Shoppers looking for sugar-free chocolate flakes
For you, ‘reduced sugar’ isn’t enough: you want flakes labelled ‘sugar-free’ and containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, the limit the Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets for this claim.
Who is this distinction important to?
Shoppers who mainly want to cut down
You compare the sugar content of sweet toppings, but don’t necessarily need a sugar-free product. Consider whether chocolate sprinkles are an alternative to flakes for you.
Shoppers comparing labels
As well as sugars per 100 g, you want to check ingredients, allergens and packaging information. Check these details for the specific product you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether sugar-free is essential or whether reduced sugar is enough. Then compare the product type and the nutritional information on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free claim | Check that the product is chocolate flakes, carries the ‘sugar-free’ claim and lists no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, as specified by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre for this claim. | If only sugar-free flakes will do, I don’t want to mistake packaging that says ‘reduced sugar’ for the product I’m actually looking for. Around 39% of shoppers put this strict requirement first. |
| Reduced sugar | Compare sugars per 100 g and consider whether chocolate sprinkles, rather than flakes, suit the way you plan to use the product. | I want to compare the sugar content of my sprinkles, but don’t necessarily need sugar-free flakes. Around 31% of shoppers give reducing sugar the highest priority. |
| Other nutritional information | As well as ‘of which sugars’, check total carbohydrates, any polyols and the information per serving, if provided. | If I want to compare more than just sugars, I need the other nutritional information to weigh up the products. This is the main consideration for around 15% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and packaging | Check the allergen information, ingredients and pack size of the variant you choose. | I want to choose a pack whose ingredients and allergen information meet my requirements. For around 15% of shoppers, checking the label is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘reduced sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the ‘sugar-free’ claim allows a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers, as listed by Albert Heijn, contains 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Decide which claim you’re looking for, then check the sugar content per 100 g on the packaging.
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Treating chocolate sprinkles and flakes as the same product
A reduced-sugar variety of chocolate sprinkles doesn’t automatically meet the need for chocolate flakes: they’re different product types.
First decide whether chocolate sprinkles suit the way you want to use your topping.
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Looking only at ‘of which sugars’
For Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers, Albert Heijn also lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
If a product contains polyols, check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging too.
Brands to compare
De Ruijter
De Ruijter makes chocolate flakes in several varieties. Compare the nutritional information for each one rather than relying on the brand name.
- PLUS lists De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur as containing 63 g of sugars per 100 g.
- This dark variety is therefore not sugar-free. Check the allergen information on the pack you choose too.
Venz
Venz makes several types of sweet topping. When comparing them, pay attention to the exact product type and variety.
- For Venz Kwinkslag chocolade puur-vanille, PLUS lists 73 g of sugars per 100 g.
- This variety is not sugar-free; according to the product information, it contains wheat, milk and soya, among other ingredients.
Choca
Choca Vlokken are a standard variety of chocolate flakes that you can compare using the label information.
- PLUS lists Choca Vlokken as containing 71 g of sugars per 100 g.
- This variety is not sugar-free. The product information lists wheat starch and soya, and says it may contain milk.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
When can a product be labelled ‘sugar-free’?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the ‘sugar-free’ nutrition claim means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. So, when choosing chocolate flakes, check both the claim and the sugars per 100 g in the nutritional information.
Does ‘reduced sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. Albert Heijn lists Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers as containing 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g, which is above the 0.5 g per 100 g limit the Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets for ‘sugar-free’. What’s more, this is chocolate sprinkles, not flakes.
What should I look for in chocolate sprinkles containing polyols?
Read the ingredients, nutritional information and warnings on the packaging. Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers, as listed by Albert Heijn, contains 40 g of polyols per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Does ‘sugar-free’ tell me enough about all carbohydrates?
No. The claim relates to sugars; for a broader comparison, you should also check total carbohydrates and any polyols in the nutritional information. If you have questions about personalised dietary advice, speak to a doctor or dietitian.