Who is this choice important for?

Shoppers with a strict sugar-free requirement

For you, the biscuit must genuinely meet the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim. So check the sugars per 100 g in the nutrition information, even if the front of the pack uses terms such as zero or sugar-conscious.

Shoppers looking to avoid added sugars

You’re looking for a biscuit with no added sugars, but don’t require it to be sugar-free. It’s still important to check the sugars present and the sweeteners used separately.

Hosts serving a shared snack table

You’re buying biscuits for several players. As well as the sugar claim, you’ll need to consider allergens, any polyols, the number of biscuits in the pack and how to keep the different options clearly separate.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a must; then check that the ingredients and packaging are suitable for everyone who’ll be sharing.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
The sugar claim Check the sugars per 100 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a ‘sugar-free’ claim means no more than 0.5 g per 100 g; terms such as zero or sugar-conscious are no substitute for checking this. If you only want to serve sugar-free biscuits, you’ll want to know whether the nutritional values meet that requirement. This verifiable claim is the priority for around 50% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest ingredients and allergen information. For biscuits containing polyols, check whether there’s a warning about excessive consumption. If guests have allergies or questions about sweeteners, I want to know exactly what’s in the biscuit. This is the deciding factor for around 30% of consumers.
Sharing during the game Check how many biscuits are in the pack and confirm availability before buying. Keep regular biscuits clearly separate if not everyone has the same requirements around sugar. For a shared game night, I want to put out enough biscuits without mixing up the different options. This practical consideration comes first for around 20% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming zero or sugar-conscious means sugar-free

    Verkade describes San Francisco Zero as having no added sugars, but it also contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the 0.5 g per 100 g limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

    If you have a strict sugar-free requirement, always compare the value per 100 g. Only choose a biscuit with no added sugars if that broader option meets your needs.

  • Confusing sugar-free with low energy

    On its own, sugar-free says nothing about the energy content or what would be a suitable amount to eat. Joybuy’s product information lists Céréal Speculoos with almond as containing 404 kcal and 29 g of polyols per 100 g, with a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the nutrition information and keep the packaging handy in case guests want to know which sweeteners the biscuit contains.

  • Sharing biscuits without checking the allergens

    The Céréal variety discussed here lists, among other things, almonds, cereals containing gluten, eggs, milk and soya. So a suitable sugar claim doesn’t automatically make a biscuit suitable for every player.

    Ask about any relevant allergies in advance, check the current packaging and keep clearly identifiable options separate.

  • Relying on a retailer’s product listing alone

    Product information and availability can change between planning your shopping and making your purchase. Albert Heijn notes that details such as ingredients and allergy information may change.

    Check the latest retailer information before buying, and read the packaging again when your biscuits arrive, especially if the sugar claim or an allergen is important.

Brands to compare

These brands offer different options for game night. Always assess the specific biscuit and its current packaging, rather than relying on the brand name alone.

Céréal

The Speculoos with almond variety is an example to consider if you’re choosing strictly by the sugar-free claim.

  • Joybuy’s product information lists 0.4 g of sugars and 29 g of polyols per 100 g.
  • This variety also contains almonds, cereals containing gluten, eggs, milk and soya, among other ingredients. Check the allergen information on the packaging before sharing.

Verkade

San Francisco Zero may suit you if you’re looking for biscuits with no added sugars, but not if you have a strict sugar-free requirement.

  • Verkade presents this variety as a biscuit with no added sugars.
  • Verkade lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. If you’re sharing them, also check the information about wheat, milk and soya.

Albert Heijn

The sugar-conscious biscuits range and AH Digestive 0% sugar are product names worth assessing individually.

  • Albert Heijn has a separate selection of sugar-conscious biscuits.
  • Don’t assume that a name containing 0% means a biscuit meets your specific requirements. Check the latest nutrition and allergen information on the packaging.

Jumbo

The listing for Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos Smaak is a starting point if you’re looking for a different biscuit flavour.

  • Jumbo lists the coconut variety as a pack of 3 × 4 biscuits, 132 g.
  • Before buying, check the nutrition and allergen information for this specific variety on the current packaging.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff Original is a regular speculoos biscuit. Only put it out as a separate option alongside a sugar-free choice.

  • Lotus Bakeries Nederland lists multipacks that include portions of two biscuits.
  • Lotus Bakeries Nederland lists 38,10 g of sugars per 100 g for Lotus Biscoff Original; it isn’t a substitute when a sugar-free biscuit is required.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does sugar-free mean on a biscuit packet?

Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, biscuits can be described as ‘sugar-free’ if they contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the nutrition information per 100 g, even if the front of the pack uses other sugar-related terms.

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

No. A biscuit with no added sugars can still contain sugars. Verkade lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for San Francisco Zero, which is above the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Which allergens should I check for a shared game night?

Check the allergens for each biscuit on its current packaging. The Céréal variety discussed here lists almonds, cereals containing gluten, eggs, milk and soya, among other ingredients; Verkade San Francisco Zero lists wheat, milk and soya.

How should I store an opened pack of sugar-free biscuits?

Keep the biscuits in a dry place in a tightly sealed container, and follow the instructions on the packaging. For opened sugar-free biscuits, Voedingscentrum recommends storing them in a kitchen cupboard. Céréal’s product information advises resealing the pack securely after opening and keeping it away from moisture and sunlight.