If you want to describe a stroopwafel on your Boxing Day buffet as sugar-free, choose a product whose label confirms it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g: that is the limit for this claim under EU rules. A stroopwafel with less sugar is a different option. Compare the nutritional information and check the ingredients, sweeteners and allergens for all your buffet guests.
You only want to offer guests a stroopwafel as sugar-free if the label supports that claim. Under the EU rules for this nutrition claim, the product may contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; less sugar is not the same thing.
You’re looking for a stroopwafel with less sugar, but it doesn’t have to be completely sugar-free. Compare sugars and energy per 100 g and per portion, and check which sweeteners and warnings are listed on the packaging.
You want a gluten-free option or need to take other allergens into account. Check each variety individually: the gluten-free stroopwafels listed by Jumbo are not automatically low in sugar.
First decide whether sugar-free is an absolute requirement or whether you mainly want to compare products with less sugar. Then check the ingredients and think about how to present your chosen waffles on the buffet.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free or less sugar | Check the sugars per 100 g. Under EU rules, the sugar-free claim requires a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; wording such as ‘less sugar’ does not confirm this. | If I want to label a waffle as sugar-free on the buffet, that claim must also be supported by the label. This strict requirement would be a priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Sweeteners and portions | Check the ingredients list and any warning about laxative effects, particularly if guests might have several waffles. | If guests can help themselves from a platter, I want to know which sweeteners the waffles contain and take the number of pieces into account. This is estimated to be the main concern for 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and buffet presentation | Check the allergens for each product and compare sugars per 100 g and per piece served. Keep a gluten-free option clearly separate. | If I’m serving guests with different dietary needs, they need to be able to see which waffle is suitable for them. This need would take priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Guests may interpret those terms differently. Under EU rules, a stroopwafel can only be described as sugar-free if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Use the wording on the packaging and check the ‘of which sugars’ line before making a buffet label.
Jumbo lists its Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels as containing 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g. According to the same product information, they contain eggs and lupin and may contain nuts and sesame.
Check the gluten-free claim, sugar content and other allergens separately on the label of the pack you choose.
A waffle with less sugar may contain polyols. A warning about laxative effects in the event of excessive consumption may be relevant, especially if guests can help themselves to several pieces.
Read the ingredients and warnings, and leave the packaging by the buffet for guests who want to check what the waffles contain.
Waffles are not always the same size. The Voedingscentrum gives an average of 14.7 g of sugars for an extra-large 40 g stroopwafel; the value for your chosen product may differ.
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then calculate the amount based on the weight of the waffle you’re actually serving.
The varieties mentioned serve different purposes on a buffet. A product name or dietary claim is no substitute for checking the label on the pack you buy.
Albert Heijn lists Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as an option to consider if you’re looking for less sugar.
Albert Heijn lists AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels.
Jumbo lists both standard stroopwafels and Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels.
PLUS lists Daelmans stroopwafels in standard, duo and mini formats.
Lidl lists Sondey Roomboter stroopwafels in a pack of 12, weighing 480 g.
ALDI lists stroopwafels with caramel filling in a pack of 12, weighing 378 g.
PLUS lists its own stroopwafels as well as Daelmans varieties in its range.
No, the terms don’t mean the same thing. Under EU rules, a stroopwafel can only be called sugar-free if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. To check this, look at the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutrition table.
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then check the weight of one waffle as served. For reference, the Voedingscentrum gives an average of 14.7 g of sugars for an extra-large 40 g stroopwafel; use the figures for your chosen product when planning your buffet.
Check which sweeteners are listed in the ingredients and look for any warnings on the packaging. Products containing polyols may carry a warning about laxative effects in the event of excessive consumption, which may be relevant if guests have more than one waffle.
No. Jumbo lists its Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels as containing 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the other allergens too: according to Jumbo, this variety contains eggs and lupin and may contain nuts and sesame.
Put the product name beside each platter and keep the original packaging available so guests can check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. Only use a claim such as sugar-free or gluten-free for the exact variety whose label you’ve checked.
