Are Gullon Biscuits Really Sugar Free?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional labels, Gullon biscuits marketed as 'sugar-free' typically contain less than 0.5g of sugar per 100g, but this label does not mean they are completely carbohydrate-free. This distinction is crucial for individuals managing their sugar intake, as these products instead rely on sweeteners like maltitol and isomalt. While these ingredients don't spike blood sugar like regular sugar, they still impact carbohydrate consumption and may cause digestive discomfort in larger quantities.

Quick Summary

Gullon's sugar-free biscuit varieties contain sweeteners such as maltitol and isomalt, which replace traditional sugar. These sugar alcohols do not raise blood sugar as drastically but still contribute carbohydrates. High consumption can lead to laxative effects. Reading the full ingredients list is essential for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Key Points

Sugar-Free is Not Carb-Free: Gullon biscuits labeled 'sugar-free' contain minimal simple sugars but use sugar alcohols like maltitol and isomalt, which still count as carbohydrates and calories.
Maltitol Has a Laxative Effect: Excessive consumption of Gullon biscuits can cause digestive issues like bloating and a laxative effect due to the sugar alcohol maltitol.
Less Impact on Blood Sugar: The sugar alcohols in Gullon biscuits cause a smaller spike in blood glucose compared to table sugar, making them a better option for diabetics, but careful monitoring is still necessary.
High in Fiber: Many Gullon sugar-free varieties, such as the digestive and fiber biscuits, are fortified with dietary fiber like oligofructose, which supports digestive health.
Check the Label: Always read the complete ingredients and nutritional information, especially for total carbohydrate content, and be aware of potential allergens like milk, soya, and nuts.
Not for Celiac Disease: Despite some advertising, Gullon's standard sugar-free biscuits are not gluten-free and contain wheat flour, making them unsuitable for those with celiac disease.

Understanding the 'Sugar Free' Label

Many consumers gravitate toward Gullon's 'Zero' and 'Sugar Free' biscuit lines, believing they offer a completely sugar-free treat. While the packaging is technically accurate by food labeling standards—containing less than 0.5g of simple sugars per 100g—the full picture is more complex. Instead of regular sugar, these biscuits use sugar alcohols and other sweeteners to achieve their flavor profile. It's important to understand what these alternatives are and how they affect the body.

The Role of Sugar Alcohols and Sweeteners

In place of table sugar, Gullon's products predominantly use maltitol and isomalt. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol with about 75-90% of the sweetness of sucrose and has fewer calories. Isomalt is another sugar alcohol that contributes to the sweet taste. These ingredients are popular in products for diabetics and those on restricted sugar diets because they are not fully absorbed by the body. This incomplete absorption means they have a less significant effect on blood glucose levels compared to traditional sugar. However, they are still carbohydrates and can affect overall blood sugar, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Another ingredient commonly found in Gullon's recipes is oligofructose, a type of dietary fiber. This adds to the fiber content, which can help mitigate some of the glycemic impact, but it doesn't eliminate the carbohydrate count. The combination of these ingredients gives Gullon biscuits their characteristic sweetness and texture without the use of refined sugars.

Potential Digestive Side Effects

One of the most well-documented side effects of consuming sugar alcohols like maltitol is their potential to cause digestive distress. For some individuals, consuming these sweeteners in large amounts can lead to a laxative effect, bloating, and gas. This happens because the body cannot fully digest sugar alcohols in the small intestine, and they pass into the large intestine where they are fermented by gut bacteria. For this reason, the UK-based Gullon Zero Cookies & Cream packaging carries a safety warning that "Excessive consumption may produce a laxative effect".

Comparison: Gullon 'Sugar Free' vs. Traditional Biscuits

To understand the real trade-offs, let's compare a standard Gullon sugar-free biscuit with a typical sugary biscuit on a 100g basis.


Nutrient	Gullon Sugar Free Digestive (per 100g)	Standard Digestive (Typical per 100g)	Notes
Energy	430 kcal	~490 kcal	Gullon has lower calories due to sweeteners.
Fat	16 g	~23 g	High oleic sunflower oil contributes to fat content.
Carbohydrates	68 g	~64 g	Gullon can have more carbs, but includes sugar alcohols.
Sugars	< 0.5 g	~16 g	The key difference; Gullon uses sweeteners instead.
Fibre	6.5 g	~3.4 g	Gullon is often higher in fibre.
Protein	6.2 g	~7.2 g	Varies slightly depending on the specific product.

This comparison table illustrates that while Gullon biscuits are very low in simple sugars, their total carbohydrate and calorie counts are not drastically lower than traditional biscuits. The main benefit is the replacement of refined sugar with a non-glycemic alternative.

Reading the Fine Print: Beyond the Label

For a fully informed choice, it's essential to look past the large 'sugar free' claims and examine the ingredients list and nutritional information carefully. The type and quantity of sweeteners used will determine the biscuit's overall impact on your body. Diabetics, in particular, must be mindful of total carbohydrate counts, not just simple sugars. Those with sensitive digestive systems should also be aware of the sugar alcohol content.

The Importance of the 'Zero' Line

Gullon's 'Zero' line explicitly states "Zero Sugar Free" and the inclusion of sweeteners is clearly labeled. These products are developed for specific dietary needs, such as diabetes management, and leverage high-quality ingredients like high oleic sunflower oil. The company is transparent about its use of sugar alcohols as substitutes. This transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions based on their health goals, whether it's simply reducing sugar or managing blood glucose. Gullon also offers other ranges like gluten-free and fiber-enriched versions, each with their own specific nutritional composition.

For those seeking more information on dietary choices, resources from institutions like the American Diabetes Association can provide further guidance on incorporating sugar substitutes into a balanced diet. More information can be found on their website american diabetes association on sweeteners.

Conclusion

So, are Gullon biscuits really sugar free? The answer is nuanced. While they contain no added refined sugars, they rely on sugar alcohols like maltitol and isomalt for sweetness. These ingredients are carbohydrates and can affect blood sugar, albeit less dramatically than table sugar. The 'sugar-free' label is accurate based on minimal simple sugars, but the overall nutritional impact depends on the specific product and serving size. Consumers, especially those with diabetes or digestive sensitivities, should read the full nutritional information and ingredients list to make the best choice for their health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gullon sugar-free biscuits primarily use sugar alcohols like maltitol and isomalt to provide sweetness without traditional sugar.

Yes, Gullon biscuits are often suitable for diabetics because the sugar alcohols used have a lower impact on blood glucose levels. However, it is essential for diabetics to monitor their overall carbohydrate intake and discuss consumption with a healthcare provider.

For some people, especially with excessive consumption, the sugar alcohols in Gullon biscuits can cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or a laxative effect.

Gullon sugar-free biscuits are typically lower in calories than their traditional sugar-containing counterparts, but they are not calorie-free. The calorie count per 100g is often only slightly lower due to the carbohydrate content from flour and sugar alcohols.

No, 'sugar free' is not the same as 'carb free'. While Gullon biscuits are low in simple sugars, they still contain a significant amount of carbohydrates from flour and sugar alcohols. Consumers on a low-carb diet should check the total carbohydrate count.

Gullon offers various product lines, including traditional biscuits with sugar. The 'Zero' and 'Diet Nature' lines are specifically formulated with sweeteners to be sugar-free, so it is important to read the packaging carefully to ensure you are selecting the correct product.

No, the standard sugar-free Gullon biscuits are not gluten-free as they are made with wheat flour. Gullon does offer specific gluten-free product lines for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.