Who is this choice for?

People with a strict sugar-free requirement

For them, the difference between ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugars’ is crucial. The nutrition information per 100 g needs to meet the requirements for the claim they’re looking for.

Lovers of traditional canoe biscuits

If you’re looking for a ready-to-eat biscuit filled with almond paste to enjoy with a coffee, you’ll make a different choice from someone whose priority is a sugar-free option.

People who check for allergens

It’s important to check the exact packaging. The canoe biscuits and alternative biscuit described here may contain wheat, soya, milk, egg or almonds, depending on the product.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to eat the canoe biscuit as it is or use it in a baking recipe. Then compare the sugar information and ingredients for the exact product. Another biscuit won’t automatically have the same shape or function as a canoe biscuit.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g is allowed for a ‘sugar-free’ claim. If I’m looking for sugar-free biscuits, I want the nutrition information to back up the claim. For around 40% of consumers, this sugar limit is the top priority.
Shape and filling Check whether the biscuit contains almond paste and decide whether that particular shape or filling is needed for the intended use. I want a recognisable canoe biscuit with almond paste filling, perhaps to enjoy with a coffee, rather than a different type of biscuit. For around 30% of consumers, that traditional canoe biscuit is the deciding factor.
Ingredients and allergens Read the allergen information and ingredients on the exact packaging, even if the biscuit carries a sugar-free claim. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know what’s in this variant. For around 20% of consumers, allergens and ingredients are the first thing they consider.
Availability Check just before ordering that your chosen variant is available and that the product information shown matches the packaging. I want to be able to order the biscuit I choose, rather than relying on an out-of-date product listing. For around 10% of consumers, availability is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Relying solely on ‘sugar-free’ in the product title

    A Panpan oat biscuit described by Joybuy includes the term in its title, but its nutrition information lists 11.7 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the limit for the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim.

    Compare the title with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the packaging. If the information doesn’t match, ask for clarification before choosing the product as a sugar-free option.

  • Assuming a regular canoe biscuit is a sugar-free alternative

    Albert Heijn lists 39 g of sugars per 100 g for its butter canoe biscuits, while PLUS lists 38.9 g per 100 g for its butter canoe biscuits. Their familiar shape and almond paste filling don’t make them suitable for a sugar-free diet.

    Decide which feature matters more: a traditional canoe biscuit, or a biscuit whose sugar content meets the requirements for the claim you’re looking for.

  • Confusing sugar-free with allergen-free

    Even a biscuit with little sugar may contain ingredients that matter to you. The Céréal biscuit described by Joybuy lists almonds, egg, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients.

    Check the full ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging, not just the nutrition claim.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes products including BASIC canoe biscuits and butter canoe biscuits as ready-to-eat biscuits with almond paste.

  • The product information helps you compare ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
  • The butter canoe biscuits contain 39 g of sugars per 100 g, so they don’t meet a strict sugar-free requirement.

PLUS

PLUS describes its butter canoe biscuits as biscuits made with almond paste and butter.

  • The product information lists ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g.
  • At 38.9 g of sugars per 100 g, this variant isn’t sugar-free. Check the allergens on the packaging, too.

Aviateur

The Aviateur canoe biscuits described by PLUS are ready-to-eat biscuits with an almond paste filling.

  • The nutritional information provided makes it possible to compare sugar content per 100 g.
  • PLUS lists 37.6 g of sugars per 100 g for this variant, which doesn’t meet the requirements for a ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Heerlijck Banket

ALDI describes the 330 g pack as assorted biscuits in a canoe shape.

  • The product description makes it clear what type of biscuit it is.
  • Check the label on the exact packaging to see whether it meets a sugar-free requirement and to check for any allergens.

Sondey

Lidl describes Sondey canoe biscuits as butter biscuits with almond paste in a 325 g pack.

  • The description helps you identify the type of biscuit and pack you’re looking for.
  • Before choosing this variant, check the sugars per 100 g, ingredients and allergens on the exact packaging.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the nutrition claim ‘sugar-free’ can be used when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So, when checking a biscuit, look at the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the packaging.

Are regular canoe biscuits sugar-free?

The regular variants mentioned here aren’t: Albert Heijn lists 39 g of sugars per 100 g for its butter canoe biscuits, while PLUS lists 38.9 g for its butter canoe biscuits and 37.6 g for its Aviateur canoe biscuits. Check other variants individually rather than assuming the same applies to every canoe biscuit.

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

No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, ‘sugar-free’ means a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. Check the nutrition information for the specific biscuit before choosing it.

Can I use a different sugar-free biscuit for baking?

It depends on the role of the biscuit in your recipe. Another shape may work as a decoration or crumb layer, but you can’t assume it will have the same filling and texture as a canoe biscuit. Also check the ingredients and nutrition information for the biscuit you want to use.

How should I store canoe biscuits after opening?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for your variant. The canoe biscuit product pages described here recommend storing them in a cool, dry place and, where applicable, keeping them in a sealed tin or a tightly closed pack after opening.