Who is this choice relevant to?

Shoppers prioritising a sugar-free option

You’re looking for a product labelled sugar-free and are happy to consider a soft sweet as an alternative to crunchy anise sprinkles. Also compare the polyols and ingredients listed on the packaging.

Fans of classic anise sprinkles

You want crunchy anise seeds for rusks, bread or a celebratory occasion. In that case, the traditional product type matters more to your choice than a sugar-free claim.

Shoppers who need to check ingredients

You want to know before buying whether a product contains gelatine, wheat or a sweetener you wish to avoid. Snoepman lists food-grade gelatine in the Joris sweet mice; Joybuy’s product information lists wheat in De Ruijter Blue & White.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a must-have or whether you mainly want crunchy anise sprinkles. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the ingredients for the variety you’ve chosen.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Sugar-free option Compare sugars per 100 g and check the claim on the packaging. I want to choose something sugar-free for breakfast, even if that means a soft sweet instead of anise sprinkles for bread. For around 43% of shoppers, this sugar-free requirement is the top priority.
Crunchy anise sprinkles Check whether the product is anise seeds with a sugar coating or soft jelly sweets. For rusks at a celebration, I want to serve the familiar, crunchy anise sprinkles. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise this traditional product type.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check for any warnings about polyols. If I want to avoid gelatine, wheat or a particular sweetener, the ingredients list should determine my choice. For around 28% of shoppers, this is their top priority.

Common misconceptions

  • Mistaking soft sweets shaped like mice for anise sprinkles for bread

    Joris is sold as a soft jelly sweet, whereas PLUS describes traditional anise sprinkles as anise seeds with a sugar coating. You’ll notice the difference when you want crunchy sprinkles for your rusks.

    Decide which product type you want to serve before comparing the sugar content.

  • Assuming ‘sugar-free’ means other things too

    A sugar-free claim alone tells you nothing about the amount of polyols or whether the product contains animal-derived ingredients. The Joris listing on bol.com states 78.4 g of polyols per 100 g; Snoepman lists food-grade gelatine.

    As well as checking sugars per 100 g, read the full ingredients list and nutritional information on the packaging.

  • Relying only on a retailer’s dietary filter

    In the Joris listing we reviewed, a vegan label conflicts with the food-grade gelatine listed in the ingredients. This makes a difference if you avoid gelatine.

    Check the current ingredients list on the packaging and, if the information conflicts, ask for confirmation before buying.

  • Looking only at sugars in sweets containing polyols

    The Joris product listing states 78.4 g of polyols per 100 g as well as 0.1 g of sugars. The sugar figure alone therefore doesn’t give you the full nutritional picture.

    Also check the polyols and any warnings on the packaging, and consider how much of the product you’ll use.

Brands to consider

Joris Suikerbakkerij

The Joris Sugar-free Muisjes we reviewed are soft sweets shaped like mice, not crunchy anise sprinkles for rusks.

  • The product listing on bol.com states 0.1 g of sugars and 78.4 g of polyols per 100 g.
  • Snoepman lists maltitol syrup and food-grade gelatine as ingredients; don’t choose this variety if you want to avoid gelatine.

De Ruijter

The traditional sprinkles we reviewed are for anyone looking for sugar-coated anise seeds. PLUS describes Roze & Witte as having this composition.

  • Classic anise seeds with a sugar coating are ideal for the traditional way of serving them on rusks.
  • Joybuy’s product information lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for the Blue & White variety, so it isn’t a sugar-free option.

Traditional anise sprinkles at Joybuy

This product is a good fit if you’re looking for classic anise sprinkles for rusks or as a topping. If you want soft, sugar-free sweets shaped like mice, you’ll need a different product type.

De Ruijter Muisjes Blue & White, 330 g pack

De Ruijter Muisjes Blue & White 330 g

For anyone who wants traditional anise sprinkles on rusks and doesn’t need a sugar-free option.

330 g pack. Joybuy’s product information lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g and includes wheat in the ingredients; if you have an allergy, check the current packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are Joris Sugar-free Muisjes the same as anise sprinkles for rusks?

No. The Joris variety we reviewed is a soft jelly sweet made with maltitol syrup, whereas PLUS describes traditional De Ruijter sprinkles as anise seeds with a sugar coating. Choose based on the product type you want, not just the word ‘muisjes’ in the name.

How do I compare the sugar content?

Compare the nutritional information per 100 g so that different packs and portions are measured on the same basis. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends this approach when comparing labels; also check the ingredients for the specific variety.

What should I look for in anise sprinkles containing polyols?

As well as sugars, check the polyols information and any warnings on the packaging. The Joris listing we reviewed on bol.com states 78.4 g of polyols per 100 g; consider how much of the product you’ll use when making your choice.

Does sugar-free also mean vegan or gluten-free?

No. A sugar-free claim doesn’t confirm either of these properties. Snoepman lists food-grade gelatine in Joris Sugar-free Muisjes, while Joybuy’s product information lists wheat in De Ruijter Blue & White. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.