Who is this choice for?

Sugar-conscious host

You want to serve a sweet topping while keeping an eye on its sugar content. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g; if you choose anise sprinkles, you can measure out the amount beforehand.

Fan of anise flavour and tradition

You’re looking for the familiar flavour and sprinklable finish of anise sprinkles on small bites. The question is whether you value these qualities more than an alternative you can choose based on its sugar content.

Shopping for guests with allergen requirements

You want to know what your guests can eat before serving. Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information lists wheat and cereals containing gluten in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes 270 g; check the current packaging too.

What should you look for when choosing?

Do you mainly want to keep the anise flavour, compare a sweet alternative or serve a savoury bite instead? Your choice will determine which features matter for your get-together.

Anise sprinkles

Choose these if: the anise flavour and sprinklable finish are part of your party bites.

The trade-off: using a small amount limits how much you serve, but it doesn’t make the sprinkles themselves low in sugar.

Another sweet topping

Choose this if: having less sugar matters more to you than getting exactly the same flavour as anise sprinkles.

The trade-off: a claim such as ‘less sugar’ doesn’t tell you on its own how much sugar the alternative contains or how well it works on a bite-sized snack.

Savoury party bite

Choose this if: you don’t need a sweet sprinkle topping.

The trade-off: a savoury snack won’t replace the anise flavour or decorative use; check the nutritional information for your chosen product separately.

If you’re considering anise sprinkles or an alternative for your get-together, one of the following priorities may help you decide.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugars For products used in a similar way, compare the sugar content per 100 g; you can also use serving sizes to work out how much you’ll use. When I put out a sweet topping, I want to be able to choose based on its sugar content, not just a small serving size on the label. Around 40% of consumers put cutting down on sugar first.
Anise flavour Decide whether you specifically want anise sprinkles: hundreds and other toppings may not have the same flavour or texture. For my party bites, I want to keep that distinctive anise flavour and sprinklable finish. For around 30% of consumers, flavour comes first.
Presentation Work out how many bites you want to decorate and measure out the topping beforehand. When I’m short on preparation time, I want to finish small bites quickly without sprinkling straight from the pack. Presentation matters most to around 20% of consumers.
Allergens Check the current ingredients and allergen information, especially if a guest needs to avoid wheat or gluten. When I’m shopping for guests with different dietary needs, I need to know what’s in the topping before serving. For around 10% of consumers, checking allergens is the top priority.

Common misconceptions

  • Mistaking a small serving for a low-sugar product

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo list 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes; the stated 6 g serving contains 4.7 g of sugar. That serving size helps you control the amount, but it doesn’t change the sugar content per 100 g.

    Compare alternatives per 100 g, then decide how much you actually want to use.

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    Albert Heijn lists chocolate sprinkles labelled ‘less sugar’, but that claim doesn’t confirm that the product is sugar-free or tastes of anise.

    Check the nutrition table and ingredients for the specific alternative before choosing it as a substitute.

  • Checking allergens only when you’re ready to serve

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information lists wheat and cereals containing gluten in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes 270 g. This may be important for guests who need to avoid these ingredients.

    Check the current packaging before buying and keep the information handy when serving the bites.

  • Sprinkling straight from the pack

    With a topping that contains 79 g of sugars per 100 g, the more you use, the more sugar you serve.

    Measure out the amount you need for all the bites first, then divide it between them.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes 270 g are sugar-coated aniseed used as a topping or decoration.

  • The anise flavour and sprinklable format suit anyone looking specifically to serve anise sprinkles.
  • Albert Heijn and Jumbo list 79 g of sugars per 100 g, as well as wheat and cereals containing gluten, for this variety.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH chocolate sprinkles labelled ‘less sugar’ as another option for a sweet topping.

  • This gives you an alternative to compare using the nutritional information per 100 g.
  • Chocolate sprinkles aren’t anise sprinkles; check the sugar content and ingredients, and whether the flavour and use suit your party bites.

A savoury alternative for drinks at Joybuy

The Joybuy product shown is a savoury snack for anyone who doesn’t need a sweet sprinkle topping. It won’t replace the anise flavour and sprinklable finish of anise sprinkles.

HBAF Almond Garlic Bread Flavor 120 g

HBAF Almond Garlic Bread Flavor 120 g

An option if you’d like to serve a savoury snack instead of anise sprinkles. This is a 120 g pack of almonds with garlic bread flavour, not a sprinkle topping.

If it matters to your guests, check the nutritional and allergen information on the current packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes low in sugar?

No. The variety listed by Albert Heijn and Jumbo contains 79 g of sugars per 100 g. The stated 6 g serving contains 4.7 g of sugar; using less limits the amount you serve, not the product’s sugar content.

How do I compare anise sprinkles with an alternative?

For products used in a similar way, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends when comparing labels. Also check whether the ingredients and intended use suit the bites you want to serve.

Can I serve these sprinkles to guests who avoid wheat or gluten?

Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information lists wheat and cereals containing gluten in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes 270 g. Don’t serve this variety as a wheat-free or gluten-free option, and check the current packaging for any alternative.

How should I store anise sprinkles after the get-together?

Store them in a dry place and check the best-before date on the packaging. Follow any storage instructions on the pack too.