Who are these options for?

If you want to serve sugar-free biscuits

You don’t want to accidentally describe a biscuit labelled ‘no added sugar’ as sugar-free. So compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and check the exact wording on the pack.

If you want to hand out biscuits easily

A large pack can be handy for a sharing platter. If you’d rather put out or hand round smaller groups of biscuits, check how they’re arranged in the packaging.

If you’re catering for different guests

Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens, ‘may contain’ information and warnings on each pack. The biscuits covered here differ in their contents, including wheat, almonds, milk, egg and soya.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what you mean by ‘sugar-free’. Then choose packaging that suits the way you’ll serve the biscuits, and finally check the product information for your guests.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Sugars in the product Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and check whether the pack says ‘sugar-free’ or ‘no added sugar’. If I’m describing biscuits as sugar-free, I want to know how much sugar they actually contain. For around 40% of consumers, the sugar content comes first.
Serving and allergens Check how the biscuits are arranged in the packaging, and look at the allergens and ‘may contain’ information on the current label. When guests are mingling, I want to be able to hand out biscuits without losing sight of their dietary requirements. Around 30% of consumers give this priority.
Portion size and energy Compare the energy per 100 g and per biscuit or portion. Also consider how many biscuits you’ll put out at once. When serving biscuits from a platter that’s regularly topped up, I want to keep portion sizes in mind rather than focusing only on sugar. An estimated 30% of consumers put this first.

Common mistakes

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

    A product with no added sugar may still contain sugars. Albert Heijn states that Verkade San Francisco zero contains 0% added sugar, but also 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you want to serve sugar-free biscuits, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the pack rather than relying on the wording on the front.

  • Comparing sugar content alone

    A low sugar content doesn’t tell you how much energy a biscuit provides. Albert Heijn states that AH Digestive 0% suiker contains 465 kcal per 100 g; Jumbo states that Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos Smaak contains 427 kcal per 100 g.

    Compare products on the same basis, and before serving, check the energy per biscuit or portion too.

  • Leaving allergen and sweetener checks until serving time

    Jumbo states that Céréal Speculoos Stukjes Amandel contains wheat, almonds, egg, milk and soya, among other ingredients. Some packs also carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Keep the packaging available for guests, and if anyone has a known allergy, check the current label before choosing a product.

Brands worth comparing

Albert Heijn

AH Digestive 0% suiker is an option for a sharing platter. Albert Heijn lists a 400 g pack and 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g.

  • The product information describes these biscuits as vegan and lactose-free.
  • The biscuits contain wheat, may contain other cereals containing gluten, and carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Céréal

The Zonder Suikers Kokos Smaak and Speculoos Stukjes Amandel varieties listed by Jumbo have different flavours and packaging formats.

  • Jumbo lists Kokos Smaak as 3 × 4 biscuits and 0 g of sugars per 100 g; Speculoos Stukjes Amandel is listed as 2 × 5 biscuits and 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • Allergens vary by variety. Speculoos Stukjes Amandel contains almonds, egg, milk, soya and wheat, among other ingredients, so check the specific pack you choose.

Verkade

San Francisco zero shows why ‘0% added sugar’ is a different consideration from choosing a product with the lowest possible ‘of which sugars’ figure.

  • According to the product information listed by Albert Heijn, these biscuits contain 0% added sugar.
  • The same product information lists naturally occurring sugars and 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. The product also contains cereals containing gluten, milk and soya.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No. A product with no added sugar may still contain sugars. Albert Heijn states that Verkade San Francisco zero contains 0% added sugar and 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the nutrition information on the pack too.

Are sugar-free biscuits automatically low in calories?

No. The sugar claim alone doesn’t tell you the product’s total energy content. If it matters for your choice, compare the energy per 100 g and per biscuit or portion.

What does the warning about a laxative effect mean?

For products including AH Digestive 0% suiker, the product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. At a garden party, keep the pack with its ingredients and warnings to hand so guests can read the information.

How should I store the biscuits before the garden party?

Follow the storage instructions for the product you choose, and seal any opened pack securely. For AH Digestive 0% suiker, Albert Heijn recommends storing the biscuits in a sealed tin after opening.