Who are these choices relevant to?

Those strictly limiting sugar

You’re looking for a biscuit labelled ‘sugar-free’, not simply a version with no added sugar. In that case, the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ line on the label are key.

Those choosing a sweet treat with a cuppa

You want a biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, perhaps after savoury nibbles, and are comparing flavour, serving size and nutritional values.

Those checking labels and allergens

Before serving the biscuits, you check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about sweeteners or polyols for the exact product variant you’ve chosen.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want a separate sweet biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, or something for a savoury platter. Then compare the sugar claim and the full label for the product variant you’re considering.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar claim Compare ‘sugar-free’ with ‘no added sugar’ and check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Under the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is limited to 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. If you’re specifically looking for a sugar-free biscuit, you won’t want to accidentally choose a version that only contains no added sugar. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this strict sugar claim.
Nutritional values and serving size Compare energy and other nutritional values per 100 g and per serving; bear in mind that serving sizes can differ between products. For some consumers, the full nutritional value of a serving matters when choosing a sweet biscuit, not just its sugar content. Around 27% of consumers consider this first.
Occasion and flavour Think about whether you want a biscuit with coffee or tea, or a bite to add to a savoury platter. Then choose your preferred flavour and serving style. If you’d like something sweet with coffee after savoury nibbles, that’s a different occasion from the nibbles themselves. Around 20% of consumers prioritise flavour and occasion.
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about excessive consumption on the packaging of the exact product variant. If allergens or the sweeteners used are a concern, you’ll want to know what’s in the biscuit before buying or serving it. For around 20% of consumers, these ingredients and warnings are decisive.

Common mistakes

  • Taking ‘no added sugar’ to mean ‘sugar-free’

    These terms aren’t interchangeable. According to Jumbo’s product information, Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero, labelled ‘no added sugar’, contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If ‘sugar-free’ is your selection criterion, check the exact claim and the sugar content per 100 g for the product variant you choose.

  • Comparing only the sugar content

    A low sugar value doesn’t tell you the full nutritional picture. Jumbo states that Céréal Zonder Suikers Mini Cakes Stukjes Chocolade contains 103 kcal and 9.2 g of polyols per 28 g cake.

    Also check the energy, other nutritional values and serving size, and compare products on the same basis.

  • Overlooking ingredients and warnings

    The product information for Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero lists maltitols and the allergens milk, soya and wheat. It also warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging of the exact product variant you’re buying.

  • Assuming a sweet biscuit belongs on a savoury platter

    Jumbo describes Céréal biscuits with a speculoos flavour and almond pieces as biscuits to enjoy with coffee or tea. That’s a different occasion from a savoury platter.

    Decide in advance whether you’re looking for a bite to add to the platter or a separate sweet biscuit to enjoy afterwards.

Brands and product ranges compared

Céréal

Jumbo lists specific Céréal products labelled ‘sugar-free’, including biscuits with a speculoos flavour and almond pieces, as well as separate mini cakes.

  • Jumbo describes the speculoos and almond biscuits as biscuits to enjoy with coffee or tea.
  • The mini cakes aren’t biscuits. For the chocolate variety, Jumbo lists 0 g of sugars and 33 g of polyols per 100 g; check the values for the variety you choose.

Verkade

Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero is a biscuit labelled ‘no added sugar’.

  • The product information lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, allowing you to compare its sugar content with other products.
  • That sugar content is above the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim under the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The product information also lists maltitols and allergens, and includes a warning about excessive consumption.

Peijnenburg

Peijnenburg volkoren ontbijtkoek is a breakfast cake with no added sugars, not a crunchy biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information describes it as 100% wholegrain and lists the nutritional values for the product.
  • According to that information, the breakfast cake contains 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g, so it doesn’t meet the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim under the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

Under the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ nutrition claim is limited to a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. For a biscuit, check the claim and the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact product variant.

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

No. A product with no added sugar may still contain sugars. Jumbo lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero, despite it being labelled ‘no added sugar’.

Are sugar-free biscuits automatically low in calories?

No. A sugar claim doesn’t tell you how much energy a serving provides. For example, Jumbo lists 103 kcal per 28 g cake for Céréal Zonder Suikers Mini Cakes Stukjes Chocolade. For biscuits, compare the energy and serving size on the label of the product variant you choose.

How should you store opened sugar-free biscuits?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the biscuits you’ve chosen. Voedingscentrum states that opened sugar-free biscuits can be stored in a kitchen cupboard for more than two months; also check the packaging and product to make sure they’re still in good condition.