Hoteliers looking for a Dutch treat
You want to offer something sweet alongside the coffee without promising guests a chocolate treat. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes as sweetened aniseed seeds.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Buyers who need to provide allergen information
You want to know which ingredients and allergens are listed on the current packaging before serving, and how guests can access that information, especially if you’re using an open dish.
Hoteliers who have promised chocolate
If you’ve promised a box of chocolates or another chocolate treat, keep looking for one: an aniseed product won’t meet that specific expectation.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether the in-room treat needs to be chocolate or can be a separate aniseed treat. Then check the allergen information and consider how you’ll portion and store the product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate or aniseed | Decide whether you’re promising chocolate or offering a separate aniseed treat. Don’t present crushed aniseed sprinkles as chocolates. | If I’ve promised guests chocolate, I don’t want to offer an aniseed product as a substitute. This choice is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the current ingredients list and make sure guests can access the allergen information. The De Ruijter variety described lists wheat and cereals containing gluten. | When serving the product in an open dish, I want to be able to tell guests clearly which allergens it contains. Around 33% of consumers give this information top priority. |
| Portions and storage | Check the pack size, the date on the packaging and the storage instructions. Decide how you’ll serve the product hygienically and keep it dry. | If I need to supply several rooms, I want to know in advance how I’ll portion the product and store the stock. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Buying crushed aniseed sprinkles as if they were chocolate
According to the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, the De Ruijter variety described consists of sweetened aniseed seeds. Guests expecting chocolate will receive a different product.
Decide what treat you want to offer guests before placing your order, and don’t describe aniseed sprinkles as chocolate.
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Putting out an open dish without allergen information
The variety described by Jumbo contains wheat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires businesses selling unpackaged food to inform customers about the allergens it contains.
Keep the latest product information available and make sure guests can access the relevant allergen information when you serve the product.
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Treating a nutritional serving as a ready-to-serve hotel portion
A serving size shown in the nutritional information doesn’t tell you whether the product is individually wrapped or suitable for serving in hotel rooms.
Decide in advance how you’ll portion the product, keep it dry and serve it hygienically. Also check the instructions on the packaging you’re actually using.
A relevant brand to consider
De Ruijter
Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, 270 g, as sweetened aniseed seeds for use as a sweet spread or topping.
- The product information lists ingredients and allergens that you can check before serving it to hotel guests.
- These crushed aniseed sprinkles aren’t a box of chocolates. Also, don’t confuse the 270 g pack described here with other varieties of muisjes.
Product at Joybuy
These Pink Muisjes could be offered as a separate aniseed treat alongside in-room coffee, but they aren’t a box of chocolates. The product title says Pink Muisjes, not crushed aniseed sprinkles, so check that this particular variety is right for the way you plan to serve it.
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De Ruijter Pink Muisjes 330 g
Worth considering as a separate sweet treat alongside coffee, not as chocolate or as an ingredient for coffee.
The product title lists 330 g; check the variety and weight on the packaging you receive. The product description lists wheat and cereals containing gluten, so check the latest allergen information before serving too.
If you want to distribute the muisjes across several rooms, you’ll need a suitable, hygienic way to portion and serve them.
Frequently asked questions
Are crushed aniseed sprinkles an alternative to a box of chocolates?
Not if guests are expecting chocolate. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes as sweetened aniseed seeds; only offer them as a separate aniseed treat or topping if that suits the in-room treat you have in mind.
Which allergens are listed on the packaging described?
The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, 270 g, described by Jumbo list wheat and cereals containing gluten. Check the current packaging of the variety you’re actually serving.
Do I need to provide allergen information if I’m using an open dish?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses must inform customers about allergens in unpackaged food. Make sure guests can access the information for the variety you’re serving.
How should I store crushed aniseed sprinkles for use in hotel rooms?
Store the De Ruijter variety described in a dry place and check the date and instructions on the current packaging. Before offering the product in rooms, make sure your portioning and any repackaging comply with your own food safety procedures.