Who is this choice relevant to?

Consumers with a strict sugar-free requirement

For anyone looking for a biscuit for the Christmas market that meets the ‘sugar-free’ definition, even if that means choosing something other than a spritz biscuit.

Fans of traditional spritz biscuits

For anyone who wants a familiar spritz biscuit to enjoy with a hot drink and wants to know that the regular products discussed here are not sugar-free.

Consumers weighing up ingredients and portions

For anyone who wants to consider allergens, portion size and the possible effects of polyols when taking biscuits along.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a firm requirement or whether the spritz shape matters most. Another type of biscuit may suit the first option; a regular or homemade spritz biscuit needs to be assessed separately by checking its ingredients and nutritional information.

Sugar-free biscuit alternative

Best suited when: being sugar-free matters more than the spritz shape; Céréal Coconut Biscuits state 0 g of sugars per 100 g.

Trade-off: these are coconut biscuits containing maltitols and wheat, not traditional spritz biscuits.

Regular spritz biscuit

Best suited when: a familiar spritz biscuit matters more than a strict sugar-free requirement.

Trade-off: according to their product information, the AH, Verkade and PLUS spritz biscuits discussed here contain more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Homemade spritz biscuits

Best suited when: the spritz shape is essential and you want to choose the ingredients yourself.

Trade-off: Albert Heijn Allerhande’s standard recipe contains white soft sugar. If you adapt the recipe, check the final ingredients and nutritional value before calling it sugar-free.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free Check the label and the ‘of which sugars’ amount per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the ‘sugar-free’ claim means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I take a biscuit labelled sugar-free, I want the nutritional information to confirm that choice. For around 43% of consumers, that reassurance comes first.
Spritz shape Compare the product type with the nutritional value per 100 g; a regular spritz biscuit is not automatically sugar-free. Above all, I want a familiar spritz biscuit with my hot drink, even if it does not meet a strict sugar-free requirement. For around 29% of consumers, that preference matters most.
Ingredients and portion Read the latest allergen information and check the portion size and any warnings about polyols. For a day at the Christmas market, I want to be able to decide which ingredients and portion are right for me. This is the main consideration for around 28% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Taking ‘no added sugars’ to mean ‘sugar-free’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, these labels have different meanings. No added sugars does not mean that a biscuit contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you have a strict sugar-free requirement, check both the exact label and the ‘of which sugars’ amount per 100 g.

  • Assuming a regular spritz biscuit is sugar-free

    Albert Heijn states that AH Spritz Biscuits contain 28 g of sugars per 100 g, Jumbo lists 24.2 g for Verkade Nobo Plain Spritz Biscuits, and PLUS lists 21.4 g for PLUS Spritz Biscuits.

    Choose a regular spritz biscuit only if its shape matters more to you than being sugar-free.

  • Looking only at the sugar content

    Céréal also lists 431 kcal and 19 g of polyols per 100 g for its sugar-free Coconut Biscuits. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause intestinal discomfort.

    As well as the sugar content, check the nutritional values, ingredients and any warnings on the packaging.

  • Guessing which allergens are present from the biscuit’s name

    The product name does not tell you which ingredients or possible traces may be relevant to you. For example, Céréal lists wheat in its Coconut Biscuits.

    If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the latest ingredients list and allergen information before buying.

Brands and product ranges compared

These examples show why a sugar-free biscuit alternative and a traditional spritz biscuit are not the same purchase.

Céréal

A biscuit alternative for anyone who values the sugar-free label more than the spritz shape.

  • Céréal states that its Coconut Biscuits contain 0 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • They are not spritz biscuits. Céréal also lists maltitols, 19 g of polyols and 431 kcal per 100 g; the ingredients include wheat.

Verkade

A relevant option for anyone looking for a traditional spritz biscuit without a strict sugar-free requirement.

  • Jumbo describes Verkade Nobo Plain Spritz Biscuits as spritz biscuits.
  • Jumbo lists 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g for this variety. A label such as ‘Zero added sugar’ on another Verkade variety does not mean these spritz biscuits are sugar-free.

Albert Heijn

An example of a regular own-brand spritz biscuit and a standard recipe for baking your own.

  • Albert Heijn lists the sugars per 100 g for AH Spritz Biscuits; Allerhande provides the ingredients for its spritz biscuit recipe.
  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Spritz Biscuits contain 28 g of sugars per 100 g. Allerhande’s recipe contains white soft sugar and lists 13 g of sugars per serving.

Jumbo

An example of a cocoa and iced spritz biscuit for anyone who is not looking for a strictly sugar-free option.

  • Jumbo describes Lunetta Spritz Biscuits with Cocoa and Icing as spritz biscuits with a coating.
  • Jumbo lists 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g for this variety; check the allergens on the packaging too.

PLUS

Examples of regular spritz biscuits and an advocaat-flavoured variety.

  • PLUS lists ingredients including butter, wheat and egg in the product information for PLUS Spritz Biscuits.
  • PLUS lists 21.4 g of sugars per 100 g for PLUS Spritz Biscuits and 34.4 g per 100 g for PLUS Advocaat Spritz Biscuits. Neither meets a strict sugar-free requirement.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can you call a biscuit sugar-free?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines the ‘sugar-free’ label for a biscuit as no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check both the label and the nutritional information per 100 g, not just the wording on the front.

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

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘no added sugars’ means that no sugars or other foods used for their sweetening properties have been added. In itself, it does not mean that the biscuit contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Does sugar-free also mean low in energy?

No, the amount of sugar does not determine the energy value on its own. Céréal lists 431 kcal per 100 g for its sugar-free Coconut Biscuits; when choosing, also consider the portion you want to take along.

What should I look for in biscuits containing maltitols?

Read the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging. Céréal Coconut Biscuits contain maltitols, and according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause intestinal discomfort.