Who is this choice important for?

Parents with a strict sugar-free requirement

For them, ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘sugar-free’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the ‘sugar-free’ claim means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Organisers checking allergens

They need to know which ingredients are relevant to the children. For example, according to Albert Heijn, AH Glutenvrij Eierkoeken contain egg, milk and soya; gluten-free doesn’t mean free from other allergens.

Buyers arranging treats for a group

A pack with enough pieces is handy for a class or school fair, but the sugar information, allergens and school rules must come first when deciding whether a product can be handed out.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a firm requirement, and check with the school what treats are allowed. Only then compare the number of pieces in each pack.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free Look for ‘sugar-free’ on the packaging and check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g for this claim. If limiting sugar is the deciding factor, I don’t want to rely on wording such as ‘no added sugars’. Around 36% of consumers put this strict requirement first.
Allergens and school rules Ask which treats are allowed and check the latest ingredients and allergen information, including ‘may contain’ statements. When children need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to make sure in advance that the chosen treat meets their requirements. For around 29% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Number of portions Compare the number of pieces in the pack with the number of treats you need, and check current availability. For a whole class, I want to be able to provide enough individual treats without overlooking the product requirements. For around 21% of consumers, practical planning comes first.
Alternative treat If sugar-free is a firm requirement, consider another clearly labelled product category if an egg cake cannot be shown to meet it. If a suitable egg cake isn’t available, I want to be able to choose an alternative without compromising on the sugar or allergen requirements. Roughly 14% of consumers give priority to having this option.

Common mistakes

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

    A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars from its ingredients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes this wording from ‘sugar-free’, which means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you need a strictly sugar-free product, check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g.

  • Assuming egg cakes are low in sugar

    Albert Heijn lists 31 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Eierkoeken. Jumbo lists 29.5 g per 100 g for Jumbo Eierkoeken and 33.6 g per 100 g for the wholemeal version. Neither the name nor the wholemeal version makes these products sugar-free.

    Compare sugar values on the same basis: per 100 g, not just per cake.

  • Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free

    According to Albert Heijn, AH Glutenvrij Eierkoeken contain egg, milk and soya, and may contain sesame and certain nuts.

    Check the allergen information on the pack you choose and make sure it’s suitable for the children you’re buying for.

  • Only checking the school’s policy after buying

    The school may have rules about treats. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends taking allergies and other dietary requirements into account in advance.

    Before you buy, ask which treats and ingredients are suitable for this group.

    Otherwise, the packs you’ve bought may go unused and you’ll still need to arrange a different treat.

Brands to compare

These brands offer examples you can use to compare labels and product varieties. Always check the specific product you’re planning to buy.

Albert Heijn

The standard and gluten-free AH Eierkoeken show why you should check sugar values and allergens for each variety.

  • Albert Heijn lists 31 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Eierkoeken and 33 g for AH Glutenvrij Eierkoeken.
  • Neither variety meets the threshold for ‘sugar-free’ given by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. The gluten-free variety also contains egg, milk and soya.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s standard and wholemeal egg cakes are separate varieties with different sugar values.

  • Jumbo lists 29.5 g of sugars per 100 g for Jumbo Eierkoeken and 33.6 g per 100 g for Jumbo Eierkoeken Volkoren.
  • Wholemeal doesn’t mean sugar-free here. Check the allergens for the variety you choose too.

Bolletje

Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek as an egg cake sprinkled with sugar.

  • For its Brosse Eierkoek varieties, Bolletje lists ingredients including egg, cereals containing gluten, milk, wheat and soya.
  • The sugar coating means this variety isn’t suitable if you have a strict sugar-free requirement. Check the allergens against the current packaging.

Heerlijck Banket bij ALDI

ALDI describes Heerlijck Banket Scharreleierkoeken as a pack of 12, weighing 360 g.

  • The stated pack size can help when planning treats for a group.
  • Before buying, check the sugar value, ingredients and allergens on the packaging. Pack size alone doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable for a school fair.

Lidl

Lidl describes its egg cakes as a pack of 12, weighing 360 g.

  • The number of pieces is useful when planning portions.
  • Before using the pack for a sugar-free treat or one for someone with dietary restrictions, check its nutrition information and allergens.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘sugar-free’ mean for an egg cake?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the ‘sugar-free’ nutrition claim means a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ is different: a product may still contain naturally occurring sugars.

Are standard or gluten-free egg cakes automatically sugar-free?

No. Albert Heijn lists 31 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Eierkoeken and 33 g for AH Glutenvrij Eierkoeken; Jumbo lists 29.5 g per 100 g for Jumbo Eierkoeken. A gluten-free label also doesn’t mean that other allergens are absent.

What should I ask the school before buying treats?

Ask which treats are allowed and which allergies and dietary requirements you need to consider. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends offering small portions for school treats.

Is a recipe with dates automatically sugar-free?

No. Dates contain naturally occurring sugars, so check what the claim means for the specific recipe. Albert Heijn describes its recipe for biscuits with dates as ‘no added sugars’ and lists 6 g of sugars per portion; this isn’t a sugar value per 100 g for an egg cake.