People who want a small bite shortly before a workout
They are looking for a small snack rather than a large meal just before exercising. When you eat also helps determine what portion is practical.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People exercising alone who want to take one portion with them
They want something they can put in their gym bag without measuring it out. The aniseed sprinkles described here come in larger packs; they are not individually wrapped bars.
People who need to avoid wheat or gluten
They need to check the ingredients and allergen information for their chosen variety. Albert Heijn's product information lists wheat and gluten for De Ruijter's pink and white aniseed sprinkles.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to put together a small snack at home or take a ready-made portion with you. Then consider when you will eat it and, if you choose aniseed sprinkles, check the label of the specific variety.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it is most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Small snack | Think about what you will eat the aniseed sprinkles with, such as bread, crispbread or yoghurt, and how much you want to have. | If I feel hungry shortly before my workout, I want something small to eat without making a whole meal. For around 38% of consumers, a small snack is the main priority. |
| Timing and portion size | Consider the snack as a whole and how close to your workout you plan to eat it. | If my workout is about to start, I don't want to eat a large portion that could bother me while I'm exercising. Timing and portion size matter most to around 31% of consumers. |
| Wheat and gluten | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the specific aniseed sprinkle variety. | If I need to avoid wheat or gluten, I don't want to rely on the product name alone. For around 23% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
| A portion to take with you | Check whether the packaging suits your need to take one portion with you without measuring it out. | If I'm going straight to my workout, I want to take one portion with me without measuring out aniseed sprinkles at home. Convenience is the main priority for around 8% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking aniseed sprinkles for an individually wrapped snack bar
The products described are sprinkles: Albert Heijn lists a 330 g pack of the pink and white variety, while PLUS sells 270 g of crushed aniseed sprinkles. For one workout, you will need to choose a portion and something to eat them with.
Check the product format and pack weight. If you need a portion you can take with you straight away, look for a snack that is actually individually wrapped.
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Assuming allergen information from the name or appearance
According to Albert Heijn's product information, De Ruijter's pink and white aniseed sprinkles contain wheat and gluten. That does not automatically tell you anything about other varieties.
Before eating them, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you are actually buying.
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Having a large or unfamiliar snack just before exercising
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a meal around two to three hours before exercising. A snack just before a workout calls for a different approach to timing and portion size.
If you are hungry shortly before exercising, choose something small. It is best to try a new combination during an ordinary workout rather than for the first time on an important sports day.
Relevant brand to consider
De Ruijter
The pink and white, celebratory and crushed aniseed sprinkles from De Ruijter covered in this article are sold as toppings, for example for bread, crispbread or yoghurt.
- If you are looking for aniseed sprinkles as a topping, you can compare the varieties and stated serving sizes. Albert Heijn lists a 15 g serving for the pink and white pack.
- The packs described are not individually wrapped snack bars. The pink and white variety also lists wheat and gluten, so check the label of each variety you choose.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I eat aniseed sprinkles as a snack bar before exercising?
The aniseed sprinkles described here are not snack bars. They are toppings you can eat with, for example, bread, crispbread or yoghurt. Consider whether putting together a small snack yourself suits your mealtime and whether you need to take a portion with you.
Are De Ruijter's pink and white aniseed sprinkles gluten-free?
No. Albert Heijn's product information lists wheat and gluten for this pink and white variety. Do not assume the same applies to other varieties, and always read the label on the pack you buy.
Do I need a sports bar or gel for a short workout?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise do not need a sports bar or gel to perform well. Whether you want a small bite beforehand depends in part on when you last ate and whether you feel hungry.
What should I check on the label of aniseed sprinkles?
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific variety. If you want to have one portion, also check the pack weight and stated serving size. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.