Who is this choice relevant to?

If you’re looking for a genuinely sugar-free option

You want a stroopwafel that meets the EU requirements for the ‘sugar-free’ claim, not just a variety with less sugar. The deciding factor is the amount of sugars per 100 g.

If you’re taking a portion with you

You want to know in advance how many stroopwafels you’ll be taking with you for lunchtime. A stated portion size or twin pack can help you count portions, but doesn’t tell you anything about the sugar content on its own.

If you want less sugar and are happy with sweeteners

You’re looking for a stroopwafel with less sugar than a standard variety and want to know which ingredients are used. As well as checking the sugar claim, look at the ingredients and allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a must-have. Then consider the portion you want to take with you and any ingredients you need to know about.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free or less sugar Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Under EU rules, the ‘sugar-free’ claim requires a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; a reduced-sugar claim uses a different basis for comparison. If I only want to take a sugar-free stroopwafel with me, the nutritional information needs to support that choice. For around 42% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Portion size and nutritional information Compare the portion size and the energy and sugars per portion and per 100 g. Also check the stated fibre content. At lunchtime, I want to be able to take a measured portion of stroopwafel with me without underestimating the serving size. Around 33% of consumers say this is their highest priority.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information, paying particular attention to any sweeteners and polyols. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the stroopwafel before I buy it. For around 25% of consumers, this check matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A comparison with a standard stroopwafel doesn’t mean a product contains virtually no sugars. Under EU rules, a stroopwafel can only be described as ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you’re strictly looking for a sugar-free option, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g rather than relying on the wording on the front of the pack.

  • Focusing only on the sugar reduction

    A stroopwafel with less sugar can still contain sugars and provide energy. Albert Heijn states that AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels contain 23 g of sugars and 396 kcal per 100 g.

    Also compare the portion you’ll actually take with you and the nutritional information per portion.

  • Assuming a smaller size means less sugar

    A twin pack or smaller size makes it easier to identify a portion, but doesn’t indicate that it contains less sugar per 100 g.

    Check the nutritional information for the exact variety you’re buying.

  • Leaving the ingredients until after you’ve bought it

    For Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm, Albert Heijn lists ingredients including isomalt and fructose, as well as allergens such as egg, milk, soya and wheat. Products with added polyols may carry a warning on the pack that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

    Before choosing, check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the packaging.

Brands compared

Céréal

Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm is worth comparing if you’re looking for less sugar, but don’t necessarily need a sugar-free stroopwafel.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product page, this variety contains 65% less sugars than a regular stroopwafel.
  • The product description mentions sugars and sweetener; the ingredients information lists fructose and isomalt, among other ingredients. Don’t treat this variety as sugar-free.

Albert Heijn

AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels has a stated portion size, making it easier to measure out a stroopwafel to have around lunchtime.

  • Albert Heijn lists 10 portions of 31.5 g and claims 32% less sugar than its AH Roomboter stroopwafels.
  • The nutritional information lists 23 g of sugars and 396 kcal per 100 g; here, ‘less sugar’ does not mean ‘sugar-free’.

Daelmans

PLUS lists Daelmans Stroopwafels duo as a wrapped portion to consider when portability matters more than a sugar-reduction claim.

  • The twin pack described by PLUS has a stated pack weight of 78 g.
  • Don’t assume a twin pack contains less sugar; check the nutritional information for the stroopwafel you choose.

Sondey

Lidl lists Sondey roomboterstroopwafels and mini-roomboterstroopwafels in different sizes.

  • The standard and mini varieties give you a choice of size.
  • Don’t use the size as an indication of reduced sugar; compare the nutritional information on the relevant pack.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a stroopwafel be called sugar-free?

Under EU rules on nutrition claims, a stroopwafel can be described as ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g; ‘less sugar’ is a different claim.

Are Céréal suikerarm and AH minder suiker also sugar-free?

No, the product information provided doesn’t support that. Albert Heijn describes Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as a product containing sugars and sweetener; according to Albert Heijn, AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels contain 23 g of sugars per 100 g.

Is a low-sugar stroopwafel enough for lunch?

Don’t rely solely on the ‘low sugar’ description when deciding whether a stroopwafel counts as a complete lunch. Check the portion size and nutritional information, and think about what else you’ll be taking for lunch.

How should I assess sweeteners in a stroopwafel?

Check the ingredients list to see which sweeteners are in the stroopwafel you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says sweeteners are regularly reassessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); the ingredients list can help you decide whether you want to avoid a particular substance.

What should I look for in a stroopwafel containing polyols such as isomalt?

Check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, products with added polyols may carry a warning that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect.