Choose aniseed sprinkles if you want a sweet topping to use as decoration when serving; choose a box of chocolates if you’re looking for a standalone gift or something to share. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list aniseed sprinkles as a sweet bread topping, while chocolate gifts appear in a separate product category. Don’t assume aniseed sprinkles are suitable for doughnut batter or hot frying oil. If you choose a box of chocolates, check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack.
It comes down to how you plan to use it: serving something with homemade Dutch doughnuts calls for a different choice from taking a gift along.
You’re looking for a sweet finishing touch for serving your homemade Dutch doughnuts. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list aniseed sprinkles as a sweet bread topping. Don’t take this as a recommendation to mix them into the doughnut batter or fry them.
You want to take along a little gift or offer chocolates to your guests. A selection box could fit the bill; if you’re sharing, check what’s inside and whether the chocolates are individually wrapped.
You need to be able to check whether the chosen pack is suitable for the recipient. Read the current ingredients list, the allergens highlighted on the label and any warning about possible traces of other allergens.
First decide whether you want something to put on the table with the Dutch doughnuts or a separate gift. Then compare the packaging and ingredients that matter for how you plan to use it.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Decoration when serving | Check whether you’re looking for a sweet topping to use after frying; don’t assume it can be added to the batter or hot frying oil unless the pack explicitly says so. | If I’m serving homemade Dutch doughnuts, I want to be able to offer a sweet finishing touch rather than a gift box. For around 50% of consumers, decoration is their main priority. |
| Gift or something to share | Check the contents, the number of chocolates and whether they’re individually wrapped. | If I’m taking something for a host or offering chocolates to guests, I want a box that suits the occasion. For around 30% of consumers, a gift or selection to share matters most. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients list, the allergens highlighted on the label and any warning on the pack you’re considering. | If the recipient has a food allergy, I want to know which ingredients and warnings apply to this product before serving it. For around 20% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
A box of chocolates for guests serves a different purpose from aniseed sprinkles as a sweet topping. If you choose based on festive-looking packaging alone, you could end up with a product that isn’t right for how you plan to use it.
Before buying, decide whether you’re looking for decoration to serve with the doughnuts, a gift for one person or chocolates for a group.
The fact that aniseed sprinkles are sold as a sweet topping doesn’t mean they’re suitable for hot frying oil or doughnut batter.
If you want to use them while frying, first look for explicit instructions for that use on the packaging or from the manufacturer. Otherwise, don’t assume they’re suitable.
Ingredients vary between boxes of chocolates. For example, the merci Assorti Doos described by Jumbo lists milk, hazelnuts, almonds and soya, among other ingredients. This doesn’t tell you which allergens are in another merci product.
Before buying and serving, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning for the specific product.
The Voedingscentrum recommends frying Dutch doughnuts at 175 °C and advises not cooking them for longer than necessary. A gift or decoration doesn’t change these points to bear in mind when frying.
Keep an eye on the temperature while frying, then drain the doughnuts before serving.
These brands feature in ranges of aniseed sprinkles or chocolate gifts. Check the contents and ingredients of the specific pack you choose.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles in their sweet topping ranges.
This brand offers boxes of chocolates that could work as a standalone gift or something to share.
Jumbo lists Celebrations in its chocolate gifts category.
Jumbo lists Tony's Chocolonely chocolate selections under chocolate gifts.
Jumbo lists a Bel'Chic chocolate pack in its chocolate gifts category.
These products suit two different occasions: aniseed sprinkles to consider as a sweet topping when serving, and chocolate selections as a standalone gift or something to share. A box of chocolates isn’t a substitute for decorating Dutch doughnuts; don’t assume aniseed sprinkles can be used during frying.
Image unavailable
A chocolate gift for anyone who wants to offer or share something separately from the Dutch doughnuts. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before serving it to your guests.
Image unavailable
A selection of chocolates to offer guests separately from the Dutch doughnuts. Check the chosen pack for the ingredients and allergens in this mix.
Image unavailable
A collection of chocolates to consider as a small thank-you gift. Before handing them out, check whether they’re individually wrapped and read the allergen information on this pack.
Image unavailable
Aniseed sprinkles for anyone considering a sweet topping to serve with Dutch doughnuts, rather than a chocolate gift. Using them in doughnut batter or hot frying oil requires explicit instructions for that use; check the ingredients on the pack too.
Image unavailable
A selection of chocolates for anyone wanting to offer guests something separate at a Dutch doughnut gathering. Check that the pack suits how you plan to share it, and read the product-specific allergen information.
No, not if you have a particular use in mind. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list aniseed sprinkles as a sweet bread topping and chocolate gifts in a separate category. Choose aniseed sprinkles if you want a topping to serve with the doughnuts, or a box of chocolates if you’re looking for a standalone gift or something to share.
The Voedingscentrum recommends frying Dutch doughnuts at 175 °C until golden brown, and not cooking them for longer than necessary. Keep an eye on the temperature while frying; your choice of topping or gift doesn’t change this advice.
Check the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the specific box, as well as any ‘may contain’ warning. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen information on the labels of pre-packed foods; Ondernemersplein states that mandatory label information must also be available online. Compare the online information with the pack you receive.
Follow the storage instructions on the box you’ve chosen. Jumbo says the merci Assorti Doos should be protected from heat; don’t assume the same advice applies to another box of chocolates without checking.
