Don’t serve regular chocolate flakes as sugar-free: according to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Chocolade vlokken puur contains 63 g of sugars per 100 g. For a strictly sugar-free option, EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 sets a limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; also check the latest allergen information. Lower-sugar chocolate sprinkles are only an option if the organiser accepts both a different product format and a product that is not sugar-free.
If sugar-free is a set requirement for the buffet, you’ll need the nutritional information for the specific product. A statement such as ‘less sugar’ or ‘no added sugars’ isn’t enough to establish whether it meets the EU threshold for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.
If a sugar-free claim isn’t essential, you can compare chocolate toppings by their sugars per 100 g. Also consider the product format: the lower-sugar options mentioned are chocolate sprinkles, not flakes.
Guests must be able to check allergen information for unpackaged toppings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information requirement also applies to catering, so make sure the information relates to the product actually being served.
First, decide whether ‘sugar-free’ and the ‘flakes’ format are essential requirements. You can only consider lower-sugar alternatives if chocolate sprinkles are also acceptable.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free claim | Check the latest nutritional information to confirm the product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim, as set out in Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. | If sugar-free is an explicit requirement, I don’t want to serve a topping that merely contains less sugar. An estimated 46% of consumers put this requirement first. |
| Less sugar | Compare sugars per 100 g and check what the reduction claim refers to. Make sure chocolate sprinkles are acceptable instead of flakes. | For a buffet without a strict sugar-free requirement, I’m looking for a lower-sugar alternative, but I want to agree on the different product format in advance. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Allergens at a self-service buffet | Check the allergen declaration and any precautionary ‘may contain’ warning on the latest packaging. Make sure guests can access the right information for unpackaged toppings. | When guests serve themselves, I want them to be able to see which allergens are present in each dish. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this aspect of buffet service. |
A reduction claim doesn’t mean a product falls below the threshold for ‘sugar-free’. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker contains 43 g of sugars per 100 g.
Use the nutritional information for the chosen variety to decide how to describe it on the buffet. Don’t call a reduced-sugar product sugar-free.
Chocolate sprinkles and chocolate flakes are different product formats. If the organiser has specifically asked for flakes, substituting sprinkles changes what guests will find on the buffet.
Check in advance whether chocolate sprinkles are acceptable, and state the actual product format on the buffet label.
According to the product information from Albert Heijn, Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Make the latest product information and this warning available to guests and catering staff.
At an open buffet, information kept on the original packaging can easily become separated from the topping being served. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority also requires information about allergens in unpackaged catering products.
Keep an up-to-date product sheet or clear allergen information available for each dish, and update it whenever the product changes.
De Ruijter Chocolade vlokken puur is an example of regular chocolate flakes for when the product format matters, but a sugar-free claim isn’t required.
AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker is a chocolate sprinkles option for a buffet where less sugar is sufficient and flakes aren’t a firm requirement.
Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers is another chocolate sprinkles option to consider if a reduced-sugar product is acceptable.
Lindt describes chocolate products with no added sugars. This is a different option from ready-to-serve chocolate flakes.
No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can only be used for a solid product if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. A ‘less sugar’ claim compares a product with another product; always check the stated amount of sugars as well.
No, not the De Ruijter Chocolade vlokken puur variety for which Albert Heijn states 63 g of sugars per 100 g. Label it on the buffet as chocolate flakes, without a sugar-free claim.
Guests must be able to get information about the allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority includes catering in its rules for unpackaged products. If you provide the information verbally, you must clearly indicate that guests can ask for it; check the latest product information for each dish.
Not automatically. ‘No added sugars’ and ‘sugar-free’ are different claims. For a strict sugar-free request, check that the specific product meets the EU limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, and confirm that its product format is acceptable.
Read the warnings for the variety you’ve chosen and make the product information available at the buffet. For Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers, Albert Heijn’s product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
