Who is this choice relevant to?

Hotel buyer with a sugar target

Wants to know which claim appears on the syrup waffles before ordering, and what the nutritional information says for the exact product. The product title alone doesn’t provide all the details.

Person responsible for buffet information

Needs to be able to tell guests which allergens are present in syrup waffles served unpackaged. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) requires this information to be available to guests where the food is offered.

Breakfast manager organising service

Is looking for a format that works for self-service, such as mini or twin packs. The serving size should be assessed separately from the sugar content per 100 g.

What should you look for?

Start by defining what you want from the buffet choice: an absolute sugar limit, a reduction relative to a similar product, or simply a practical serving format. Then compare the nutritional information, serving size and allergen details for the chosen product with your buffet requirements.

‘Low-sugar’ syrup waffles

When: your purchasing target is an absolute upper limit for sugars per 100 g.

Consider: EUR-Lex sets a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g for this claim on solid foods. Check the claim and value on the current packaging of the exact product.

‘Reduced-sugar’ syrup waffles

When: your aim is a demonstrable reduction compared with a similar product.

Consider: for a ‘reduced sugars’ claim, the NVWA specifies at least 30% less sugar and an equal or lower energy value. This does not, in itself, mean the product is ‘low sugar’.

Regular syrup waffles in a different format

When: a mini or twin pack would make buffet service easier.

Consider: a smaller unit doesn’t change the sugar content per 100 g and isn’t a substitute for a sugar claim.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar content and claim Compare sugars per 100 g and per serving. For ‘reduced sugar’, also check the reference product and energy value. If I want to match the buffet selection to a sugar target, I need to know what the claim means for this product. An estimated 36% of consumers give this check top priority.
Allergen information Check the current ingredient and allergen details, and how guests will access that information at the buffet when the food is offered unpackaged. When serving individual syrup waffles, I want to give guests clear information about any allergens before they take one. For around 29% of consumers, this information comes first.
Portion and service Compare the weight per waffle, the packaging per unit and how practical the product is to serve. When guests serve themselves, I’m looking for a format that’s easy to put out and replenish. Roughly 21% of consumers prioritise portion size and service.
Reliable replenishment Confirm the packaging format, shelf life and delivery arrangements for the exact product. I want to be able to reorder the same buffet product without losing track of its product information. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Treating ‘reduced sugar’ as the same as ‘low sugar’

    According to EUR-Lex, ‘low sugar’ for solid foods means a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g. The NVWA describes ‘reduced sugars’ as a relative claim compared with a similar product, subject to conditions for both sugar and energy.

    For the exact product, note the sugars per 100 g and per serving. If it carries a relative claim, also ask what it is being compared with.

  • Relying on the product title as a full specification

    Albert Heijn lists both Céréal Low-Sugar Syrup Waffles and AH Butter Reduced-Sugar Syrup Waffles. The title alone doesn’t tell you which ingredients, allergens and serving values apply to the pack you receive.

    Ask for the current supplier specification, then check it against the packaging and product identification when the order arrives.

  • Sorting out allergen information only after putting the food out

    For food offered unpackaged, the NVWA requires information about any allergens to be available where the food is offered. If cereals containing gluten are present, the specific cereal must be identified.

    Before buffet service, check the details for the exact product and make sure guests can access the required information in an approved way.

  • Mistaking a smaller portion for a sugar claim

    A mini or twin pack may make a different serving format possible, but it doesn’t change the product’s composition per 100 g.

    Assess the serving format and sugar target separately, using the nutritional information for the same syrup waffle.

Brands and ranges to consider

The examples below help distinguish between sugar claims and regular serving formats. A brand mention doesn’t mean that all its syrup waffles have the same characteristics.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Butter Reduced-Sugar Syrup Waffles and Céréal Low-Sugar Syrup Waffles as two differently labelled products.

  • The product names show which claim needs to be checked for each item.
  • For your buffet choice, use the current packaging and supplier specification to check nutritional values, ingredients and allergens.

Daelmans

PLUS lists regular Daelmans syrup waffles in formats including mini and twin packs.

  • These formats are worth considering when portioned service is a priority.
  • Don’t assume a mini or twin pack contains reduced-sugar syrup waffles without checking the product specification.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s syrup waffle range includes regular and mini products, as well as products specifically labelled gluten-free.

  • The range shows that formats and product characteristics can vary from one item to another.
  • Always check sugar claims and allergens for the product you choose; a feature of one variant doesn’t apply to the others.

Sondey

Lidl lists Sondey syrup waffles in varieties including butter, margarine and mini.

  • The different varieties make it worth comparing formats and ingredients.
  • Don’t infer a ‘low sugar’ or ‘reduced sugar’ claim from these varieties.

Biscotto / Heerlijck Banket

ALDI lists regular syrup waffles and mini formats in these ranges.

  • A mini format can be a factor when choosing buffet portion sizes.
  • Without a claim and supporting product specification, a regular or small syrup waffle isn’t a substantiated low-sugar choice.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘low sugar’ on a syrup waffle also mean ‘sugar-free’?

No. According to EUR-Lex, solid foods can carry a ‘low sugar’ claim if they contain no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g; that isn’t the same as being sugar-free. If the exact amount matters for your buffet, check the nutritional information on the current packaging.

What does ‘reduced sugar’ mean when comparing syrup waffles?

It isn’t another way of saying ‘low sugar’. For a ‘reduced sugars’ claim, the NVWA specifies at least 30% less sugar than a similar food, while the energy value must be equal or lower. When buying, ask what the comparison is based on and check the specification for the exact product.

What allergen information is needed for individual syrup waffles on the buffet?

When syrup waffles are offered unpackaged, guests must be able to access information about any allergens where the food is offered. The NVWA allows this information to be provided in writing or electronically, or verbally subject to certain conditions. If cereals containing gluten are present, the specific cereal must be named. Use the current details for the product actually being served.