Who are these options for?

Shoppers who prioritise Fairtrade

You want to be able to see on the packaging which chocolate or ingredient carries a Fairtrade claim. You’re also considering chocolate sprinkles, or a combination of chocolate and regular aniseed sprinkles.

Party-food makers

You want to keep the familiar aniseed sprinkles on your party food and don’t mind adding them yourself to a layer of chocolate, as in one of Jumbo’s recipes.

Organisers who need to consider allergens

You’re handing out treats to a group of children and want to check the ingredients, allergens and warnings about possible traces on the packaging of each product you choose.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide whether the Fairtrade chocolate claim or the traditional aniseed-sprinkle shape matters most for your party food. Then check the exact products and their allergen information.

What to consider What to check before buying Who this matters most to
Fairtrade claim Read the Fairtrade mark and accompanying wording on the chocolate packaging you’ve chosen. Milieu Centraal says that a logo on a white background may refer only to a certified ingredient. If I want to describe the chocolate in my party food as Fairtrade, I need to know exactly what the claim applies to. This check is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Appearance of the party food Choose between chocolate sprinkles and individual aniseed sprinkles on a layer of chocolate. Jumbo describes a recipe in which the sprinkles are added to chocolate-dipped breadsticks. For my party, I want the children to recognise the aniseed sprinkles on the treat, even if the chocolate is a separate ingredient. This appearance comes first for around 29% of consumers.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on every pack. Also look for warnings about possible traces of allergens. I’m handing out treats to children with different allergies and want to be able to decide whether the ingredients I’ve chosen are suitable for each child. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers.
Availability and how to use it Check the exact flavour and current availability at your shop. Make sure you can sprinkle the chocolate straight on, or check whether it needs to be prepared first. I want to make my party food with ingredients I can buy in time and use as planned. This is the first consideration for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Calling the whole treat Fairtrade

    A claim for the chocolate doesn’t automatically apply to the aniseed sprinkles too. Fairtrade Nederland and Milieu Centraal also distinguish between claims for a product and claims for specific ingredients.

    Check the wording beside the certification mark and only make a claim about the ingredient it covers, such as the Fairtrade chocolate you’ve chosen.

  • Relying only on allergen information online

    Information varies by product and flavour. Product listings from Albert Heijn and PLUS mention milk, peanuts, soya, nuts and warnings about possible traces of allergens, among other things.

    Ask parents or carers about allergies in advance, then check the packaging again before preparing and handing out the treats. If in doubt, don’t give a product with unclear labelling to the child concerned.

  • Planning a treat around one shop listing

    A shop listing for Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles doesn’t mean every flavour is available there. Jumbo includes a dark chocolate version in its Fairtrade range, while Albert Heijn listed the milk chocolate version as discontinued.

    Check the exact version and current availability before deciding whether to use chocolate sprinkles or combine chocolate with regular aniseed sprinkles.

Brands and shops to consider

De Ruijter

Worth considering if traditional aniseed sprinkles are the starting point.

  • Jumbo lists four De Ruijter varieties in its aniseed-sprinkle category.
  • A Fairtrade claim for chocolate chosen separately doesn’t automatically apply to these sprinkles. Check the packaging before making a claim about them.

Fairtrade Original

An option if you’re happy to use chocolate sprinkles instead of aniseed sprinkles.

  • Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles in its Fairtrade range.
  • Chocolate sprinkles don’t have the traditional shape of aniseed sprinkles. Check the flavour you’ve chosen, along with the current packaging and availability.

Albert Heijn

A shop to consider if you want to use chocolate as a separate ingredient beneath your aniseed sprinkles.

  • The product information for AH Organic Extra Dark Chocolate Bar states that it contains 72% cocoa and ingredients traded as Fairtrade through mass balance.
  • The same product information warns that it may contain milk, cereals containing gluten and nuts, among other allergens. Check the current packaging for the children who’ll be eating it.

Jumbo

A shop to consider for both aniseed sprinkles and Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles.

  • Jumbo lists De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles, includes Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles in its Fairtrade range, and shares a recipe for a treat with chocolate and aniseed sprinkles.
  • Combining them doesn’t make the sprinkles Fairtrade. Check the packaging for each ingredient and availability at your shop.

PLUS

A shop to consider for Fairtrade-labelled chocolate snacks, rather than a direct replacement in the shape of aniseed sprinkles.

  • PLUS lists Fairtrade for its chocolate mix and milk chocolate peanuts.
  • The product information lists allergens or possible traces, including peanuts, milk, soya and nuts. Check the exact packaging before handing anything out to children.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether the chocolate carries a Fairtrade claim?

Read the FAIRTRADE mark and accompanying wording on the physical packaging of the chocolate you’ve chosen. Fairtrade Nederland explains the requirements for products with multiple ingredients. Milieu Centraal says a logo on a white background may apply only to a certified ingredient. So don’t claim more than the packaging supports.

Can I combine regular aniseed sprinkles with Fairtrade chocolate?

Yes, you can add aniseed sprinkles to a layer of chocolate. Jumbo describes a treat made by dipping breadsticks in chocolate first, then in aniseed sprinkles. Check the Fairtrade claim on the chocolate you choose. This combination doesn’t make the sprinkles themselves Fairtrade.

What should I check on the packaging for a children’s party?

For every ingredient, read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces of allergens. Ask about the children’s allergies in advance and follow the use-by and storage information on the packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of information that helps prevent allergic reactions.

Are Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles the same as aniseed sprinkles?

No, chocolate sprinkles don’t replace the familiar shape of aniseed sprinkles. Choose chocolate sprinkles if you want something you can sprinkle straight on and the Fairtrade claim for the chocolate product is your priority. If the appearance of aniseed sprinkles matters most, choose them to go on a layer of chocolate and assess the claims for both ingredients separately.