Dark chocolate lovers
If you’re looking for a chocolate topping for adult recipients, compare the stated percentage of cocoa solids. The word ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t tell you what percentage a product contains.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Aniseed muisjes lovers
If you mainly want the familiar aniseed flavour and mouse shape, choose a different product from someone looking for chocolate. De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contains no cocoa, according to its ingredients list.
Filling small advent calendar compartments
When dividing toppings between several compartments, fit and labelling both matter. The crushed muisjes examined contain wheat; the dark chocolate flakes examined may also contain soya and milk.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want aniseed or chocolate. Then compare the product’s shape with the space in the advent calendar compartment, and check the current label for each recipient.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate flavour | Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids on the pack. Jumbo states at least 32% for De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur and at least 35% for Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur. | If I’m looking for a distinct chocolate flavour, I want to be able to compare the stated cocoa percentage. For around 42% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Aniseed and mouse shape | Read the ingredients list: De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contains aniseed and wheat starch, but no cocoa. | If I want the familiar aniseed flavour and mouse shape, I wouldn’t simply swap them for chocolate. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this preference. |
| Filling and sharing | Try a portion in one compartment and check the allergens on each pack. The crushed muisjes examined contain wheat; the dark flakes examined list soya or may contain milk, depending on the product. | When filling small compartments, I want the topping to fit and be suitable for the recipients. This practical consideration is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking ‘dark crushed muisjes’ for chocolate
De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes lists aniseed, sugar and wheat starch among its ingredients, but no cocoa. So it won’t give you the chocolate flavour you may have had in mind.
Choose crushed muisjes for aniseed; for chocolate, look for a separate product such as dark chocolate sprinkles or flakes.
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Assuming ‘dark’ means a fixed cocoa percentage
The name alone doesn’t make products comparable: Jumbo states at least 32% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur and at least 35% for Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur.
If the cocoa percentage will determine your choice, compare the figures on the current packaging.
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Overlooking allergens in a small topping
Even a small portion can contain ingredients that matter to a recipient. The muisjes examined contain wheat; the flakes examined list soya or may contain milk, depending on the variety.
Check each label individually and keep products with different allergens separate while filling the compartments.
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Choosing flakes without checking the compartment
Flakes, sprinkles and crushed muisjes are different shapes. Whether a portion will fit depends on the topping and the calendar compartment.
Measure an empty compartment and try one portion before dividing up the rest.
Brands to help you decide
De Ruijter
Relevant if you’re choosing between crushed aniseed muisjes and separate dark chocolate toppings.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, 270 g, contains aniseed and wheat starch; De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur, 200 g, states at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The crushed muisjes aren’t a chocolate product and contain wheat. The dark flakes mentioned contain soya and may contain milk.
Jumbo
A supermarket own-brand option for comparing dark chocolate flakes with a stated cocoa percentage.
- Jumbo states that its Chocolade Vlokken Puur, 300 g, contains at least 35% cocoa solids, and recommends storing it in a cool, dry place.
- These are flakes, not muisjes; according to the product information, they may contain milk.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s product categories help you recognise muisjes and dark chocolate flakes as different types of product.
- Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes in the muisjes category and separate dark chocolate flakes in the flakes category.
- For a specific variety of flakes, check the product page or packaging for ingredients and cocoa percentage; the category name doesn’t provide those details.
Chocolate toppings at Joybuy
These chocolate sprinkles and chunks are options if you want chocolate rather than aniseed muisjes for advent calendar compartments. Check the shape and label of each product, and whether a portion will fit.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
Chocolate sprinkles for anyone looking to replace aniseed muisjes; compare the cocoa percentage on the label if it will affect your choice.
200 g pack. Try a portion in a compartment before filling the calendar.
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g'woon Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 400 g
An option if you want to use chocolate sprinkles instead of aniseed; check that the sprinkles fit in the compartments you’ve chosen.
400 g pack. Check the current label for ingredients and allergens.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
A chocolate topping to consider if the pieces fit in your advent calendar compartments; check their shape before dividing them into portions.
390 g pack. Check the label for the cocoa percentage and allergens.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
A dark chocolate topping as an alternative to aniseed muisjes; check the cocoa percentage on the pack before choosing based on the name.
390 g pack. Check the allergens too, and try a portion in the compartment.
Frequently asked questions
Are crushed muisjes a dark chocolate topping?
De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, 270 g, isn’t a chocolate topping: the ingredients list on Jumbo’s website includes sugar, aniseed and wheat starch, among other ingredients, but no cocoa. For a chocolate flavour, look for a separate sprinkles or flakes product and check its label.
How do I compare the cocoa content of dark chocolate flakes?
Compare the stated minimum percentages for the specific products. Jumbo states at least 32% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur and at least 35% for Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur; the word ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t tell you the percentage.
Which allergens should I check when filling the compartments?
Check the label of each individual product for the recipients. The crushed muisjes examined contain wheat; according to Jumbo, De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur contains soya and may contain milk, while Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur may contain milk.
How should I store the toppings before filling the compartments?
Keep crushed muisjes dry and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for chocolate flakes. Jumbo recommends storing its dark chocolate flakes in a cool, dry place; also check the best-before date on the pack you’re using.