If colleagues specifically ask for sugar-free biscuits, check the nutritional information for the exact product: Jumbo lists 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g for Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces, below the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim limit of 0.5 g per 100 g under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. If individually wrapped portions are important, Céréal Mini Cakes are one option, but they are soft cakes, not biscuits. Check the ingredients and allergens for both options; ‘no added sugars’ does not, by itself, mean a product is sugar-free.
If attendees specifically ask for sugar-free biscuits, the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g is what matters. Wording on the front of the pack alone does not distinguish ‘sugar-free’ from ‘no added sugars’.
Individually wrapped portions can make it easier to hand out treats during a work meeting. Just check the product type: a wrapped mini cake is different from a crisp biscuit to have with your coffee.
If anyone has a known allergy or prefers to avoid polyols, the ingredients list for the product you choose is just as important as its sugar content.
First, establish whether the requirement really is ‘sugar-free’. Then consider which ingredients and serving style will suit those attending.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free claim | Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, biscuits must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to make the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim. | If colleagues specifically ask for sugar-free biscuits, I don’t want them to mistake a different claim on the label for the same thing. This certainty is a priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact product packaging; check for polyols too. | If attendees have allergies or want to avoid polyols, I want them to be able to see what’s on the table. That’s why ingredients are the main focus for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portions and product type | Compare the number of individual portions and the portion size. Check whether you’re buying biscuits or soft cakes. | During a meeting, I want to be able to hand something out without passing round an open plate, but the product still needs to be suitable. Ease of serving is the biggest consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
These terms do not mean the same thing. According to the Voedingscentrum, a product with no added sugars can still contain sugars, so it may not meet what attendees mean by ‘sugar-free’.
Read the nutritional information for the product you choose. For biscuits, only describe them as ‘sugar-free’ if they contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, in line with the EU requirement for that claim.
A sugar-free biscuit can still contain polyols and allergens. According to Jumbo’s product information, Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces contains maltitol, wheat and almonds, among other ingredients.
Keep the packaging with the treats and, if you know someone has an allergy, ask in advance what clearly labelled alternative they need.
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘no added sugars’ does not automatically mean sugar-free or low in calories. The sugars figure also tells you nothing about how much saturated fat or salt a product contains.
For similar products, compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then consider the portion size you plan to serve.
Biscuits and mini cakes listed as sugar-free options on Jumbo’s product pages.
A retailer offering products including AH Digestive 0% sugar and Verkade San Francisco Zero.
A retailer with product information for the Céréal biscuits and mini cakes mentioned above.
ALDI describes Koek & Bakker Gesneden Ontbijtkoek Zero as pre-sliced ontbijtkoek with no added sugars.
Lotus Biscoff Original is a standard speculoos biscuit to enjoy with coffee, not a sugar-free option.
No. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, biscuits can only carry the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim if they contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum points out that ‘no added sugars’ does not mean a product is sugar-free or low in calories.
Keep the ingredients list for the product you’re serving visible or close at hand, so attendees can check for themselves what it contains. Jumbo lists polyols in the Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces and Mini Cakes with chocolate pieces mentioned above; ingredients vary between products.
No. ‘Sugar-free’ describes the sugar content, not the total amount of carbohydrates or whether a product suits someone’s personal dietary choices. Check the nutritional information and portion size, and don’t rely on the claim alone when choosing something for someone else.
Don’t assume that one sugar-free option will suit everyone. Read the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact packaging. If you know someone has an allergy, discuss a suitable, clearly labelled alternative with them in advance.
