat; Verkade San Francisco Zero also contains milk and soya. Céréal Koekjes kokos zonder suikers may also contain traces of other allergens.
