Who is this relevant to?

Consumers with a strict sugar-free requirement

For you, ‘less sugar’ isn’t enough. You want the ‘sugar-free’ claim to match the nutritional information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit at no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Consumers looking for less sugar

You’re looking for a syrup waffle you can pick up and take with you, with less sugar than a comparable regular version. You understand that it may still contain sugars, so you also check the figures per 100 g and per portion.

Consumers considering a regular syrup waffle

Taste, packaging or availability matters more to you than a sugar-related requirement. Even so, compare the portion size and nutritional information, and read the allergen declaration if it’s relevant to your purchase.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing a syrup waffle for breakfast on the go, first decide whether sugar-free is essential or whether less sugar will do. Then consider the portion you’ll take with you and check the allergens if needed.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free Compare the claim on the packaging with the sugars per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit for ‘sugar-free’ at no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. If sugar-free is essential for me, I don’t want to accidentally buy a syrup waffle with less sugar thinking it’s sugar-free. An estimated 44% of these consumers make this their top priority.
Less sugar Compare the sugars per 100 g and per portion with those in the regular version; a percentage reduction doesn’t tell you how much sugar is still in the product. I want less sugar than in a regular syrup waffle, but I don’t necessarily need a sugar-free product. For around 33% of these consumers, reducing sugar is the top priority.
Portion size and allergens Check the weight of one syrup waffle, how many you’re taking with you and which allergens are listed on the packaging. When I’m out and about, I want to know in advance what portion I’ll be eating and whether the ingredients are suitable for me. This matters most to an estimated 23% of these consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    These claims don’t mean the same thing. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit for ‘sugar-free’ at no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If sugar-free is essential for you, check both the exact claim and the nutritional information per 100 g.

  • Looking only at the percentage reduction

    Albert Heijn says AH Butter Syrup Waffles with Less Sugar contain 32% less sugar than its regular butter syrup waffles, but also lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g.

    As well as comparing it with the regular version, check how much sugar is in the portion you plan to eat.

  • Choosing a regular syrup waffle as a lower-sugar alternative

    A familiar brand name or handy pack tells you nothing about sugar reduction. PLUS lists 38 g of sugars per 100 g for its regular Daelmans syrup waffles.

    For a regular version, check the nutritional information rather than relying on the product name or packaging.

  • Skipping the allergen information when buying in a hurry

    PLUS lists wheat/gluten, soya and milk as allergens in the Daelmans syrup waffles mentioned here. Other syrup waffles may have different ingredients.

    Read the current allergen declaration for the product you’re buying, even if you know the brand.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

An own-brand option for shoppers looking for a lower-sugar syrup waffle with their groceries.

  • Albert Heijn says AH Butter Syrup Waffles with Less Sugar contain 32% less sugar than its regular butter syrup waffles.
  • The same product information still lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g, so this isn’t a sugar-free version.

Céréal

A brand to compare if you’re looking for a syrup waffle with less sugar, but don’t necessarily need a sugar-free version.

  • Albert Heijn describes Céréal Low Sugar Syrup Waffles as containing 65% less sugars than a regular syrup waffle.
  • The Albert Heijn product page says ‘Discontinued’. Check current availability before adding this version to your shopping list.

Daelmans

A regular syrup waffle for anyone who doesn’t need a sugar-free option.

  • PLUS lists ten syrup waffles in the Daelmans pack mentioned here.
  • PLUS lists 38 g of sugars per 100 g, and wheat/gluten, soya and milk as allergens for this version.

Sondey

The Lidl brand in this comparison, offering a regular butter syrup waffle.

  • Lidl lists twelve waffles per pack on the product page.
  • Lidl says this version is only available in store. Check the nutritional information separately if reducing sugar matters to you.

ALDI eigen assortiment

A regular pack of syrup waffles for anyone mainly comparing the number of waffles per pack.

  • ALDI lists twelve syrup waffles in a 378 g pack.
  • If you’re looking for a syrup waffle with less sugar, check the nutritional information for this regular version separately.

Syrup waffles on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a ‘sugar-free’ claim means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; ‘less sugar’ compares a product with another version. So check the exact claim and the sugars listed in the nutrition table.

Are AH Butter Syrup Waffles with Less Sugar sugar-free?

No. Albert Heijn lists 23 g of sugars per 100 g, alongside a 32% reduction compared with its regular butter syrup waffles. That comparison is useful if you’re looking for less sugar, but not if you need a sugar-free product.

How can I spot sweeteners in syrup waffles?

Look in the ingredients list for the word ‘sweetener’, followed by its name or E number. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the ingredients list to see which sweeteners a product contains.

What should I look for if I’m taking a syrup waffle with me for breakfast?

Check the nutritional information per portion and consider what else you’ll eat or drink for breakfast. A claim such as ‘less sugar’ describes a comparison with another product, not the whole breakfast.

Which allergens should I check in syrup waffles?

It varies by version. PLUS lists wheat/gluten, soya and milk in the Daelmans syrup waffles mentioned here; always read the current allergen declaration for the syrup waffles you buy.