suikervrije

Suikervrije is a Dutch term used on consumer food labels to indicate that a product contains little to no sugar. In practice, the claim can refer to the absence of added sugar or, in some cases, to the near absence of total sugars; the exact meaning may vary by product and jurisdiction. Consumers should consult the nutrition facts to understand the sugar content.

To achieve a suikervrije product, manufacturers typically replace sugar with non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, or sucralose, or with sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol. Some products combine different sweeteners to mimic sugar's taste and texture. Sugar-free items may still include trace amounts of natural sugars or carbohydrates from other ingredients, and can differ in flavor profile and mouthfeel compared with sugar-containing equivalents.

In addition to beverages and confectionery, suikervrije labeling is common on dairy products, baked goods, sauces, and snacks.

Regulatory frameworks for labeling sugar-free claims vary by country. In the Netherlands and Belgium, as in much of the EU, claims are governed by general food information rules and by limits on related claims such as no added sugars. Consumers are advised to read the nutrition declaration and ingredients list, especially if they have dietary restrictions or conditions such as diabetes.

Health considerations: sugar-free products can help reduce sugar intake and calories for some people, but they do not automatically make a product healthier and may cause digestive effects due to sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners in sensitive individuals.