For a film night, choose a biscuit containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g if ‘sugar-free’ is a strict requirement; this is the threshold for the nutrition claim under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Then compare the portion size, polyols and allergens in the products you plan to share. ‘No added sugars’ does not automatically mean sugar-free.
You’re looking for biscuits for a film night that can be labelled sugar-free. So check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g, rather than relying on words such as ‘zero’. The threshold for the claim is set out in the EU regulation on nutrition claims.
You want a biscuit with a familiar speculoos flavour, but you also want to know whether its sugar content and number of biscuits suit your needs. Treat a product labelled ‘no added sugars’ separately from a sugar-free biscuit.
When you’re sharing biscuits, polyols and allergens may affect your choice. Before serving, check the current ingredients list and allergen information on each pack.
First decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement for your film night. Then compare flavour and how easy the biscuits are to share, along with the ingredients and pack size.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. Under the EU regulation, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | I don’t want a product with no added sugars to be mistaken for a sugar-free biscuit. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this strict sugar claim. |
| Flavour and sharing | Look at the flavour, number of biscuits and portion size: these determine whether a pack is right for your group. | For a sharing platter, I want a flavour that suits everyone and enough individual biscuits to go round. Around 31% of consumers prioritise flavour and ease of sharing. |
| Polyols and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging. | If not everyone can or wants to eat the same ingredients, I need to know before the biscuits are served. Polyols and allergens are the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
| Pack size and storage | Compare the pack weight and number of biscuits. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing biscuits in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. | I want a pack that’s right for this film night and any leftovers to be easy to store. Around 15% of consumers prioritise pack size and convenient storage. |
A recipe containing ingredients such as dates can still contain sugars, even if no sugar has been added. The two claims do not mean the same thing.
If you’re strict about choosing sugar-free, check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 sets a limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo product information lists polyols in the sugar-free biscuits described. Consuming larger amounts of polyols can cause digestive discomfort in some people.
Check the amount of polyols, the portion size and any warnings on the pack before handing out the biscuits.
The Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces described by Albert Heijn contains, among other things, wheat, almond, soya, egg and milk. A suitable sugar content does not mean a product is safe for someone with an allergy.
Read the current allergen information before buying, and keep the packaging handy when you serve the biscuits.
The packs described vary in size: AH Digestive contains 400 g, Céréal Coconut 132 g and Céréal Speculoos 110 g. As a result, one pack may provide a very different number of portions to share.
Compare the weight and number of biscuits with the size of your group. Seal an opened pack tightly if you have any biscuits left over.
Céréal offers biscuits in flavours such as coconut and speculoos, including options marketed as sugar-free.
The own-label range includes AH Digestive 0% Sugar biscuits in a 400 g pack.
Jumbo lists Céréal Coconut in a pack of 12 biscuits, each weighing 11 g.
Lotus offers speculoos products and Mini Zero ontbijtkoek, but ontbijtkoek is a different type of product from a biscuit for a film-night platter.
Sondey is Lidl’s range of biscuits and snacks.
ALDI’s snack range includes ontbijtkoek zero.
Under the nutrition claim ‘sugar-free’, a biscuit can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, in accordance with European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g on the label; ‘no added sugars’ is a different claim.
No. The sugar-free claim relates to the amount of sugars, not the total energy content. Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and per portion if energy, fat or fibre also matters to your choice.
The warning may be linked to polyols, such as maltitol, in the biscuits. Albert Heijn’s product information includes one for AH Digestive 0% Sugar in relation to excessive consumption. Read the warning and consider how many biscuits you plan to serve.
Store them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre for sugar-free biscuits. Also follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you’ve opened.
No. Lotus Mini Zero is ontbijtkoek, not a biscuit, and Lotus Bakeries labels it ‘0% added sugars’. If you’re specifically looking for sugar-free biscuits for a film night, check the product type and the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g for each biscuit separately.
