Who is this choice important for?

People for whom sugar-free is a must

You only want to serve an egg cake as sugar-free if the sugar content of that exact product supports the claim. ‘With no added sugars’ isn’t enough.

Hosts keeping an eye on added sugar

You’re looking for something to serve with coffee that has no added sugars, but you don’t need it to be a strictly sugar-free egg cake. A biscuit could be an option too, as long as you’re clear about what you’re serving.

Egg cake fans

You mainly want to serve egg cakes, and might compare regular, mini and wholemeal varieties, for example. The shape or variety name won’t tell you how much sugar the product contains.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a must for your guests. If it isn’t, you can choose between a different biscuit with no added sugars and a familiar egg cake. Whichever you choose, check the label separately.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g for the exact product. Under the European rules published by EUR-Lex, the ‘sugar-free’ claim may be used if a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I’m specifically offering a guest something as sugar-free, I want the packaging to support that claim. Around 46% of consumers put this requirement first.
With no added sugars Compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table, and check the serving size too. For my coffee break, I want to avoid added sugar, even if I serve a different kind of biscuit instead of an egg cake. This is the main priority for around 36% of consumers.
Type of egg cake Choose the variety you want, then check the sugar content, ingredients and allergens on the same pack. I’d rather serve a familiar egg cake and choose a variety that suits my guests’ preferences. This matters most to around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

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

    A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. For example, Albert Heijn lists 6 g of sugars per serving for a recipe for biscuits with no added sugars. That recipe tells you nothing about the nutritional value of an egg cake.

    For a strictly sugar-free egg cake, use the sugar content per 100 g of the exact product to make your decision. Don’t describe a different biscuit with no added sugars as sugar-free.

  • Using a variety name as a guide to sugar content

    Wholemeal and gluten-free describe qualities other than sugar content. Jumbo lists varieties like these in its egg cake range, but the variety name is not a sugar-free claim.

    Check the variety you want and the sugar content separately on the packaging. If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens on that pack too.

  • Relying on a product page you looked at earlier

    Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. This is particularly important if guests ask about specific ingredients.

    Read the packaging of the pack you buy, and keep it handy when you serve the egg cakes.

Brands to consider

Bolletje

Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek Kaneel as a crisp variety.

  • An egg cake variety for anyone looking for a different texture with their coffee.
  • Bolletje says it is sprinkled with sugar. Don’t present this variety as sugar-free; the brand also says it is available during promotions at Kruidvat.

Verkade

Verkade describes San Francisco Zero as a biscuit with no added sugars. It’s a different type of biscuit from an egg cake.

  • An option to consider if a biscuit with coffee would suit you too.
  • ‘With no added sugars’ is not the same as sugar-free. Check the latest nutritional and allergen information before serving.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has an egg cake category and separate product listings.

  • You can browse a range of egg cakes in one category.
  • Don’t infer that a product is sugar-free from its category. Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists regular, mini, wholemeal and gluten-free egg cakes, among other varieties, in its category.

  • The listed varieties can help you find the type of egg cake you’re looking for.
  • None of these variety names proves that a product is sugar-free. Check the sugar content on the exact pack.

Lidl

Lidl lists egg cakes in its Dutch range.

  • A product listing to consider if you’re looking for egg cakes to serve with coffee.
  • Check the packaging for sugar content, ingredients and allergens before presenting one as sugar-free.

ALDI

ALDI lists Heerlijck Banket Scharreleierkoeken in a pack of 12.

  • The pack size is worth considering if you’re serving egg cakes to a group.
  • Barn eggs and pack size tell you nothing about the sugar content. Check the nutrition table before making a sugar-free claim.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can an egg cake be called sugar-free?

Under the European rules published by EUR-Lex, an egg cake may be labelled ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the nutrition table for the exact product; a search term or variety name won’t confirm the sugar content.

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

No. A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the packaging to see how much sugar the biscuit contains, and don’t use that claim as a substitute for ‘sugar-free’.

Can I serve wholemeal or gluten-free egg cakes as sugar-free?

Not on the basis of those variety names alone: they don’t tell you the sugar content. If you need a strictly sugar-free option, check the nutrition table per 100 g on the exact pack.

What should I check if guests ask about allergens?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the pack you’re serving. Albert Heijn warns that online product information can change, so keep the pack available in case guests have questions.