Who might have this question?
What should you check before choosing?
For a cake, start by checking which ingredient the recipe calls for. If it’s soup, compare products in the same category. The DGCCRF states that nutritional information is given per 100 g or per 100 ml.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Check whether the recipe calls for soup or biscuits, then read the product name and ingredients on the packaging, in line with the labelling guidance published by the Ministry of the Economy. | I want to buy the ingredient specified for my cake without confusing soup with biscuits; around 50% of consumers would make identifying the product their priority. |
| Sugars | Compare the “of which sugars” figure per 100 g or per 100 ml for products in the same category. Check the comparable product before relying on a “reduced sugar” claim. | If I’m looking for a soup with less sugar than another, I need to compare figures measured on the same basis; around 30% of consumers would prioritise sugars. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, along with its storage instructions after opening. | I need to take account of the ingredients in my recipe and how to store the product once opened; this would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
What should you avoid?
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Assuming soup and biscuits are interchangeable ingredients
They won’t necessarily play the same role in a cake. A liquid soup sold in a carton, such as those listed by Carrefour, also won’t automatically match the canned format you’re looking for.
Read the recipe again to identify the ingredient, its format and its purpose before comparing products.
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Assuming a product has less sugar based on a single nutrition figure
The “of which sugars” figure describes one product. On its own, it doesn’t show what “reduced sugar” means compared with a similar product.
Compare products in the same category on the same per-100 g or per-100 ml basis, then check which product the claim is being compared with.
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Looking only at the sugar content of a soup
Soup can also contain salt and ingredients or allergens you may need to consider. The Auchan product listing for MAGGI 8 Vegetable Velouté Soup, for example, gives figures for both sugars and salt.
Check the nutritional information and ingredients list for the exact product you’re considering.
Brands to consider for this choice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you compare the sugar content of two pre-packaged products?
Read the “of which sugars” figure per 100 g or per 100 ml and compare products in the same category. The DGCCRF sets out this basis for nutritional declarations; a figure on its own isn’t enough to conclude that one product has “reduced sugar” compared with another.
What should you check on the label of soup or biscuits?
First check the product name and ingredients list, then look for any allergens highlighted on the packaging. This information helps you identify what you’re buying before considering how it fits into the recipe. The Ministry of the Economy also highlights its importance for food labelling.
How should you store soup after opening?
Follow the instructions on the product you’ve bought. The Auchan listing for La Potagère “Creamy soup from our countryside, organic vegetables from France” advises keeping it in the fridge for two days after opening; this guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other soups.