Who might find these options useful?

People who carefully monitor their sugar intake

You’re looking for a biscuit for the festival with an explicit sugar-free label, and want to be able to compare the sugar content per 100 g and per biscuit.

People taking biscuits to share

You want to be able to portion them out in advance and reseal the pack during the festival. The number of biscuits, the weight of each one and the storage instructions can help you choose.

People who check ingredients

You check for sweeteners, polyols or allergens for yourself or others you’ll be sharing your biscuits with. That’s why it’s important to check the ingredients and allergen information for the variant you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

If sugar-free is your main requirement, start by checking the sugar content. Then make sure the portions and ingredients suit your plans to take the biscuits with you or share them.

What to check What should you check? Who is it important for?
Sugar content Check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g and per biscuit. Check the wording on the pack: ‘no added sugars’ does not mean the same as sugar-free. If I’m specifically looking for a biscuit with no or virtually no sugars, I don’t want to rely on a general product name alone. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this sugar criterion.
Taking biscuits to share Check the number of biscuits, the weight of each one and the storage instructions once the pack has been opened. If I’m sharing biscuits at a festival, I want to know in advance how many I’m taking and how to store the rest. For around 30% of consumers, practical use is the most important factor.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information for the flavour you’ve chosen. If it contains polyols, also check for any warning about excessive consumption. When I’m sharing biscuits with others, I need to be able to tell them about the ingredients and any relevant warnings. For around 30% of consumers, these checks come first.

The wording on the front of the pack doesn’t tell the whole story. Jumbo states that Céréal Coconut contains 0 g sugars per 100 g, while Céréal Speculoos with almond pieces contains 0.4 g per 100 g. Compare values on the same basis, then check the portion information for the variant you want to take with you.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’

    A biscuit can contain sugars from its ingredients. For example, an Albert Heijn recipe containing dates lists 6 g of sugars per serving, even though no sugars have been added.

    Compare the ‘of which sugars’ value in the nutritional information for the specific product, rather than relying on the wording on the front of the pack alone.

  • Looking only at the sugar content

    A low sugar content on its own doesn’t tell you anything about the energy, fat or size of a biscuit. Voedingscentrum lists 43 kcal for a 10 g sugar-free biscuit.

    As well as sugars, check the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving to see what the amount you’ve chosen contains.

  • Forgetting warnings when sharing biscuits

    Ingredients and allergens vary from one biscuit to another. Jumbo also states that excessive consumption of one Céréal variant may have a laxative effect.

    Keep the pack handy so others can check the ingredients, allergens and warnings for themselves before eating.

  • Relying on out-of-date product information

    Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn notes in its product information.

    So check the packaging of the biscuits you actually buy, especially if a specific sugar content or allergen is a deciding factor for you.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Céréal

Jumbo lists several Céréal biscuits labelled ‘sugar-free’, including coconut and speculoos with almond pieces.

  • Jumbo states that the coconut variant contains 0 g sugars per 100 g, while the speculoos and almond variant contains 0.4 g per 100 g.
  • The variants mentioned use maltitol. Check the other nutritional values, ingredients, allergens and any warnings for each flavour.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn features products including AH Digestive 0% sugar, as well as a category for biscuits for people watching their sugar intake.

  • The product page gives you a starting point for choosing a specific variant.
  • Albert Heijn advises checking the packaging, as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.

Verkade

Albert Heijn lists Verkade San Francisco zero as a product.

  • The product name makes it clear which variant to look for on the packaging.
  • Before buying, check the sugar content, ingredients and allergens for that variant; the name ‘zero’ is no substitute for nutritional information.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crunchy biscuit with a caramelised flavour.

  • A familiar option if flavour is your main consideration.
  • The brand description does not substantiate a sugar-free claim. If you’re strictly limiting sugar, check the current packaging and nutritional information for the specific biscuit.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No. A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars from its ingredients. An Albert Heijn recipe containing dates, among other ingredients, lists 6 g of sugars per serving. So, for a packaged biscuit, check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ value.

Are sugar-free biscuits automatically low in calories?

No. A sugar-free claim doesn’t mean the product has a low energy value. Voedingscentrum lists 43 kcal for a 10 g sugar-free biscuit. Check the energy value and portion size on the packaging of the biscuit you choose.

Why do some packs list maltitol?

Maltitol is a polyol that can be used as a sweetener in biscuits. Jumbo states that excessive consumption of one Céréal variant may have a laxative effect. Check the ingredients and any warnings for the variant you choose, especially if you’re sharing the biscuits.

Can I rely on one allergen list for a group?

No. Allergens vary by product and flavour. The Céréal variants listed by Jumbo contain different ingredients and allergens, including wheat, almonds, milk, soya and sesame. Ask others to check the current packaging of the biscuits you’re sharing for themselves.

How should I store biscuits I’m taking to a festival?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen. Reseal an opened pack after use and keep the biscuits protected from moisture while you’re travelling.