Who is this distinction important for?

People looking for strictly sugar-free options

You want to choose biscuits that meet the threshold for the ‘sugar-free’ claim, and ‘no added sugar’ on the packaging alone isn’t enough.

People who take taste into account

You want to avoid added sugar, but a familiar type of biscuit matters more to you than a strictly sugar-free label. In that case, the total sugar content is still something to consider separately.

People sharing biscuits

You’re putting biscuits out for several players and want to check the allergens, possible traces and any polyol warnings in advance.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is an essential requirement. Then consider the type of biscuit and the ingredient information that matters to the players.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Strict sugar content Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim requires no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I want to serve strictly sugar-free biscuits, the total sugar content must meet this limit. For around 42% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Taste and type of biscuit Compare the product description with the total sugar content; ‘no added sugar’ does not automatically mean ‘sugar-free’. I’d rather choose a type of biscuit that suits the evening and avoid added sugar, without insisting on a strictly sugar-free option. Around 33% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Sharing with others Check the current packaging for allergens, information about possible traces and any polyol warnings. When several people are eating from the same plate, I want to know whether the biscuits I’ve chosen are suitable for the players. This is the main concern for roughly 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’

    According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Verkade San Francisco zero contains 0% added sugar, but has 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

    If you need a strictly sugar-free option, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g in the nutrition table.

  • Overlooking the polyol warning

    Some sugar-free biscuits contain polyols. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, consuming large amounts can cause digestive problems, so the packaging warning is worth noting if you’ll be snacking over an extended period.

    Check the ingredients and read the warning about excessive consumption before putting a pack on the table.

  • Assuming sugar-free means suitable for everyone

    A low sugar content tells you nothing about allergens or possible traces. The product information for the biscuits discussed here mentions ingredients such as wheat, milk and soya, depending on the product.

    Ask which allergens the players need to avoid, then check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.

Brands to consider

Céréal

The Céréal coconut and chocolate chip biscuits discussed here are sold as biscuits with no sugars.

  • Jumbo lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g for Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos, with a serving size of one 11 g biscuit. Albert Heijn also lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g for the Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie.
  • The coconut version contains wheat and may also contain nuts, egg, milk, sesame and soya. Check the polyol content and allergen information for the specific variety too.

Albert Heijn

AH Digestive 0% sugar is an own-brand option if you’re looking for a digestive biscuit that meets the ‘sugar-free’ limit.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g and describes this biscuit as vegan and lactose-free.
  • The product contains wheat, may contain barley, oats and rye, and lists 14 g of polyols per 100 g. The product page warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Verkade

Verkade San Francisco zero is worth considering if you’re looking for a biscuit with no added sugar, but don’t require a strictly sugar-free product.

  • Albert Heijn describes this variety as a biscuit with 0% added sugar.
  • The nutrition information lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, which is above the ‘sugar-free’ limit. The biscuit contains wheat, milk and soya.

Lotus Biscoff

The standard Lotus Biscoff Speculoos is an option to consider if you’re after classic speculoos, but not for a strictly sugar-free selection.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this variety contains sugar and candy syrup, and the nutrition table lists 38 g of sugars per 100 g.

Joybuy products to consider when choosing biscuits

Choose biscuits that suit your board games night, and check the packaging to find an option that works for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘sugar-free’ mean on a pack of biscuits?

Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can be used when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. For biscuits, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g in the nutrition table.

Does ‘0% added sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?

No. A biscuit with no added sugar may still contain sugars. Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero, so this variety does not meet the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Why is there sometimes a warning about a laxative effect?

This warning relates to polyols, which are used as sweeteners in some biscuits. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, consuming large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems, so check the ingredients and the warning on the pack you choose.

Which allergens should I check if several people are eating?

Check the current packaging of every biscuit you plan to share. According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% sugar contains wheat; the Céréal Kokos described by Jumbo contains wheat and may also contain nuts, egg, milk, sesame and soya. According to Albert Heijn, Verkade San Francisco zero contains wheat, milk and soya.

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

Store the biscuits in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the instructions on the packaging of the specific product.