If you’re looking for something strictly sugar-free, a biscuit is a different choice from the spritz biscuits discussed here: these spritz biscuits do not meet the sugar-free threshold described by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% sugar contains 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g, but it is a digestive biscuit and does not necessarily have the distinctive character of a spritz biscuit. If you specifically want a spritz biscuit, you’ll need to assess the sugar content of that choice separately.
You’re looking for a biscuit for your budget shop that meets the sugar-free threshold. A digestive biscuit could be an option, as long as you’re happy with it not being a spritz biscuit. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines sugar-free as no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
You’re mainly after a recognisable spritz biscuit. In that case, it’s important not to treat ‘less sugar’ or ‘no added sugar’ as the same as sugar-free: the spritz products discussed here and Verkade San Francisco zero are above the threshold set out by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
For you, the exact ingredients list matters just as much as the sugar content. According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% sugar contains wheat and polyols; the ingredients and allergens differ between the Céréal varieties discussed here.
First decide whether sugar-free is a must or whether the spritz-biscuit style matters most. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact variety you’re considering, rather than relying on the wording on the front of the pack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the sugar-free threshold at no more than 0.5 g per 100 g; Albert Heijn states that AH Digestive 0% sugar contains 0.3 g per 100 g. | If I’m looking for a sugar-free biscuit for my budget shop, I mainly want to know whether it meets that requirement. For around 39% of shoppers, being strictly sugar-free comes first. |
| Spritz-biscuit style | Check whether you’re choosing a spritz biscuit or another type of biscuit, and assess the sugar content separately. Verkade states that Nobo Sprits Original contains 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g. | I mainly want to enjoy a spritz biscuit and may accept that it isn’t strictly sugar-free. For around 31% of shoppers, the spritz-biscuit style matters most. |
| Polyols | Check which sweeteners the exact variety contains and look out for warnings about excessive consumption. Albert Heijn includes such a warning for AH Digestive 0% sugar. | If I want to eat several biscuits, I want to know what the packaging says about the sweeteners used. For around 15% of shoppers, tolerance to the amount they eat is the main concern. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variety you choose; a low sugar content tells you nothing about whether it contains wheat or other allergens. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the variety I choose must be suitable for me. For around 15% of shoppers, checking this comes first. |
These phrases don’t describe the same thing. Albert Heijn states that Verkade San Francisco zero has 0% added sugar, but also contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the sugar-free threshold described by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Use the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g to check whether a biscuit meets your strict sugar requirement.
Sugar-free biscuits can contain polyols. For AH Digestive 0% sugar, Albert Heijn warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Check the ingredients list and warnings on the packaging of the exact variety you choose.
The PLUS product page stated that Elvee chocolate spritz biscuits with less sugar were unavailable at the selected shop. Availability may therefore depend on which shop you choose.
Check your selected shop and the latest product information before placing your order.
With AH Digestive 0% sugar, the own-label range offers a sugar-free biscuit alternative for anyone who isn’t necessarily looking for a spritz biscuit.
Céréal offers several sugar-free biscuit varieties, including coconut and speculoos flavour with almond pieces.
The Verkade products discussed here show why spritz biscuits and ‘no added sugar’ products need to be assessed separately from strictly sugar-free options.
Elvee chocolate spritz biscuits with less sugar are worth considering if you’re specifically looking for a spritz biscuit and want to assess the ‘less sugar’ claim.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines sugar-free as no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutritional information per 100 g; ‘less sugar’ and ‘no added sugars’ don’t mean the same thing.
No: Albert Heijn states that Verkade San Francisco zero contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g, which is above the threshold the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for sugar-free. Also, assess it as a biscuit in its own right, not as proof that a spritz biscuit is sugar-free.
For AH Digestive 0% sugar, the warning relates to polyols: according to Albert Heijn, excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. For other varieties, also check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging.
Check the ingredients, allergens, storage instructions and availability of the exact variety. Product information can vary between biscuits; follow the storage instructions on the packaging you receive.
