Who is this relevant to?

Parents with a strict sugar-free requirement

If a stroopwafel labelled ‘low sugar’ or ‘less sugar’ doesn’t meet your requirements, check the exact claim and the sugars per 100 g on the pack.

Families looking to choose less sugar

If you’re not looking for a strictly sugar-free product, but want to compare sugar and energy per portion, check the nutritional information. The front of the pack won’t tell you how much is in one waffle.

Shoppers who also check ingredients and allergens

If sweeteners, polyols or allergens are a separate consideration for you, check the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, products containing added polyols may carry a warning that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect. ‘Gluten-free’ says nothing about the sugar content.

What should you look for?

First decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement. Then compare sugars and energy per portion, and check the ingredients and allergens separately.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Strictly sugar-free Look for the ‘sugar-free’ claim and check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, solid foods carrying this claim must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If my stroopwafel for after school really needs to be sugar-free, I don’t want to rely on ‘less sugar’. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Sugar and portion size Compare ‘of which sugars’ and energy per portion you’ll actually eat, and check how many waffles that portion includes. I’m looking for a lower-sugar option, but I also want to know what’s in the number of waffles I choose. This is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warning about polyols. Check any gluten-free claim separately from the sugar content. If particular ingredients or allergens determine your choice, a sugar claim alone isn’t enough. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these checks.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘low sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’

    These terms aren’t interchangeable. Under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a solid stroopwafel labelled ‘sugar-free’ must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If sugar-free is a strict requirement, check both the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ line on the pack.

  • Looking only at the front of the pack

    A claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar and energy are in the portion you’ll eat. The Voedingscentrum’s Caloriechecker lists 14.7 g of sugars and 189 kcal for an extra-large 40 g stroopwafel; don’t use this as the nutritional value for a different variety.

    Compare the nutritional information for your chosen stroopwafels per portion, and decide how many waffles are right for snack time.

  • Assuming ‘gluten-free’ or ‘mini’ means ‘less sugar’

    Gluten-free describes a different characteristic, and a smaller waffle doesn’t automatically contain less sugar per 100 g. Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for its Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels.

    Check the sugar content, portion size and relevant allergens for each variety separately.

  • Overlooking sweeteners and warnings

    Stroopwafels with added polyols may carry a warning that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect, according to the Voedingscentrum.

    Read the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging, especially if they’re relevant to choosing a snack for your child.

Brands to consider

The product listings below show why the exact variety name matters. Check the nutritional information on the pack you choose.

Céréal

Albert Heijn lists a product called Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm.

  • The variety name makes clear that it is marketed as a low-sugar option.
  • ‘Low sugar’ isn’t the same as ‘sugar-free’. Check ‘of which sugars’ and the ingredients on the current pack.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels and Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm.

  • The two names give you different points of comparison when choosing between varieties.
  • Neither name means ‘sugar-free’ in itself. Albert Heijn says product information, including nutritional values and allergens, may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels as a gluten-free option.

  • The gluten-free claim is a separate point to check if this matters to you.
  • Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for this variety; don’t assume ‘gluten-free’ means less sugar.

Daelmans

PLUS lists Daelmans Originele Stroopwafel as a standard stroopwafel.

  • This listing gives you a familiar standard variety to compare with the label.
  • Don’t treat this variety as low-sugar or sugar-free unless the pack you choose carries the relevant claim and nutritional information.

Sondey

Lidl lists Sondey Mini-roomboter stroopwafels.

  • The mini size can help you manage how much you have as a snack.
  • ‘Mini’ says nothing about the sugars per 100 g; check the nutritional information for this variety separately.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean a stroopwafel is sugar-free?

No. ‘Less sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’ aren’t the same claim. Under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a solid food labelled ‘sugar-free’ must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the exact wording and ‘of which sugars’ on the pack.

Does ‘sugar-free’ tell you everything about a stroopwafel as an after-school snack?

No. The claim refers to the sugar content and isn’t an assessment of the overall nutritional value. Also check the energy per portion, the ingredients and how many waffles will be eaten.

What should I look for in stroopwafels containing polyols?

Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, products with added polyols may state that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect.

Is a gluten-free stroopwafel also low in sugar?

Not necessarily: gluten-free and low sugar describe different characteristics. Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels. Check the nutritional information again for any other variety.

Why should I read the pack if I’ve already checked the product information online?

The pack lets you check the information for the specific variety you’re buying. Albert Heijn says ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change, so check the details that matter to your choice again.