Who is this relevant to?

Shoppers specifically looking for sugar-free options

You want a chocolate biscuit with a sugar content that meets the definition of sugar-free, not simply a biscuit with no added sugars. To check, compare the sugars per 100 g on the packaging.

Families looking for a treat to share

You’re looking for a small snack for the autumn half-term break and want to take allergies into account. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping treat portions small and asking about allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

Shoppers weighing up sweeteners

You’re open to a biscuit made with sweeteners, but want to know which ones it contains and whether the packaging warns against excessive consumption.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the sugars per 100 g, then check that the biscuit really contains chocolate. If you’re sharing it as a snack, also check the portion size and allergen information.

What to check What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar content Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g with the maximum threshold of 0.5 g that the Netherlands Bakery Centre gives for sugar-free products. Assess ‘no added sugars’ separately. If I specifically want a sugar-free biscuit, I don’t want to rely only on the wording about added sugars; sugar content is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Chocolate and biscuit type Check whether chocolate or cocoa is listed in the ingredients and whether it’s a biscuit, rather than something like ontbijtkoek. When I fancy a chocolate biscuit, a biscuit without chocolate isn’t an equivalent choice; the product type is the deciding factor for around 42% of consumers.
Portion size and allergens Check the serving information, sweeteners used, any warnings and the allergens listed on the current packaging. When choosing a treat for children, I want to be able to offer small portions and know in advance whether anyone needs to avoid an ingredient; this is the most important consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A biscuit with no added sugars can still contain sugars. Verkade describes San Francisco Zero as a biscuit with no added sugars, but it isn’t a chocolate biscuit.

    If you’re specifically looking for a sugar-free chocolate biscuit, check both ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and the type of product.

  • Looking only at sugars

    Portion size and other nutritional information still matter, even for a sugar-free biscuit. Albert Heijn’s product information for Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie zonder suikers lists polyols and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the energy, polyols and warnings on the packaging, and choose a portion that suits the occasion.

  • Choosing a biscuit without chocolate as a substitute

    A plain biscuit or ontbijtkoek with no added sugars won’t meet the brief if you’re looking for a chocolate biscuit, even if its sugar information looks appealing.

    If chocolate is a must-have for you, check the product name and ingredients.

  • Skipping the allergen information on the packaging

    According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie zonder suikers contains wheat and oats and may also contain other allergens. If you’re sharing a treat, check the packaging on the actual packet you’re using.

    Ask about allergies or dietary restrictions in advance, and check the current allergen information before sharing the biscuits.

Brands compared

Céréal

Offers chocolate biscuits with sugar values per 100 g listed in the product information.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g for Chocolate Chip Cookie zonder suikers; Jumbo lists 0.5 g per 100 g for Minder Suikers Choco Delight Puur.
  • Check the polyols, warnings and allergens on each packet; information for these two products doesn’t apply to the entire range.

Verkade

San Francisco Zero is an alternative with no added sugars if chocolate isn’t a requirement.

  • Verkade describes San Francisco Zero as a biscuit with no added sugars.
  • It isn’t a chocolate biscuit; check the sugars per 100 g before considering it sugar-free.

Lotus

Mini Zero Ontbijtkoek is worth considering when comparing products with no added sugars, but it belongs to a different product category.

  • Lotus Bakeries lists Mini Zero Ontbijtkoek as containing 0% added sugars.
  • Ontbijtkoek isn’t a chocolate biscuit. The no-added-sugars claim alone doesn’t determine whether a product can be described as sugar-free.

Albert Heijn

Its own-brand AH Digestive 0% suiker biscuit offers a comparison if chocolate isn’t essential.

  • Albert Heijn describes AH Digestive 0% suiker as a biscuit made with sweeteners.
  • This digestive isn’t a chocolate biscuit. Also check the ingredients, allergens and warning about excessive consumption on the packaging.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between sugar-free and no added sugars?

The two claims don’t mean the same thing: the Netherlands Bakery Centre gives a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g as the threshold for sugar-free. A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars, so always check ‘of which sugars’ on the packaging.

Is Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie zonder suikers suitable if I’m strictly avoiding sugar?

Yes. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this chocolate biscuit contains 0 g of sugars per 100 g. When you buy it, also check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and the warning about excessive consumption.

Why should I check the polyols in these biscuits?

Polyols are sweeteners that can be used in sugar-free biscuits. For Céréal Chocolate Chip Cookie zonder suikers, Albert Heijn lists a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; check this warning before serving several biscuits.

Does sugar-free mean portion size doesn’t matter?

No. Sugar-free describes the sugar content; it doesn’t tell you how many biscuits are right for a snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises choosing a small biscuit for a treat and asking about allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

How should I store an opened packet of sugar-free biscuits?

Store it in a cool, dry, dark place and seal it well, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the specific product.