Who is this relevant to?

Walkers with a strict sugar-free requirement

If sugar-free is a must, the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g is what matters. A biscuit with no added sugars doesn’t automatically meet that requirement.

Walkers keeping an eye on their sugar intake

If you want to avoid added sugars and are happy to choose a different type of biscuit instead of a sprits, you can also check the ingredients, serving size and warnings on the packaging.

Walkers taking a small treat with them

If sugar-free isn’t essential, you can consider regular sprits biscuits as a snack for the journey. Bear in mind that both sprits biscuits mentioned below contain more sugar than the sugar-free limit.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re looking for a genuinely sugar-free sprits biscuit or whether a biscuit with no added sugars would also suit you. Then consider the portion size and when you plan to eat it during your walk.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Genuinely sugar-free Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. In the EU, a food can be labelled ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; ‘no added sugars’ is a different claim. If sugar-free is a must for me, I don’t want to rely on the front of the packaging. For around 42% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Portion size during your walk Check the portion size and when you plan to eat it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that foods high in fat, protein or fibre stay in the stomach for longer. Before exercising, I’d rather not eat a large portion that will stay in my stomach for a long time. Around 33% of consumers prioritise feeling comfortable while walking.
Less added sugar Compare the sugars per 100 g and read the ingredients and warnings; also check whether you’re happy with a different type of biscuit instead of a sprits. I want to avoid added sugars, but I don’t necessarily need a sprits or a sugar-free product. For around 25% of consumers, this is the main consideration.

Common mistakes

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

    A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars. In the EU, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is reserved for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you have a strict sugar-free requirement, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the current label.

  • Focusing only on sugar when choosing a walking snack

    The sugar content doesn’t tell you how large the portion is or when it’s comfortable to eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that foods high in fat, protein or fibre stay in the stomach for longer.

    Choose a portion size and time that suit your walk, especially if you plan to eat just before setting off.

  • Trying a biscuit containing maltitol for the first time while out walking

    Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption of Verkade San Francisco Zero may have a laxative effect. This is worth bearing in mind if you’re planning to take it on a long walk.

    Read the ingredients and warnings, and try an unfamiliar product at a more relaxed time.

  • Relying only on an online product description

    Albert Heijn says that product ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.

    Check the packaging again when you buy the product if sugar content, sweeteners or allergens are important to you.

Relevant brands and retailers

Verkade

Verkade makes both NoboSprits Original and San Francisco Zero. The first is a sprits biscuit; the second is a biscuit with no added sugars.

  • Verkade lists 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g for NoboSprits Original. This means it isn’t sugar-free.
  • For San Francisco Zero, Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. This biscuit isn’t sugar-free either.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both its own AH Spritsen and the Verkade San Francisco Zero biscuit in its product information.

  • The nutritional information for AH Spritsen lists 28 g of sugars and 25 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • AH Spritsen are therefore not sugar-free. Check the label when you buy them, as product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s product range overview includes Verkade Nobo Sprits Naturel and Verkade San Francisco Naturel Zero added sugar.

  • The overview helps you distinguish between the sprits biscuit and the other type of biscuit.
  • To check the sugar content, ingredients and allergens, refer to the packaging for the specific product.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No. In the EU, a food can only be labelled ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Verkade San Francisco Zero contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, even though no sugars have been added.

Can I take regular sprits biscuits with me if I want to avoid sugar?

The regular sprits biscuits mentioned here don’t meet a sugar-free requirement: Verkade lists 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g for NoboSprits Original, while Albert Heijn lists 28 g per 100 g for AH Spritsen. Always check the latest label for any other sprits biscuit.

What should I look for in a biscuit containing maltitol for a walk?

Pay particular attention to the ingredients and the warning on the packaging. Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption of Verkade San Francisco Zero may have a laxative effect, so it’s best not to try an unfamiliar biscuit for the first time during a long walk.