For those looking for a rich cocoa flavour
You want a topping for bread, yoghurt or porridge, for example, and don’t mind whether it’s traditional Dutch aniseed sprinkles. Check the cocoa content of the specific sprinkles you’re considering.
Who should choose which option?
For those stocking up on traditional aniseed sprinkles
You want aniseed sprinkles for crispbread or bread. Whole and crushed sprinkles are different formats, so also check the packaging, best-before date and storage instructions.
For those checking allergens
You need to check whether the ingredients and allergens are suitable for the person who’ll be eating the product. The aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo contain wheat; milk and soya are listed for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur, which may also contain lactose. Always read the current packaging for the product you choose.
What should you consider when choosing?
Aniseed sprinkles
Choose these if: you want the flavour of aniseed and the familiar sprinkle shape; crushed sprinkles are a finer option.
The trade-off: the aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo aren’t chocolate sprinkles.
Dark chocolate sprinkles
Choose these if: cocoa matters more to you than the sprinkle shape or aniseed flavour.
The trade-off: you’re choosing a different type of product, even if you use it on the same breakfast foods.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa or aniseed | Read the product description and ingredients: does it list cocoa or aniseed? | If I’m looking for a dark cocoa flavour, I don’t want to accidentally choose aniseed sprinkles. For around 36% of consumers, that cocoa flavour comes first. |
| Storage and use | Check the best-before date and storage instructions; put the packs that need using first at the front. | When stocking up, I want to be able to use the packs in the right order. Around 29% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Sprinkle format | Check whether they’re whole or crushed. | For crispbread, I specifically want traditional aniseed sprinkles, perhaps in a finer format. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current packaging, including the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements. | I can only choose once I know the ingredients are suitable for everyone sharing the food. For around 14% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ means a type of aniseed sprinkle
The aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo are sugar-coated aniseed; De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur is chocolate sprinkles with a stated cocoa content. So the same search term won’t necessarily lead you to the same type of product.
Decide whether you’re looking for aniseed sprinkles or cocoa, then read the product description.
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Stocking up without checking the dates
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a best-before date relates to quality. The date on the packaging applies to an unopened product; store it according to the label.
Check the date and the condition of the packaging. Put new purchases behind products that need using sooner, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
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Assuming aniseed and chocolate sprinkles have the same allergens
According to Jumbo’s product information, the aniseed sprinkles described contain wheat. Milk and soya are listed for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur, which may also contain lactose.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the specific product.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Jumbo lists De Ruijter’s whole and crushed aniseed sprinkles, as well as its Specials Intens Puur chocolate sprinkles. These are different types of product for different tastes.
- The Blauwe & Witte Muisjes described are sold in 330 g packs; Specials Intens Puur comes in a 200 g pack and contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
- The dark chocolate sprinkles aren’t an aniseed sprinkle option. Check the current ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for each product separately.
Dark chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy
These products are suitable if you’re choosing chocolate sprinkles rather than aniseed sprinkles. Choose the pack size based on how much you expect to use, and check the cocoa content and label of the variety you buy.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
A good option if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles rather than aniseed sprinkles.
Pack size: 200 g. Check the cocoa content, allergens and best-before date for this variety on the packaging.
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g'woon Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 400 g
A good option if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles for your cupboard instead of aniseed sprinkles.
Pack size: 400 g. Consider whether you’ll use this quantity before the best-before date, and check the cocoa content and allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark aniseed sprinkles the same as dark chocolate sprinkles?
No. The aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo are sugar-coated aniseed, whereas De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur is chocolate sprinkles. Choose according to the flavour and type of product you’re looking for, rather than the word ‘dark’ alone.
How should I store aniseed and dark chocolate sprinkles in the cupboard?
Follow the instructions on the packaging: the aniseed sprinkles described should be stored in a dry place, while De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur should be stored in a cool, dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends putting new products at the back, so that products which need using sooner are at the front.
What does the best-before date mean for my stock?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a best-before date relates to quality when the packaging is unopened. Check the packaging and follow the storage instructions on the label once opened.
Can I rely on the product name to check for allergens?
No. Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. The aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo contain wheat; milk and soya are listed for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur, which may also contain lactose.