If you’re looking for a strictly sugar-free spiced breakfast loaf, the AH, PLUS and Peijnenburg varieties discussed here don’t fit the bill: each lists 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g, while the EU requirement for a ‘sugar-free’ claim is no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. If you mainly want to avoid added sugars, compare wholegrain claims, fibre and ingredients. With savoury toppings, a spiced breakfast loaf still makes for a sweet-and-spiced contrast.
You want to know how much total sugar a spiced breakfast loaf contains, regardless of whether it says ‘zero’ or ‘no added sugars’. The AH, PLUS and Peijnenburg varieties discussed here each list 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g, so they don’t meet this strict criterion.
You’re happy to accept that a product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. Peijnenburg’s Wholegrain with No Added Sugars loaf is labelled 100% wholegrain and contains 17 g of fibre per 100 g. These are useful points to compare with other varieties.
You’re looking for slices to enjoy at home or an individually wrapped spiced loaf to take with you, perhaps as a sweet-and-spiced contrast to savoury toppings. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose, too.
Start with the total sugars per 100 g: ‘no added sugars’ answers a different question from ‘sugar-free’. Then compare the nutritional information and consider how you want to enjoy your spiced breakfast loaf.
| What to look for | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free or no added sugars | Check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a ‘sugar-free’ claim is only allowed if a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If I’m looking for a strictly sugar-free option, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘zero’. That’s why the actual amount of sugars comes first for around 38% of shoppers. |
| Wholegrains, fibre and salt | Compare the wholegrain claim and the fibre and salt values per 100 g for the specific varieties. | If I’m happy to have sugars from ingredients, I mainly want to know which wholegrain claim and nutritional values I’m choosing. This is the top priority for around 37% of shoppers. |
| Portion format and ingredients | Choose between sliced loaves and individually wrapped portions; check the label for ingredients such as polyols and for allergen information. | For breakfast with savoury toppings or a portion on the go, I need a practical format and the chance to check the ingredients. This matters most to around 25% of shoppers. |
AH Zero Breakfast Cake, PLUS Zero Breakfast Cake and Peijnenburg Wholegrain with No Added Sugars each list 4.9 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the EU limit of 0.5 g per 100 g for a ‘sugar-free’ claim.
Check the total sugars in the nutritional information per 100 g, not just the wording on the front of the pack.
The zero varieties discussed here may contain polyols such as xylitol. Albert Heijn states that excessive consumption of AH Zero Breakfast Cake may have a laxative effect.
Check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging of the variety you buy.
Peijnenburg Wholegrain with No Added Sugars contains rye and gluten, and may contain milk and nuts. You can’t tell from the product category whether a particular spiced breakfast loaf is made with baker’s salt containing added iodine.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the product you choose. If the label doesn’t answer your question, ask the manufacturer for product-specific information.
Peijnenburg makes a 345 g sliced Wholegrain with No Added Sugars loaf.
AH Zero Breakfast Cake is a 485 g sliced own-brand variety.
Jumbo’s range includes Peijnenburg Wholegrain with No Added Sugars and its own Less Sugar Breakfast Cake.
Lidl lists a 485 g Zero Breakfast Cake.
ALDI describes Koek & Bakker Sliced Zero Breakfast Cake as a 485 g sliced variety with no added sugars.
PLUS Zero Breakfast Cake is a 485 g sliced own-brand variety.
No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a solid product can only be labelled ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. AH Zero Breakfast Cake, PLUS Zero Breakfast Cake and Peijnenburg Wholegrain with No Added Sugars each list 4.9 g per 100 g.
Yes, if you enjoy a sweet-and-spiced contrast. Lidl has a recipe pairing spiced breakfast loaf with mature cheese and cress; the topping doesn’t change the sugar content of the loaf itself.
Some zero spiced breakfast loaves contain polyols, including xylitol. Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption of AH Zero Breakfast Cake may have a laxative effect. Check the ingredients and warnings for the variety you choose.
You can’t tell from the product category. Check the ingredients for the specific loaf and, if necessary, ask the manufacturer whether baker’s salt containing added iodine has been used.
