Who are these choices relevant to?

Shoppers who need a sugar-free option

You want a syrup waffle that is actually labelled as sugar-free. Compare that claim with the sugar content per 100 g; ‘less sugar’ is not the same label.

Shoppers keeping an eye on sugar

You’re looking for a syrup waffle with less sugar than your usual choice, but don’t need it to be sugar-free. The remaining sugar content, nutritional information and serving size still matter.

Shoppers with an additional dietary requirement

For example, you might first check whether a syrup waffle is labelled gluten-free, then compare the sugar content. Also check the allergen information for the specific product.

What should you look for when choosing?

Before doing your weekly shop, decide which product label matters most to you. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and, if you have an additional dietary requirement, check the ingredients and allergens.

What to consider What to check Who is it important for?
Sugar-free as a requirement Read the exact claim on the packaging and compare it with the sugars per 100 g in the nutritional information. Don’t treat ‘less sugar’ or ‘no added sugars’ as synonyms for ‘sugar-free’. If I only want to buy a sugar-free syrup waffle, I need to be able to rule out a reduced-sugar version. This strict requirement comes first for around 50% of consumers.
Less sugar Compare sugars and energy per 100 g with the product you would otherwise buy; check the serving size too. According to Albert Heijn, the less-sugar version contains 23 g of sugars and 396 kcal per 100 g. I want to keep buying my usual syrup waffle, but I also want to know how much sugar the version I choose still contains. This is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.
Gluten-free and allergens Check the gluten-free label, read the allergen information and compare sugars separately. Jumbo lists 42,4 g of sugars per 100 g for its gluten-free syrup waffles; PLUS lists 41,13 g per 100 g. When I’m looking for a gluten-free syrup waffle, I don’t want the sugar content to be overlooked. This additional product requirement matters most to around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘less sugar’ with sugar-free

    A comparison with a standard product doesn’t mean a syrup waffle contains no sugar. Albert Heijn says AH butter less sugar syrup waffles contain 32% less sugar than its standard butter syrup waffles, but they still contain 23 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you need a sugar-free option, check the exact claim and the sugars per 100 g before choosing a pack.

  • Confusing gluten-free with reduced sugar

    Jumbo and PLUS list 42,4 g and 41,13 g of sugars per 100 g respectively for their gluten-free syrup waffles. The gluten-free label therefore answers a different question from how much sugar the product contains.

    Use the gluten-free label to check that requirement, then compare nutritional information and allergens separately.

  • Only reading the front of the pack

    A sugar comparison with another product doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy the syrup waffle you’ve chosen contains per 100 g. Ingredients and allergens also need to be checked separately.

    When stocking up for the week, read the nutritional information, ingredients list and allergen statement for the version you’re buying.

  • Relying on out-of-date product information

    Availability and product information may change by the time you place your next order. Albert Heijn and PLUS note that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.

    Check the current product details when ordering and read the label again when it arrives, especially if an ingredient or allergen is important to your choice.

Brands to consider

These examples show why you should assess the specific product, not just the brand: less sugar, gluten-free and standard syrup waffles are different choices.

Albert Heijn

AH butter less sugar syrup waffles are a reduced-sugar version of the butter syrup waffle.

  • According to Albert Heijn, they contain 32% less sugar than AH butter syrup waffles.
  • The product still contains 23 g of sugars per 100 g and includes milk, cereals containing gluten and soya.

Daelmans

The Daelmans syrup waffle listed by PLUS is a standard version made with butter, cinnamon and vanilla.

  • PLUS says this version has a 50% syrup filling.
  • PLUS lists 38 g of sugars per 100 g in its nutritional information; wheat, soya and milk are also listed.

Jumbo

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels are aimed at shoppers looking for a product labelled gluten-free.

  • According to Jumbo’s product information, this version carries the Crossed Grain quality mark.
  • Jumbo lists 42,4 g of sugars per 100 g and names egg and lupin as allergens.

PLUS

PLUS has a syrup waffle labelled gluten-free, with nutritional information per 100 g.

  • The product information lets you assess the gluten-free label and sugar content separately.
  • PLUS lists 41,13 g of sugars per 100 g and names egg and lupin as allergens.

Lidl / Sondey

Lidl includes syrup waffles in its Sondey range of biscuits and snacks.

  • Sondey is a brand to consider when comparing standard syrup waffles.
  • Check the exact sugar claim and nutritional information on each pack before comparing it with a reduced-sugar version.

ALDI / BISCOTTO

ALDI lists BISCOTTO Mini syrup waffles in a 300 g pack.

  • This is a familiar mini version to assess by its packaging and serving size.
  • Don’t assume the smaller size means less sugar per 100 g; check the nutritional information on the packaging.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No. ‘Less sugar’ compares one product with another; it doesn’t mean the product is sugar-free. For example, according to Albert Heijn, AH butter less sugar syrup waffles contain 23 g of sugars per 100 g. If you need a strictly sugar-free option, check both the claim and the nutritional information on the packaging.

Can I choose a gluten-free syrup waffle if I’m also watching my sugar intake?

Yes, but assess these two qualities separately. Jumbo lists 42,4 g of sugars per 100 g for its gluten-free syrup waffles, while PLUS lists 41,13 g per 100 g for its gluten-free version. Both product pages also list egg and lupin, so read the allergen information on the pack you buy.

What if the online information differs from what’s on my pack?

Check the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens on the packaging you received before using the product. Albert Heijn and PLUS say that product information can change; if you’re unsure about an ingredient that matters to you, contact the relevant customer service team for clarification.

How can I tell whether a syrup waffle contains sweeteners?

Read the ingredients list: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, any sweeteners used are listed on the label. For example, Céréal’s product information lists isomalt. This lets you decide whether you want to buy a version with sweeteners independently of its stated sugar content.