People comparing total sugars
If you’re looking for a strict sugar limit for an evening snack, the difference between ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugar’ will determine which biscuits you look at more closely.
Who are these choices relevant to?
People keeping an eye on their evening portion
If you want to decide in advance how many biscuits to have, the nutritional values for the portion you actually eat will tell you more about that snack than the sugar claim alone.
People who check ingredients carefully
If sweeteners or allergens affect your choice, check the ingredients and warnings for the exact variety, rather than relying on the product range name.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which sugar claim suits your preferences. Then compare the portion you actually plan to eat and read the ingredients for the specific biscuit.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Total sugars | Look for the exact claim and check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Under EU rules, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. | I want to choose a biscuit based on its total sugar content, not just on what has been added. For around 36% of consumers, this strict sugar limit is the top priority. |
| Portion and energy | Compare the energy per 100 g and work out how much that is for the number of biscuits you want to have. | For a small biscuit break, I want to know what my chosen portion contains, even if the biscuit is labelled sugar-free. For around 29% of consumers, portion size matters most. |
| Polyols | Check the ingredients for sweeteners such as maltitol and read the warning on the packaging. | If I’m considering biscuits containing polyols, I want to know what’s in them before choosing a portion. Tolerance is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Check the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement for the exact variety. | I need to check first that the ingredients in this biscuit are suitable for my dietary requirements; the sugar claim comes second. This check is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
A biscuit with no added sugar may still contain sugars. Albert Heijn states that Verkade San Francisco Zero contains naturally occurring sugars, with 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
If total sugar content is what matters most, check both the claim and the nutritional information per 100 g.
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Assuming sugar-free also means low in energy
A sugar claim doesn’t tell you the energy content. Albert Heijn lists Céréal Speculoos at 404 kcal per 100 g, while Jumbo lists Céréal Kokos at 427 kcal per 100 g.
Check both the value per 100 g and the amount you plan to eat as an evening snack.
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Overlooking the warning on biscuits containing polyols
Albert Heijn’s product information warns that excessive consumption of biscuits containing sweeteners such as maltitol may have a laxative effect.
Read the ingredients and the warning on the packaging, especially if you plan to have several biscuits.
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Checking only the sugar claim if you have an allergy
A sugar claim tells you nothing about the allergens in a biscuit. Ingredients can also vary between varieties.
If you have an allergy, read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement on the current packaging.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Céréal
Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo describes Céréal biscuits as ‘sugar-free’, including Speculoos with almond pieces and Kokos.
- Albert Heijn lists Speculoos at 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g; Jumbo lists Kokos at 0 g per 100 g.
- Check the polyols, allergens and portion size for each variety: the sugar claim doesn’t tell you about these.
Albert Heijn
AH Digestive 0% suiker is a supermarket own-brand biscuit containing sweeteners, sold in a 400 g pack.
- The product information lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The product contains wheat and carries a warning about excessive consumption. Check the current packaging for the ingredients.
Verkade
San Francisco Zero is an option if you’re specifically looking for a biscuit labelled ‘0% added sugar’.
- The claim makes clear that it refers to added sugar.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this biscuit contains naturally occurring sugars: 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a caramelised biscuit, ideal for enjoying with a coffee, among other occasions.
- It’s a familiar standard biscuit range to consider alongside biscuits with a sugar claim if flavour is your main priority.
- Don’t rely on the brand or flavour description to determine the sugar content; check the claim and nutritional information on the pack you choose.
Biscuits on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
When can a biscuit be labelled ‘sugar-free’?
Under EU rules, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can be used if a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So when choosing a biscuit, check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the packaging.
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?
No. A biscuit with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars. For example, Albert Heijn lists Verkade San Francisco Zero at 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Why do some biscuits containing sweeteners warn against excessive consumption?
According to the product warning, excessive consumption of biscuits containing polyols such as maltitol may have a laxative effect. Read the warning and ingredients for the variety you choose, especially if you plan to have several biscuits.
How should I store an opened pack of biscuits?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal the pack well after opening. Advice can vary by product; for example, Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Digestive 0% suiker in a cool, dark and dry place.