Which option is right for you?

If you want to choose something strictly sugar-free

‘Less sugar’ isn't enough for you. Compare the claim on the packaging with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g; the Voedingscentrum defines ‘sugar-free’ as no more than 0.5 g per 100 g.

If you're looking for cereal flakes for a breakfast stop

You want to eat flakes with something like yoghurt or quark, and are mainly looking for no added sugars. Also check the sugars present and the cereals in the specific product.

If you're looking for a snack to eat in the car

You want packaging that's practical to take with you and portion out on the go. A different type of product may work, provided you don't need flakes and the label meets your requirements.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you're looking for chocolate flakes, cereal flakes for a breakfast stop or simply a snack for the journey. Then check the nutritional information for that exact type of product.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it's important for
Strictly sugar-free Check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum defines ‘sugar-free’ as no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. If I want to take sugar-free chocolate flakes with me, I don't want to rely on ‘less sugar’ alone. Around 40% of consumers prioritise a claim that can be verified as sugar-free.
Breakfast with no added sugars Read the claim, the sugars per 100 g and the ingredients, including any gluten-containing cereals. If I want to eat cereal flakes with yoghurt at a stop, having no added sugars matters more to me than the type of chocolate topping. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this breakfast choice.
Taking it with you and storing it Check the storage instructions and whether the packaging can be sealed securely after opening; also think about what you'll eat the flakes with. For a snack that doesn't need breakfast preparation, I want to be able to take a portion easily without loose flakes in the car. This convenience is a priority for around 20% of consumers.
Sweeteners and warnings For sweets or mint alternatives, read the ingredients and warnings on the packaging. If I'm considering a new sugar-free sweet for the journey, I want to know what warnings apply to its use. Sweeteners and these warnings are decisive for around 10% of consumers.

Common mistakes

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

    These claims don't mean the same thing. According to PLUS product information, Smaakt Zevengranenvlokken contain 0.99 g of sugars per 100 g, despite the claim that they contain no added sugars.

    If sugar-free is essential for you, compare the exact claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.

  • Relying on the brand name or colour

    A familiar name doesn't tell you how much sugar a particular variety contains. PLUS states that De Ruijter Witte Vlokken contain 77 g of sugars per 100 g and Venz Tijgervlokken contain 75 g per 100 g.

    Read the nutritional information for the exact variety you want to take with you.

  • Treating ‘less sugar’ as sugar-free

    Albert Heijn lists Céréal Hagelslag melk minder suikers as a topping for people watching their sugar intake. Hagelslag is a different type of product, and the name ‘less sugars’ doesn't confirm that it's sugar-free.

    Choose this option only if hagelslag is a suitable alternative for you and the nutritional information fits your goal.

  • Having too much of a new mint alternative during the journey

    For its sugar-free Wilhelmina Mints, Jumbo lists sorbitols and xylitol and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients and usage warnings for the specific product before taking it with you.

Brands and product ranges to consider

De Ruijter

Witte Vlokken are chocolate flakes for uses such as spreading on bread.

  • PLUS lists the ingredients and nutritional values for this 200 g variety.
  • Sugar is listed as the first ingredient; PLUS states that it contains 77 g of sugars per 100 g. This variety isn't suitable if you need a strictly sugar-free option.

Venz

Tijgervlokken melk-vanille are flakes for spreading on bread or using as a topping.

  • PLUS product information lists a 200 g pack and suggests using them on bread and yoghurt, among other things.
  • PLUS states that these Tijgervlokken contain 75 g of sugars per 100 g. This doesn't tell you anything about other Venz varieties.

Smaakt

Zevengranenvlokken are breakfast cereals for eating with yoghurt, milk or quark, for example; they're not the same as chocolate flakes.

  • The product information states that they contain no added sugars and have 0.99 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • This variety isn't sugar-free according to the threshold set by the Voedingscentrum. PLUS states that it contains oats, barley, rye and wheat, among other ingredients.

Céréal

Hagelslag melk minder suikers is an alternative in a different form from flakes.

  • Albert Heijn lists this product among its toppings for people watching their sugar intake.
  • ‘Less sugars’ doesn't confirm that this hagelslag is sugar-free; check the nutritional information on the packaging.

A snack alternative at Joybuy

If flakes aren't essential, you could also consider a snack in a different form for the journey. The option below is salty liquorice, not chocolate or breakfast flakes.

Klene Sugarfree Salty Ovals, 110 g pack

Klene Sugarfree Salty Ovals 110 g

Worth considering if you're looking for a snack for the journey and don't need flakes: this is salty liquorice in a 110 g pack. Check the nutritional information, ingredients and any usage warnings on the pack you choose.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between sugar-free, low-sugar and no added sugars?

The Voedingscentrum defines ‘sugar-free’ as no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g and ‘low-sugar’ as no more than 5 g per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ means that no sugars or other foods have been added for their sweetening properties; naturally occurring sugars may still be present.

Are De Ruijter Witte Vlokken sugar-free?

No. The Witte Vlokken for which PLUS provides product information aren't suitable if you need a strictly sugar-free option: sugar is listed as the first ingredient and the variety contains 77 g of sugars per 100 g. Check other varieties separately.

Are Smaakt Zevengranenvlokken suitable for a breakfast with no added sugars?

Yes, if you mean cereal flakes and your aim is to avoid added sugars. According to the product information, these flakes contain 0.99 g of sugars per 100 g and include oats, barley, rye and wheat, among other ingredients; they're therefore not the same as sugar-free chocolate flakes.

How do you take cereal flakes on a road trip?

Take the cereal flakes in a sealed container and decide in advance what you'll eat them with at a stop. For Smaakt Zevengranenvlokken, PLUS recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container.

What should you look for in sugar-free sweets or mint alternatives?

Check the ingredients and warnings for the specific product. For its sugar-free Wilhelmina Mints, Jumbo lists sorbitols and xylitol and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; this doesn't automatically apply to every sugar-free alternative.