Bonfire Night hosts comparing sugar
If you are putting biscuits out for guests, compare sugars per 100g before deciding how much to serve. Biscuit size and pack size do not provide a like-for-like sugar comparison.
Who is this for?
Hosts checking guests’ allergens
Check each product’s current ingredients and allergen statement when guests need to avoid wheat, milk or other ingredients. A sugar-free claim does not establish allergen suitability.
Shoppers considering sweeteners
If you are considering sugar-free shortbread, read which sweeteners it contains and any warning on the pack before setting out a sharing portion.
What should you check?
Start with the sugars figure on the same weight basis, then check the ingredients and the amount you plan to serve.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar comparison | Compare sugars per 100g on the current packs. Check any per-serving figure separately; the NHS notes that food labels report total sugars, which are not necessarily the same as free sugars. | I want to compare shortbread fairly, even when the biscuits are different sizes. |
| Sweeteners | Read the ingredient list and any consumption warning. Gullón identifies maltitol and isomalt in its ZERO Sugar Free Shortbread formulation; confirm the details on the pack being served. | If I choose a sugar-free alternative for sharing, I want guests to be able to see its ingredients and warnings. |
| Allergens | Check the particular pack for wheat, milk, soya and possible-nut statements as relevant. Do not use a gluten-free or sugar-free claim as a substitute for the full allergen statement. | Some guests may need a specific free-from product, regardless of its sugar figure. |
| Serving size | Use the per-100g figure for product comparison, then check the weight or nutrition information for the amount offered. Keep the packaging available alongside a sharing plate. | I would rather decide how much to put out than assume every biscuit represents the same serving. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming gluten-free means less sugar
Tesco Groceries lists 23.0g sugars per 100g for Tesco Free From Shortbread, and Ocado lists 25.6g for Walker’s Gluten Free Shortbread Assortment. Tesco Finest Scottish Shortbread Fingers, a conventional comparison, list 16.1g per 100g.
Choose a gluten-free pack for a relevant dietary requirement; compare its sugars per 100g separately if reducing sugar also matters.
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Comparing biscuits of different sizes
A per-biscuit figure does not give a like-for-like comparison when biscuit weights differ.
Compare sugars per 100g first, then use the pack’s serving information to plan what to put out.
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Overlooking a sugar-free product’s other ingredients
Gullón lists maltitol, isomalt and wheat in its ZERO Sugar Free Shortbread formulation. SuperValu’s Irish listing for the product also warns that excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.
Check the current pack’s sweeteners, allergen statement and warning before serving it, especially from a shared plate.
Brand and product references
These named products illustrate why recipe claims and sugars per 100g need checking separately; the figures apply to the specified products, not every biscuit from each brand.
Gullón
Gullón identifies a ZERO Sugar Free Shortbread formulation made with sweeteners.
- SuperValu’s Irish listing for the 330g product declares 0.5g sugars per 100g.
- The formulation contains wheat, maltitol and isomalt; confirm nutrition and allergens on the current UK pack. The Irish listing warns about excessive consumption.
Tesco
Tesco’s conventional and Free From shortbread provide distinct sugar and dietary comparisons.
- Tesco Groceries lists 16.1g sugars per 100g for Finest Scottish Shortbread Fingers.
- Its gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free and vegan Free From Shortbread lists 23.0g sugars per 100g; its free-from claims do not make it the lower-sugar example here.
Walker’s Shortbread
The named standard and gluten-free Walker’s products serve different recipe requirements.
- Ocado lists Walker’s Wee Shorties at 16.2g sugars per 100g.
- Ocado lists 25.6g sugars per 100g for Walker’s Gluten Free Shortbread Assortment; it contains butter and may contain nuts.
Dean’s
Traditional Shortbread Fingers offer a conventional recipe comparison.
- Dean’s lists 17.1g sugars per 100g for its Traditional Shortbread Fingers.
- That product contains wheat and milk; it is not identified as a reduced-sugar formulation.
M&S
M&S lists standard shortbread and a separate Made Without wheat- and gluten-free option.
- Ocado lists 17.0g sugars per 100g for M&S All Butter Shortbread Fingers.
- Those standard fingers contain wheat and milk and may contain nuts and peanuts; a Made Without label addresses a different requirement from sugar reduction.
Joybuy biscuit option
This Joybuy option is a no-added-sugar cookies-and-cream biscuit for a Bonfire Night table where shortbread itself is not essential.
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Gullon Zero No Added Sugar Cookies and Cream 210g
This 210g cookies-and-cream biscuit is an alternative when shortbread is not essential. Compare its current sugars per 100g with your shortbread choice, and check the pack’s ingredients, allergens and any sweetener warning before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Does reduced sugar mean sugar-free shortbread?
No. Treat “reduced sugar”, “sugar-free” and “no added sugar” as different pack claims, then compare sugars per 100g. The NHS explains that the total sugars shown on a food label can include sugars that are not free sugars.
How should I compare shortbread for a Bonfire Night table?
Compare sugars per 100g first, then check the serving information for the amount you intend to put out. For context, Tesco Groceries lists 16.1g per 100g for Finest Scottish Shortbread Fingers, while SuperValu’s Irish listing declares 0.5g per 100g for Gullón ZERO Sugar Free Shortbread; confirm the current UK pack before relying on the latter figure.
Is gluten-free shortbread lower in sugar?
Not necessarily. Tesco Groceries lists 23.0g sugars per 100g for Tesco Free From Shortbread, and Ocado lists 25.6g for Walker’s Gluten Free Shortbread Assortment. Check gluten suitability and sugar content as separate parts of the decision.
Which allergens should I check before serving shortbread?
Read the current pack against your guests’ specific requirements. The named conventional Tesco and Walker’s products contain wheat and milk; Gullón identifies wheat and possible milk and soya exposure for its ZERO Sugar Free Shortbread formulation. Check possible-nut statements where relevant too.
Can I put out an unrestricted amount of sugar-free shortbread?
A sugar-free claim is not a reason to ignore serving size or pack warnings. Gullón’s ZERO Sugar Free Shortbread contains maltitol and isomalt, and SuperValu’s Irish listing warns that excessive consumption may produce laxative effects. Keep the current pack available so guests can check its ingredients and warning.