Who is this choice relevant to?

Consumers with a strict sugar-free requirement

You choose based on the stated sugar content per 100 g and accept that a suitable biscuit may not be a spritz biscuit.

Spritz biscuit lovers looking to avoid added sugar

You want a biscuit that suits your preference for spritz biscuits, but you know the difference between ‘no added sugars’ and ‘sugar-free’.

People ordering their groceries online

You want to add the biscuit to your grocery order, so you also check the product information and whether it can be delivered to your address.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the sugar-free claim or the type of biscuit — a spritz — matters more. Then check the exact version and whether you can order it to your address.

Regular spritz biscuit

Choose this if: you mainly want a traditional spritz biscuit and sugar-free is not an absolute requirement.

The trade-off: the Nobo Sprits Naturel listed by Jumbo does not meet the sugar-free limit.

Sugar-free Céréal biscuit

Choose this if: sugar content matters more than choosing a traditional spritz biscuit.

The trade-off: the coconut and sesame-vanilla biscuits reviewed are different types of biscuit and contain maltitol.

Biscuit with no added sugars

Choose this if: you want to avoid added sugars without insisting on a strictly sugar-free product.

The trade-off: it may still contain naturally occurring sugars, so check the nutritional information.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Genuinely sugar-free Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g with the maximum limit of 0.5 g per 100 g that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for the claim. If I want to choose something strictly sugar-free, I need to be able to rely on the sugar content and, if necessary, accept a different type of biscuit. This is the main requirement for around 42% of consumers.
Type of biscuit Check whether the product is a spritz biscuit or another type; don’t judge its taste and texture by the sugar claim alone. If you’re specifically looking for a spritz biscuit, you won’t want to assume that a sesame-vanilla or coconut biscuit offers the same experience. The preference for spritz biscuits matters most to around 33% of consumers.
Online availability Check the current product page and whether delivery is available to your address. If I’m adding biscuits to my grocery order, I want to know whether the version I’ve chosen can be delivered to me. For around 25% of consumers, availability to order is the first concern.

Common ordering mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A biscuit with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero, which is above the maximum limit of 0.5 g per 100 g that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for ‘sugar-free’.

    For a strict choice, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, rather than relying only on the wording on the front of the pack.

  • Expecting a sugar-free biscuit to be just like a spritz

    The Céréal versions listed by Albert Heijn and Jumbo with 0 g of sugars per 100 g are sesame-vanilla and coconut biscuits, not spritz biscuits.

    Before ordering, decide which matters more to you: the type of biscuit or the sugar content. Don’t assume the taste or texture will be the same.

  • Looking only at the sugar claim

    The Céréal biscuits mentioned contain maltitol; the product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. According to Albert Heijn, the sesame-vanilla version also contains ingredients including wheat and sesame.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact version on the pack, even if you’ve already checked the nutritional information online.

Brands and retailers to consider

Verkade

A useful brand to consider when comparing a traditional spritz biscuit with a biscuit that has no added sugars.

  • Jumbo lists 24.2 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade Nobo Sprits Naturel, so this product does not meet the sugar-free limit given by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
  • Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero. ‘No added sugars’ does not make this different biscuit sugar-free.

Céréal

A relevant choice if you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit and don’t need it to be a spritz biscuit.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g for the sesame-vanilla version; Jumbo lists 0 g per 100 g for the coconut version.
  • Neither version is a spritz biscuit and both contain maltitol. Check the ingredients, allergens and warning for each version.

Albert Heijn

An online retailer with product information for items including Céréal Sesame Vanilla and Verkade San Francisco Zero.

  • The product pages show details you can use to compare types of biscuit and nutritional information.
  • Product information can change, so check the ingredients and allergens again on the pack of the product you receive.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When is a biscuit sugar-free?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the ‘sugar-free’ nutrition claim means that a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare this limit with the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutritional information for the biscuit you want to order.

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

No. A product with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. For example, Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero, which is above the sugar-free limit given by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

Why do some sugar-free biscuits carry a warning?

The Céréal biscuits mentioned contain maltitol, and their product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Read the warning and ingredients for the exact version before choosing it.

Can I always have a biscuit I find delivered?

No. A product listing online doesn’t automatically mean that the version you’ve chosen can be delivered to your address. Before completing your order, check the retailer’s current availability, your postcode and the delivery options.