Fans of aniseed bread toppings
You’re looking for crushed aniseed sprinkles as a sweet topping for a small morning snack, and don’t want to confuse them with chocolate sprinkles.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers who care about Fairtrade cocoa
You want to be able to check on the packaging whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the cocoa, even if that means switching from crushed aniseed sprinkles to a chocolate bread topping.
Shoppers who check nutritional information
You want to compare the sugar content and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before use.
What should you look for when choosing?
Crushed aniseed sprinkles
Choose these if: you’re looking for this particular aniseed topping, for example for bread, crispbread or yoghurt.
The trade-off: the ingredients list for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes doesn’t mention cocoa, so this product won’t meet your needs if you’re looking for Fairtrade cocoa.
Chocolate sprinkles
Choose these if: Fairtrade cocoa matters more to you than aniseed flavour and you’d like a different kind of bread topping.
The trade-off: chocolate sprinkles aren’t the same as crushed aniseed sprinkles. You’ll also need to check the packaging to see which ingredients are covered by the Fairtrade claim.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Aniseed flavour and product type | Check whether aniseed is listed in the ingredients and whether you’re buying crushed aniseed sprinkles rather than chocolate sprinkles. | If I specifically want the taste of crushed aniseed sprinkles on my crispbread, chocolate sprinkles aren’t an equivalent substitute. For around 40% of shoppers, an aniseed topping is their priority. |
| Fairtrade cocoa | For a chocolate bread topping, check the Fairtrade mark and the information on the packaging: which ingredients are Fairtrade? | I want to know whether choosing a chocolate bread topping also means choosing Fairtrade cocoa. For around 40% of shoppers, this is the most important check. |
| Sugars and allergens | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the current ingredients and allergen information. | For my snack, I first want to know how much sugar the topping contains and which allergens are listed. This nutritional information is the main concern for around 20% of shoppers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking crushed aniseed sprinkles for chocolate sprinkles
The ingredients list given by Foodstore Andaluz for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes includes aniseed but no cocoa. The two types of topping therefore don’t satisfy the same flavour preference.
Before buying, decide whether an aniseed topping or Fairtrade cocoa matters more to you, then choose the product type that fits.
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Assuming a Fairtrade claim applies to every ingredient
Fairtrade Nederland says the packaging identifies which ingredients are Fairtrade. The product name alone, or a listing in a shop category, won’t tell you whether the claim applies to the cocoa.
If Fairtrade cocoa is a must-have, check both the Fairtrade mark and the information on the packaging.
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Treating online ingredient information as definitive
Albert Heijn points out that ingredient and allergen information can change. This is particularly important if you need to avoid an ingredient.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you buy before using it.
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Choosing a sweet topping as a snack on its own without checking first
Holland Snack Express lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes. The amount you use as a topping isn’t the same as 100 g.
Check the nutritional information and bear in mind how much you actually plan to use.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes are an aniseed bread topping. Jumbo lists a 270 g pack and suggests using it on bread or crispbread, or in yoghurt.
- Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for crushed sprinkles with aniseed flavour.
- The ingredients list given by Foodstore Andaluz doesn’t mention cocoa. Always check the current packaging for ingredients and nutritional information.
Fairtrade Original
Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles as a chocolate bread topping in its Fairtrade range.
- A product type to consider if your choice is about cocoa rather than an aniseed topping.
- Chocolate sprinkles aren’t the same as crushed aniseed sprinkles. Check the packaging to see which ingredients are covered by the Fairtrade claim.
Joybuy products on this topic
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes Fairtrade chocolate?
No. De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes are an aniseed bread topping, not chocolate. The ingredients list given by Foodstore Andaluz includes sugar and aniseed, among other things, but no cocoa. This doesn’t make any claim about the Fairtrade status of any other ingredients.
How can I check the Fairtrade status of chocolate sprinkles?
Read the Fairtrade mark and the information on the current packaging to see which ingredients are Fairtrade. Fairtrade Nederland says this information is provided on the packaging; the brand name alone won’t tell you whether the claim applies to the cocoa.
What should I look out for when using crushed aniseed sprinkles as a snack?
Check the nutritional information and consider how much you plan to use. Holland Snack Express lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes; a topping portion is usually smaller than the amount that figure refers to.
Where can I find reliable allergen information for the pack I’m buying?
Read the allergen information on the packaging of the product itself. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on the labels of prepacked foods, while Albert Heijn points out that online product information can change.
How should I store crushed aniseed sprinkles?
Follow the storage instructions and date on the packaging. Foodstore Andaluz’s product listing recommends storing De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes in a dry place.