If you want to offer syrup waffles as sugar-free at a school fair, choose only a product whose current packaging states that it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. A lower-sugar syrup waffle is not a substitute; check the school’s policy before buying, and also check allergens and portion sizes.
Parents, teachers and volunteers who want to use the words ‘sugar-free’ on a sign or in an announcement need to be able to check the claim against the nutritional information on the packaging they choose.
If you want to keep the syrup waffle theme but aren’t promising a sugar-free treat, you could consider a lower-sugar option. The comparison on the packaging does not replace checking the amount of sugars per 100 g.
If school rules, allergies, religious beliefs or dietary needs will affect your choice, it’s best to check with the school first to see whether an edible treat is suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends taking such differences between children into account.
Start with the school’s rules and whether sugar-free is a strict requirement. Then compare suitable packaging for allergens and the number of portions you need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| The sugar-free claim | Check the amount of sugars per 100 g on the current packaging: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product can contain no more than 0.5 g per 100 g to be labelled sugar-free. A ‘less sugar’ claim does not prove this. | If I want to put ‘sugar-free’ on the school fair sign, the syrup waffle I choose must genuinely meet that claim. For around 42% of consumers, this is the most important requirement. |
| School rules and allergens | Ask whether edible treats are allowed and what conditions apply. Then read the allergen information on the packaging of every product you choose. | If not every child can eat the same treat, I want to know in advance what the school allows and which ingredients could be a problem. Around 33% of consumers put this check first. |
| Portions and serving | Compare the number of pieces and the portion size on the packaging with the number of portions you want to serve; check the storage instructions too. | For a serving table, I want to plan enough individual portions without buying far more than necessary. For around 25% of consumers, this practical planning is the top priority. |
These terms don’t mean the same thing. Albert Heijn states that its butter syrup waffles with less sugar contain 23 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the 0.5 g per 100 g limit the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for sugar-free products.
Use the claim shown on the current packaging, and only say ‘sugar-free’ when the nutritional information meets that limit.
Gluten-free or plant-based describes a different characteristic from the amount of sugars. A label with either of these claims therefore won’t answer your question about sugar.
Check the amount of sugars and the allergens separately, on the packaging of the exact product you plan to serve.
A treat might not fit the school’s celebration policy or the needs of the children attending. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that allergies, religious beliefs and dietary needs may mean a child has to turn down a treat.
First ask what kinds of treats are allowed and what needs you should take into account; then work out how many portions you need.
If you buy before those arrangements are confirmed, you could be left with syrup waffles you can’t use.
A brand name doesn’t tell you whether a particular syrup waffle is sugar-free. Compare the specific product and its current packaging, not just the brand’s range.
Albert Heijn has separate syrup waffle varieties with less sugar, without gluten and made with plant-based ingredients.
Céréal is an option to compare if less sugar is enough and you don’t need a strict sugar-free product.
Daelmans offers a traditional syrup waffle variety that Jumbo lists separately.
Jumbo lists both regular syrup waffles and a separate Lekker Vrij van Gluten variety.
Lidl lists Sondey butter syrup waffles in both regular and mini varieties.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product labelled sugar-free can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; ‘less sugar’ compares it with another product. For a syrup waffle at your school fair, only use a claim that matches the current packaging.
Yes. First ask what treat or celebration policy applies to this school fair. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises that schools may need to take allergies, religious beliefs and dietary needs into account. So ask whether an edible treat is suitable and what conditions the school has set.
Check the allergen information on the specific packaging, even if you’ve bought the same brand before. Albert Heijn lists milk, cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat among the allergens in its butter syrup waffles with less sugar. Ingredients and warnings may differ for another variety.
