Who is this choice important for?

Organisers with a strict sugar-free requirement

If the happy couple or a guest specifically asks for sugar-free biscuits, the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g matters more than a prominent word such as ‘zero’ on the front of the pack.

Buffet planners providing allergen information

When biscuits are served on open platters, guests need to be able to identify what they are choosing. The varieties mentioned contain wheat; other allergens and ‘may contain’ statements vary by pack.

Organisers who take sweeteners into account

If you want to offer guests a choice of different types of biscuit, you can also list the sweeteners shown on the packaging. The varieties discussed that contain polyols carry a warning about excessive consumption.

What should you look for?

First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is essential or whether ‘no added sugars’ will do. Then consider how to keep the ingredient information and portion sizes with the correct buffet platter.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Sugar claim Compare the claim on the packaging with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. For the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 sets a maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g. If someone has specifically asked for sugar-free biscuits, I don’t want to serve one whose claim means something different. For around 30% of consumers, this strict sugar claim would be the main consideration.
Allergen information Check the allergens present and any ‘may contain’ statements for each variety, and keep this information available beside the platter. If guests need to know which ingredients to avoid, I want them to be able to see which biscuit is on offer before they pick one up. Clear allergen information would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Sweeteners Check the ingredients for polyols, such as maltitol or isomalt, and read any warnings about excessive consumption. I want to be able to tell guests which sweeteners the biscuits contain, so they can make their own choice. For around 20% of consumers, this would be their first consideration.
Buffet layout Compare the packaging and portion size, and keep the product name and label information with the stock. When setting out several platters, I want to be able to plan portions without losing track of which biscuits are which. This would matter most to around 20% of consumers.

Common buffet mistakes

  • Describing ‘zero added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    According to Jumbo, Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. This is above the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g set by Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

    Copy the claim for the variety you have chosen accurately onto the buffet label, and check the nutritional information per 100 g before writing ‘sugar-free’.

  • Throwing away the packaging as soon as the platter is filled

    Ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ statements can then easily become separated from the biscuits guests see. This information varies between the Céréal, AH and Verkade varieties discussed.

    Keep the original packaging with the stock, and place a clear product name and the relevant allergen information beside each platter.

  • Serving biscuits containing polyols without product information

    The product information for the varieties discussed lists polyols and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Keep the ingredients and warning available beside the platter, and top up smaller platters rather than putting all the biscuits out at once.

  • Confusing sugar-free with low-calorie

    A claim about sugars does not describe the overall nutritional value. Albert Heijn lists 465 kcal per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% suiker.

    If you wish, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion too, rather than looking only at the sugar claim.

Brands and product ranges compared

Céréal

Céréal Zonder Suikers Kokos Smaak is one option to consider when the biscuits on your buffet need to be strictly sugar-free.

  • According to Jumbo’s product information, this variety contains 0 g of sugars per 100 g; the pack contains 3 × 4 biscuits.
  • This variety contains wheat and maltitols. Jumbo also lists the possible presence of, among other things, almonds, egg, milk, sesame and soya.

Albert Heijn

AH Digestive 0% suiker is a biscuit variety sold in a 400 g pack.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g and describes this variety as vegan and lactose-free.
  • The product contains wheat and polyols, may contain barley, oats and rye, and carries a warning about a laxative effect if consumed in excess.

Verkade

San Francisco Naturel Zero is worth considering if you’re looking for a biscuit with no added sugars, but it isn’t suitable for a buffet labelled strictly sugar-free.

  • Jumbo’s product information describes it as having ‘zero added sugars’ and gives a serving size of around 8.6–9 g per biscuit.
  • The same variety contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, as well as wheat, milk, soya and maltitols.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff Speculoos can only be served alongside a sugar-free platter if it is clearly labelled as a separate, non-sugar-free option.

  • It’s a speculoos biscuit for anyone who would also like to offer a traditional biscuit.
  • Albert Heijn lists sugar and candied syrup among the ingredients, and 38 g of sugars per 100 g. This variety contains wheat and soya.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a biscuit be called ‘sugar-free’?

For the EU ‘sugar-free’ nutrition claim, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 sets a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for biscuits. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g for the exact variety you’re putting on the buffet.

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

No. A biscuit with no added sugars may still contain sugars. Jumbo lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero, so don’t serve this variety with a ‘sugar-free’ label.

How should I provide allergen information for open platters?

Make sure the information for each biscuit is clearly linked to the right platter, for example with a label and the original packaging kept with the stock. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that businesses offering unpackaged food must inform customers about the allergens present; this obligation for businesses does not automatically apply to a private event.

Why does the packaging sometimes warn about a laxative effect?

The Céréal, AH and Verkade varieties discussed contain polyols, and their product information warns of a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess. Keep the ingredients and warning available so guests can decide for themselves which biscuit they would like.

Are sugar-free biscuits automatically low in calories?

No. ‘Sugar-free’ on its own says nothing about the total number of calories. Albert Heijn lists 465 kcal per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% suiker; check the full nutritional information and portion size if these matter when choosing biscuits for your buffet.