Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want to choose something strictly sugar-free

You’re looking for a snack for a study session that meets the ‘sugar-free’ claim. If that means choosing something other than an egg cake, you’re happy with a different format.

If you like taking an egg cake with you

You mainly choose an egg cake for studying and want to know how much sugar the regular or wholemeal variety contains according to the label.

If you’re considering a biscuit as an alternative

You’re open to a biscuit with little or no added sugar, but you also want to check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a must-have or whether you mainly want an egg cake. Then check each product’s nutritional information, portion size and ingredients.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Strictly sugar-free Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and the exact claim. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit for ‘sugar-free’ at 0,5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I’m looking for a strictly sugar-free snack for studying, I’m happy to choose a different format from an egg cake. This is the top priority for around 37% of consumers.
No added sugar Compare the total sugars per 100 g with the ingredients and any warnings about polyols. I want to avoid added sugar, but I don’t necessarily need to stay below the ‘sugar-free’ limit. Around 27% of consumers say this is their priority.
Egg cake and portion size Check that it’s an egg cake, then read the sugar content per 100 g and the portion size on the packaging. For my study break, the egg cake’s texture matters more than a sugar-free claim. This is the most important consideration for around 18% of consumers.
Ingredients Check the current allergen information. For biscuits with sweeteners, check the ingredients and warnings too. If I need to avoid certain ingredients or want to take polyols into account, the packaging takes priority over the sugar claim. This check is a priority for around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘Zero’ means ‘sugar-free’

    ‘No added sugars’ is not the same claim as ‘sugar-free’. Albert Heijn lists 1,7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero, despite the ‘0% added sugar’ label.

    Check the exact claim and compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g with the 0,5 g limit that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets for ‘sugar-free’.

  • Assuming wholemeal means less sugar

    Jumbo lists 33,6 g of sugars per 100 g for its wholemeal egg cakes and 29,5 g per 100 g for the regular variety reviewed.

    Compare fibre and sugar as separate values on the label of the variety you want to buy.

  • Skipping biscuit warnings

    The product information for AH Digestive 0% suiker and Verkade San Francisco Zero warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    If a biscuit contains sweeteners, check the ingredients and warnings too, especially if you’re considering having more than one portion.

  • Relying on the product name for allergen information

    Ingredients and allergen information vary from product to product. Bolletje lists wheat, egg, soya and milk, among other allergens, for its Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel.

    If you have an allergy, always check the current allergen information for the specific variety on the packaging.

Brands and product ranges compared

Jumbo

The regular and wholemeal egg cakes reviewed are examples for anyone comparing egg cakes, not for anyone looking for a strictly sugar-free option.

  • Jumbo lists 29,5 g of sugars per 100 g for its regular egg cakes and 33,6 g per 100 g for the wholemeal variety.
  • According to the label, the wholemeal variety reviewed contains no less sugar than the regular one. Both values are above the limit the Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets for ‘sugar-free’.

Bolletje

Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel is an egg cake variety for anyone looking specifically for that product, not a proven sugar-free choice.

  • The product information describes a milk coating and lists sugar among the ingredients.
  • Bolletje lists cereals containing gluten, wheat, egg, soya and milk as allergens for this variety.

Albert Heijn

AH Digestive 0% suiker is a biscuit alternative if the sugar content matters more to you than an egg cake’s texture.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0,3 g of sugars per 100 g for this biscuit.
  • The product information also lists 14 g of polyols per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Verkade

San Francisco Zero is a biscuit for anyone considering a product with no added sugar, not an egg cake.

  • Albert Heijn describes this Verkade product as having ‘0% added sugar’.
  • The same product information lists 1,7 g of sugars per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

A snack alternative on Joybuy

If the egg cake format isn’t essential for you, you could also consider a cracker for a study break. For a strictly sugar-free choice, compare the current sugar content on the packaging with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s limit. This product is not an egg cake.

Hollandia Matzo Crackers Natural, 16 pieces

Hollandia Matzo Crackers Natural, 16 pieces

A cracker as an alternative to an egg cake during a study break, if you’re happy with a different type of snack.

For a strictly sugar-free choice, check the nutritional information per 100 g on the packaging. If you have an allergy, check the current allergen information too.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

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

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0,5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. ‘No added sugars’ means that no sugars or foods used for their sweetening properties have been added. Naturally occurring sugars may still be present.

Are the Jumbo egg cakes reviewed sugar-free?

No. Jumbo lists 29,5 g of sugars per 100 g for the regular egg cakes reviewed and 33,6 g per 100 g for the wholemeal variety. That’s above the maximum limit of 0,5 g per 100 g that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

What should I check if I choose a biscuit instead of an egg cake?

Compare the sugar content per 100 g, and check the ingredients and warnings too. Albert Heijn includes a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed excessively for both AH Digestive 0% suiker and Verkade San Francisco Zero.

Which allergens should I check in an egg cake?

Check the allergen information for the specific egg cake on the current packaging. For Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel, Bolletje lists cereals containing gluten, wheat, egg, soya and milk. Don’t assume every variety contains the same ingredients.