Hosts with a strict requirement for a sugar claim
You only want to describe a syrup waffle as sugar-free if that exact claim appears on the packaging. A product labelled ‘less sugar’ is not a substitute.
For a Christmas party, only describe a syrup waffle as ‘sugar-free’ if that exact claim appears on the packaging: ‘less sugar’ and ‘low sugar’ do not mean the same thing. A lower-sugar syrup waffle may be an option for guests who want to cut down on sugar, but if anyone has specific dietary requirements, check the ingredients, sweeteners and allergens too.
You only want to describe a syrup waffle as sugar-free if that exact claim appears on the packaging. A product labelled ‘less sugar’ is not a substitute.
You’re looking for a syrup waffle positioned as lower in sugar, without assuming that it’s sugar-free.
You want to assess sugar restrictions, gluten-free options and allergens separately, and show guests which packaging corresponds to each serving plate.
Start with your guests’ requirements: do they need an explicit sugar-free claim, are they mainly looking to reduce their sugar intake, or do they have another dietary requirement? Then consider how you’ll serve the waffles.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free claim | Check the exact claim on the packaging and read the sugars per 100 g. | If I’m only allowed to offer a syrup waffle as sugar-free, I don’t want to rely on a search result for ‘less sugar’. For around 36% of consumers, checking the claim is the top priority. |
| Less sugar | Compare the current nutritional information and portion size with the regular syrup waffle you would otherwise serve. | I want an option for guests who are cutting down on sugar, without promising that the waffle is sugar-free. That’s the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Other dietary requirements | Check the gluten-free claim, ingredients and allergens separately from the sugar content. | When catering for different dietary requirements, I want to be sure which serving plate is intended for which guest. Around 21% of consumers prioritise checking these separately. |
| Quantity and size | Compare the number of syrup waffles, the pack weight and the size of each portion. | For a larger group, I want to be able to plan enough portions without treating a mini waffle as equivalent to a regular one. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes ‘sugar-free’ as a nutrition claim. Product names such as ‘less sugar’ and ‘low sugar’ do not confirm that claim.
Only label the platter ‘sugar-free’ if that wording appears on the packaging. Otherwise, use the description given for the product you bought.
Jumbo’s product information states that Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels contain 42,4 g of sugars per 100 g. So the gluten-free claim says nothing about the sugar content being lower.
Assess the gluten-free requirement and the preference for less sugar separately, and use separate serving plates if needed.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sweeteners are listed on the label. It also states that foods containing more than 10% added polyols carry a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Read the ingredients list and keep the packaging handy so guests can check for themselves what the syrup waffles contain.
Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.
So check the claim, ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you’re actually serving.
Albert Heijn lists Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm as a product option.
Albert Heijn’s product listings include both AH Roomboter minder suiker stroopwafels and Céréal Stroopwafels suikerarm.
Jumbo lists products including Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels.
Daelmans syrup waffles appear in the product ranges listed by Albert Heijn and PLUS.
ALDI Netherlands lists regular syrup waffles with caramel filling in a pack of 12, weighing 378 g.
No. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes ‘sugar-free’ as a nutrition claim; ‘less sugar’ and ‘low sugar’ do not prove that a syrup waffle is sugar-free. Check the exact wording on the packaging.
Not necessarily. Jumbo states that Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Stroop Wafels contain 42,4 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the gluten-free claim and sugar content separately.
Yes. Check the ingredients list. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sweeteners are listed on the label; foods containing more than 10% added polyols carry a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Check the sugar claim, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and best-before date on the packaging you bought. Albert Heijn notes that product information can change if the recipe is altered.