If you’re looking for strictly sugar-free biscuits
You want a biscuit for the journey labelled ‘sugar-free’ that matches the sugar content shown on the pack. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, the ingredients and the portion size.
Which biscuits are right for you?
If you’re keeping an eye on polyols
You want to limit sugar, but on a long car journey you also need to consider how well you tolerate sweeteners. Check which polyols are used and whether the pack warns of a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
If you like to plan practical snacks
You want to take biscuits in easy-to-manage portions, comparing the packaging, flavour and allergens alongside the sugar claim. That way, you can also take other passengers into account.
What should you look for in biscuits for the journey?
Sugar-free biscuit
Right for you if: you’re specifically looking for a biscuit labelled ‘sugar-free’ with no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Things to consider: also check the sweeteners used, allergens and any warnings about excessive consumption.
No added sugar
Right for you if: you’re mainly looking for a biscuit with no added sugar, but don’t need it to be sugar-free.
Things to consider: According to Albert Heijn, Verkade San Francisco zero contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, so it doesn’t meet the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.
Lotus Biscoff for flavour
Right for you if: you mainly want to take along the crisp biscuit with a caramelised flavour described by Lotus Bakeries.
Things to consider: don’t assume this is a sugar-free option without checking the nutritional information on the exact pack.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | I want a biscuit for the journey that suits my preference for strictly sugar-free options, not just a pack labelled ‘zero’. For around 36% of consumers, the sugar claim is their top purchasing priority. |
| Sweeteners and polyols | Check the ingredients for sweeteners such as maltitol or isomalt, and look out for warnings about excessive consumption. | On a long journey, I don’t want to eat a large, unfamiliar portion containing polyols if I’m sensitive to them. For around 36% of consumers, the choice of sweeteners is the deciding factor. |
| Portions and allergens | Check the portion size, how the pack is divided up and the allergens listed on the label of the exact variant. | When I’m packing snacks for several passengers, I want to be able to share out portions and know which allergens they contain. Around 28% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming ‘zero’ means sugar-free
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. That’s above the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
If strictly sugar-free is your priority, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.
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Eating lots of biscuits containing polyols just before setting off
The labels of the sugar-conscious biscuits discussed here list polyols such as maltitol or isomalt. Products containing polyols can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Read the warning on the pack and, if you know you’re sensitive to polyols, stick to a portion you already know you can tolerate.
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Looking only at the sugar claim
Allergens and portion size also determine whether a pack is practical for everyone in the car. The variants discussed here include wheat, among other ingredients; other allergens vary by product.
Check the current label for the exact variant and, if needed, divide a larger pack into portions beforehand.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Digestive 0% suiker is a supermarket own-brand biscuit sold in a 400 g pack.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists 0.3 g of sugars and 5.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The biscuit contains wheat, maltitols and isomalt. The pack warns of a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Céréal
According to Jumbo’s product information, Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos comes in a pack of 3 × 4 biscuits.
- Jumbo lists 0 g of sugars and 4.1 g of fibre per 100 g for this coconut variant.
- The ingredients include maltitols and wheat. Also check the possible cross-contamination allergens listed on the pack.
Verkade
Verkade San Francisco zero shows the difference between ‘no added sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’.
- Albert Heijn describes this variant as having ‘0% added sugar’.
- The same product information lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, maltitols and allergens including gluten, milk and soya.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crisp biscuit with a caramelised flavour.
- Its distinctive flavour may be the deciding factor if the sugar claim isn’t your main concern.
- Check the nutritional information on the specific pack before considering Biscoff a sugar-free option.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘sugar-free’ mean a biscuit contains 0 g of sugars?
No. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex, a product labelled ‘sugar-free’ can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So a figure of 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g doesn’t rule out the claim.
Does ‘0% added sugar’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?
No. A claim about added sugar doesn’t rule out sugars that are naturally present. For example, Albert Heijn lists both ‘0% added sugar’ and 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco zero.
Why do some biscuits carry a warning about a laxative effect?
The warning relates to added polyols, such as maltitol and isomalt, and excessive consumption. According to Voedingscentrum, products containing more than 10% added polyols carry the warning. If you’re taking biscuits on a journey, check the ingredients and warning on the exact pack.
How should I take biscuits with me on a car journey?
Take a sealed portion with you and follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. Albert Heijn’s product information for AH Digestive 0% suiker and Verkade San Francisco zero recommends storing them in a cool, dry place. For AH Digestive, it also recommends keeping the biscuits in a sealed tin once opened.