Anyone looking for a strictly sugar-free option
You only want to choose a syrup waffle if the nutrition information meets the requirements for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. A label such as ‘less sugar’ doesn’t meet that requirement.
Who is this relevant for?
Anyone looking to cut down on sugar with their coffee
You’re looking for a syrup waffle to enjoy with coffee or cake and want to compare its sugar content with that of a regular version, without insisting that it’s strictly sugar-free.
Anyone who also needs to check the ingredients
As well as the sugar content, you may need to look out for things such as gluten or allergens. A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you anything about the sugar content in itself.
What should you look for when choosing?
Before choosing a syrup waffle to enjoy with coffee or cake, decide whether your main priority is a sugar-free option, reduced sugar or avoiding a particular ingredient. Then check the other details separately on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. For ‘sugar-free’, EUR-Lex gives a maximum limit of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If I only want a sugar-free syrup waffle, a lower-sugar claim isn’t a substitute. For around 46% of consumers, verified sugar-free status comes first. |
| Less sugar | Compare the sugar content per 100 g. If there’s a reduction claim, check which syrup waffle the product is being compared with. | With my coffee, I want to reduce my sugar intake without insisting on a sugar-free option. Around 36% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the version you’re choosing. Assess a gluten-free label separately from the sugar content. | If I want to avoid gluten or a particular ingredient, that needs to be the first thing I check when choosing. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming ‘less sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
A relative reduction doesn’t mean a syrup waffle meets the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim. Albert Heijn still lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Roomboter minder suiker.
If you need a strictly sugar-free option, compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the packaging.
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Relying on an outdated product listing
Albert Heijn marks Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as ‘discontinued’. This listing therefore doesn’t confirm that you can buy the product there.
Before buying, check the current product page and packaging from the retailer you plan to use.
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Confusing gluten-free with low sugar
Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels. So a gluten-free label answers a different question when you’re shopping.
Check gluten and sugar separately if both matter to your choice.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells a butter syrup waffle labelled ‘less sugar’ for anyone who wants to compare its sugar content with that of its regular butter version.
- Albert Heijn says it contains 32% less sugar than AH Roomboter stroopwafels and lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g.
- This version isn’t sugar-free. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging too.
Céréal
Albert Heijn describes Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as a syrup waffle containing sugars and a sweetener.
- The product description makes it clear that its sweet taste doesn’t come from sugar alone.
- ‘Low sugar’ doesn’t mean ‘sugar-free’. Albert Heijn also marks this product as ‘discontinued’.
Jumbo Lekker Vrij
The syrup waffles in this range are worth considering if gluten-free is your main priority when shopping.
- Jumbo lists the Crossed Grain certification for Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels.
- Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for this product. Gluten-free doesn’t mean low-sugar or sugar-free.
Daelmans
PLUS lists regular, duo and mini Daelmans syrup waffles in its range.
- You can choose between these options if size is a factor for your coffee break.
- Don’t base a decision about reduced sugar or a sugar-free option on the brand name or size. Check the nutrition information for the specific version.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
When is the ‘sugar-free’ claim suitable for a syrup waffle?
For the ‘sugar-free’ claim, the EU regulation on nutrition claims, published on EUR-Lex, sets a maximum limit of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the syrup waffle’s nutrition information.
Does ‘less sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. According to Albert Heijn, AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels contain 32% less sugar than AH Roomboter stroopwafels, but still have 23 g of sugars per 100 g. This comparison is with that specific AH version.
Are syrup waffles with sweeteners automatically sugar-free?
No. The presence of a sweetener in the ingredients doesn’t tell you anything about the final sugar content in itself. For example, Albert Heijn describes Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as containing both sugars and a sweetener. Check the nutrition information on the packaging.
Does a gluten-free syrup waffle also contain less sugar?
Not necessarily. Jumbo lists 42.4 g of sugars per 100 g for Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels. If you’re looking for reduced sugar as well as a gluten-free option, compare the sugar content separately.