For a conference, only choose a stroopwafel labelled sugar-free if the nutrition information for that exact product confirms no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Under the EU Regulation on nutrition claims, this is the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim; a lower-sugar or gluten-free product does not automatically meet it. Before ordering, also check the allergen information so you can advise your guests.
If guests are specifically expecting a sugar-free snack, a ‘less sugar’ label isn’t enough. Under the EU Regulation on nutrition claims, a stroopwafel can only be called sugar-free if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
If you want to offer a lower-sugar stroopwafel without calling it sugar-free, compare the absolute amount of sugars with the comparative claim. Albert Heijn lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g for its Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels.
A gluten-free stroopwafel meets a different need from a sugar-free one. Jumbo and PLUS list 42.4 g and 41.13 g of sugars per 100 g respectively for the gluten-free products reviewed. Also check the chosen pack for other allergens.
First, decide what you’re promising your guests: sugar-free, lower sugar or a separate gluten-free option. Then check the nutrition and allergen information for the exact stroopwafel you want to order.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Truly sugar-free | Check the sugars per 100 g for the exact product. Under the EU Regulation on nutrition claims, ‘sugar-free’ requires no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. | If I promise guests a sugar-free stroopwafel, I want to be able to substantiate that label for the product I buy. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Less sugar | Check both the amount of sugars per 100 g and the product the manufacturer uses for comparison. Albert Heijn lists 23 g per 100 g for its Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels and compares them with its regular butter stroopwafels. | For a general coffee break, I want to offer less sugar without promising that the product is sugar-free. An estimated 33% of consumers prioritise this compromise. |
| Gluten-free and allergens | Check the gluten-free label and the allergens listed for the exact pack. Jumbo and PLUS list egg and lupin for the gluten-free stroopwafels reviewed. | If I’m setting out a separate gluten-free platter, I want to be able to tell guests about any other allergens present too. Around 25% of consumers would choose this as their top consideration. |
These labels describe different properties. Under the EU Regulation on nutrition claims, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; the AH, Jumbo and PLUS products reviewed list higher amounts.
Use the same label on your buffet sign as the one supported by the product information for the exact product. Don’t present a lower-sugar or gluten-free alternative as sugar-free.
The gluten-free stroopwafels in Jumbo and PLUS product information also contain egg and lupin. Jumbo also states that the product may contain nuts and sesame.
Check the packaging of your chosen product and keep the relevant allergen information available when serving the stroopwafels.
Albert Heijn marks Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as ‘discontinued’ on its product page. So an older product description doesn’t confirm that you can still order the same product.
Check the exact product just before ordering and compare the pack you receive with the information you plan to use for the buffet.
Stroopwafels suikerarm is an example of a product offered as a lower-sugar alternative, not as a confirmed sugar-free option.
AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels are suited to a coffee break where less sugar is preferred, without claiming to be sugar-free.
Jumbo presents these stroopwafels as a gluten-free option and displays the Crossed Grain certification mark.
PLUS offers a separate gluten-free stroopwafel option.
PLUS features Daelmans in its stroopwafel range, including a pack of 10 and smaller options.
ALDI features 300 g packs of Biscotto Mini stroopwafels in its biscuit range.
No. Under the EU Regulation on nutrition claims, a stroopwafel can only be called ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g for its Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels.
Not on the basis of its gluten-free label. Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for the gluten-free stroopwafels reviewed, while PLUS lists 41.13 g per 100 g. Check the sugar content of the exact product before calling it sugar-free.
Make sure guests can get information about the allergens present in unpackaged food. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that food businesses must provide information about 14 allergens; verbal information is only permitted under the applicable conditions. Also check that you’re using information for the product actually being served.
Check the ingredients, allergens, sugars per 100 g, best-before date and any storage instructions on the exact pack. The European Union requires prepacked foods to include information such as ingredients, allergens and nutrition values; make sure the wording on your buffet matches the product information.
