Choose ordinary anise sprinkles if you’re after a crunchy anise flavour; if you’d prefer a dark cocoa flavour, dark chocolate sprinkles are the more obvious choice. PLUS says the pink and white sprinkles mentioned are anise seeds coated in sugar, while Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intense Dark chocolate sprinkles. When you buy, also compare the sugar per 100 g and the ingredients, and use sprinkles as a topping while studying rather than as a snack on their own.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Those looking for a dark cocoa flavour
You’re after something with a cocoa flavour while you study, and want to know whether to choose anise sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles. The sprinkles described by PLUS are anise seeds coated in sugar; dark chocolate sprinkles are a different kind of topping.
Study-time snackers who want to stick to a portion
You want something sweet on bread, yoghurt or porridge, without repeatedly eating straight from the packet while you study. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping treats small and avoiding constant snacking.
Shoppers who need to check ingredients
If allergens or other ingredients affect your choice, check the current packaging. The anise sprinkles and intense dark chocolate sprinkles described here differ, among other things, in the wheat, milk and soya ingredients listed.
What should you look for in anise sprinkles and chocolate?
First decide whether you want to taste anise or cocoa. Then compare the type of sprinkles, the nutritional information per 100 g and any ingredients that matter to you.
| What to consider |
What to check when buying |
Who it’s most relevant to |
| Anise or cocoa |
Check whether the product contains anise seeds or chocolate, and what percentage of cocoa solids is listed. |
If I’m looking for a dark chocolate flavour, I don’t want to accidentally buy sugar-coated anise sprinkles. For around 44% of consumers choosing between these types of sprinkles while studying, flavour is the main priority. |
| Using it as a topping |
Compare the sugar per 100 g, then set aside the amount you want to use on bread, yoghurt or porridge. |
I want something sweet with my food, but don’t want to mindlessly keep eating from the packet while I study. For around 33% of these consumers, having a set treat is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients |
Check the current packaging for allergens, and bear caffeine in mind if that’s relevant to you. |
If I have an allergy or intolerance, I need to know which ingredients are in this particular variety; caffeine may also affect my choice. This check is the main priority for around 23% of these consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking for a dark flavour and buying ordinary anise sprinkles
The pink and white sprinkles described by PLUS are anise seeds coated in sugar. They won’t satisfy a craving for a cocoa flavour.
For cocoa, look for a chocolate product and check the product name and the stated percentage of cocoa solids.
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Assuming a higher cocoa percentage means you can snack without limits
The cocoa percentage doesn’t tell you how much sugar a product contains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping treats small and avoiding constant snacking.
Read the nutritional information per 100 g and set aside a portion for your topping instead of eating straight from the packet.
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Relying on a product page alone for allergen information
Ingredients vary between varieties and can change. Wheat and gluten are relevant to the anise sprinkles described here; the product information for the intense dark chocolate sprinkles lists milk and soya.
Check the allergen information on the current packaging when you buy, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance.
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Forgetting to include chocolate when checking your caffeine intake
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists chocolate, coffee, cola and energy drinks as products that may contain caffeine.
If you’re keeping an eye on caffeine, remember to include chocolate when checking what you eat and drink during a study session.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Albert Heijn and PLUS list both anise sprinkles and dark chocolate sprinkles in the range. Choose between these products based on flavour and product type, rather than the brand alone.
- Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intense Dark chocolate sprinkles; PLUS lists at least 32% for De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Flakes.
- The pink and white sprinkles described by PLUS are an anise-and-sugar product, not an alternative to dark chocolate. Check the current ingredients and allergen information for each variety separately.
Chocolate products on Joybuy
These chocolate products are worth comparing as toppings if you’re looking for cocoa rather than the anise flavour of anise sprinkles. Check each pack to make sure the product type, flavour and ingredients suit your preferences.
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De Ruijter Intense Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g
For anyone looking for a dark chocolate topping instead of anise sprinkles. The pack contains 200 g; check the cocoa percentage and current ingredients if these matter to your choice.
View on Joybuy
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks, 390 g
For anyone comparing a chocolate product as a topping with anise sprinkles. The pack contains 390 g; check the product type and make sure the flavour suits your preference for dark chocolate.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Are ordinary anise sprinkles an alternative to dark chocolate?
Not if cocoa is the flavour you’re mainly after. The pink and white sprinkles described by PLUS are anise seeds coated in sugar; for cocoa, look for a separate product of chocolate sprinkles or chocolate flakes and check the product name.
Can I eat intense dark chocolate sprinkles as a snack on their own while studying?
If you want something sweet with your food, it’s better to use the sprinkles as a small topping than to keep eating from the packet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating and drinking regularly around exam time and avoiding constant snacking.
What should I check if I have an allergy or intolerance?
Before eating, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety you’re buying. The anise sprinkles described here list wheat and gluten; the intense dark chocolate sprinkles list milk and soya, and may also contain milk protein and lactose.