Don’t take traditional aniseed sprinkles as a sugar-free topping: according to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes contain sugar and glucose syrup, with 79 g of sugars per 100 g. If you want to avoid added sugar, consider a different topping, such as 100% peanut butter with no added sugar or salt, or hummus with no added sugar, and check the label on the product you take with you. For breakfast on the train, it’s also worth considering how easy it is to pack and eat without making a mess.
You’re looking for a topping with no added sugar, or you need it to be sugar-free. De Ruijter Feestmuisjes aren’t suitable if you want to avoid sugar and glucose syrup in the ingredients, according to Albert Heijn’s product information.
You want to enjoy the aniseed flavour and crunchy sprinkles, while taking the sugar content into account when making your choice.
You’re looking for a breakfast you can pack in advance and eat without making lots of crumbs or rubbish. It’s worth considering the topping, bread or crackers, and any fruit together.
First decide whether avoiding sugar is essential, or whether you’re choosing aniseed sprinkles for their flavour. Then consider your whole breakfast and how you’ll take it with you on the train.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding sugar | Read the ingredients list and compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. ‘No added sugar’ does not mean the same as ‘sugar-free’. | If I want to strictly avoid added sugar, I don’t want to rely on the name of the topping. This is the top priority for around 43% of consumers. |
| Traditional flavour | Check the ingredients, portion size and allergens in the aniseed sprinkles you choose. | I want the aniseed flavour of sprinkles for a celebratory breakfast, even if they aren’t a sugar-free choice. This flavour is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Breakfast on the go | Check that you can seal everything without leaks or loose sprinkles. Follow the storage instructions for any products that need to be kept chilled. | When I have breakfast on the train, I want something that’s easy to eat and clear up afterwards. Practical transport and the breakfast combination matter most to around 28% of consumers. |
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes contain sugar and glucose syrup; the nutritional information lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check both the ingredients and the nutritional information. Don’t judge by the size of the sprinkles, or by a different colour or variety alone.
That label alone doesn’t tell you how bread, toppings and any other ingredients add up to make your breakfast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes wholemeal bread with a suitable topping among its breakfast options.
Assess the whole combination and, where needed, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving.
Albert Heijn lists wheat starch among the ingredients in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes. Allergens may also affect your choice of an alternative, such as peanut or nut butter.
Read the allergen information for the exact product before taking it with you.
Loose sprinkles need more attention when you’re on the go than a sandwich packed in advance. NS asks passengers to put their rubbish in a bin.
Pack your breakfast in a sealable container beforehand and take a napkin with you.
A brand to look at if you’re after traditional aniseed sprinkles.
A shop with an online category for aniseed sprinkles and a separate category for sugar-conscious products.
A shop with an online category for aniseed sprinkles, featuring varieties from De Ruijter.
A shop to explore for other snacks to take with you, rather than as an alternative within the aniseed sprinkles category.
No. Albert Heijn’s product information for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes lists sugar and glucose syrup as ingredients, and 79 g of sugars per 100 g. Check other varieties of aniseed sprinkles individually; this information doesn’t automatically apply to every product with that name.
No, they’re different claims. Read the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ entry in the nutritional information to understand what the claim means for the specific product.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests options including 100% peanut butter or nut butter with no added sugar or salt, and hummus or bean spread with little salt and no added sugar. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the product you choose; peanut and nut butters aren’t suitable if you have a relevant allergy.
Pack bread or crackers in a sealable container beforehand and take a napkin with you. Put packaging and food leftovers in a bin, as requested in NS’s house rules.
