If you want something to eat straight from your gym bag, with no preparation, choose a ready-to-eat chocolate product in packaging that suits the occasion. Chocolate sprinkles are intended as a topping, so you’ll need rusks or something else to put them on. A box of chocolates could also be good for sharing, but check whether the portions are individually wrapped, read the allergen information and follow the storage advice if your bag might get warm.
If you want something ready to eat and easy to take with you, consider individually wrapped chocolate products. A box of chocolates only offers this benefit if the box you choose contains individually wrapped portions.
If you want to use chocolate sprinkles as a topping, you’ll also need rusks or something else to put them on. You’ll need to choose a time to eat them when that’s practical.
If you’re giving someone a chocolate selection, it’s worth checking the ingredients and allergen information on that exact pack, especially if the recipient has an allergy.
When: If you want a snack that needs no preparation, or a box to take along and share.
Bear in mind: Not every box contains individually wrapped portions. Also check the allergens and storage advice for the pack you choose.
When: If you want to add chocolate sprinkles to rusks, bread or something else.
Bear in mind: You’ll need to take something to put them on too, so chocolate sprinkles aren’t a ready-to-eat snack on their own.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Decide whether you want something to eat straight away or chocolate sprinkles to use as a topping. | If I want a snack with no preparation, I don’t want a topping that means I still have to bring rusks. Around 26% of consumers prioritise choosing between a ready-to-eat snack and a topping. |
| Taking portions with you | Check whether the portions are individually wrapped and whether you want to share the pack. | When I’m out and about, I want to be able to take one portion without opening the rest. For around 21% of consumers, practical portioning is the top priority. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. | If I’m buying something for someone else, I want to know whether they can eat every variety in the box. Around 26% of consumers put checking allergens ahead of other considerations. |
| Storage | Check the storage advice and think about how long the snack will be in your bag. | My bag might get warm before I eat anything, so I want to choose a product whose storage advice I can follow. For around 16% of consumers, storage is their main concern. |
| Sugars and sweeteners | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, and read any warnings about sweeteners. | If my chocolate sprinkles contain sweeteners, I want to know which ingredients and warnings apply to my choice. This is the most important consideration for around 11% of consumers. |
The chocolate sprinkle products reviewed are intended as a topping. To have rusks with chocolate sprinkles, you’ll also need rusks and a suitable time to eat them.
First decide whether you want a ready-to-eat snack or something to use as a topping. Then compare products within that category.
A selection box may contain a range of ingredients and allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for prepacked products appears on the label.
Read the information on the exact box before buying it for someone with an allergy.
The Merci Gift Box reviewed states that the product should be protected from heat. The storage advice on the pack you choose matters for chocolate sprinkles too.
Check the advice and avoid carrying the chocolate in a warm bag for longer than necessary.
The Céréal Hagelslag Puur product reviewed contains maltitols. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
As well as checking the sugar content per 100 g, read the ingredients, portion information and warnings on the pack.
The Hagelfeest variety reviewed is chocolate sprinkles intended as a topping, not an individually wrapped snack.
The XXL Hagelslag Melk reviewed is a 380 g milk chocolate variety intended as a topping or addition to other food.
The Jumbo Hagelslag Melkchocolade reviewed is a 380 g own-brand pack for anyone looking for milk chocolate sprinkles.
The Hagelslag Puur reviewed is an option if you specifically want to compare the ingredients in chocolate sprinkles with sweeteners.
These products are worth considering if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat chocolate snack or a selection to share. If you’re after rusks with chocolate sprinkles, you’ll need to compare a different type of product.
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An option if you’d rather take chocolate biscuits with you than make rusks with chocolate sprinkles on the spot.
150 g pack. Check the allergens and storage advice on the packaging, especially if your gym bag might get warm.
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A ready-to-eat chocolate option to consider if you’re not planning a topping-and-rusks snack.
150 g pack. Check the label for allergen and storage information before taking it in your gym bag for an extended period.
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The portion size may be useful if you want to take a chocolate product with you or share it out.
The product name lists 10 × 12,5 g and pistachio paste. Read the full allergen information and storage advice on the exact pack.
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A chocolate-flavoured biscuit snack to consider if you’re looking for something that doesn’t need a topping.
47 g pack, IN variant. Check the exact product and packaging information if individually wrapped portions are important to you.
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This chocolate selection is a good choice for sharing, provided the packaging suits the way you plan to take it with you.
143 g pack. Check whether the pieces are individually wrapped, and read the allergen information and storage advice.
Not if you want something to eat with no preparation: the chocolate sprinkle products reviewed are intended as a topping. If you choose chocolate sprinkles, take rusks, bread or something else to put them on as well.
Check whether the box you choose contains portions that are easy to take with you or share. Also read the allergen information on the exact pack and follow the storage advice, especially if the box might end up in a warm bag.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for prepacked products appears on the label. Read the label for the variety you choose; if it’s a selection box, don’t rely on the product name alone.
Follow the storage advice and check the best-before date on the packaging, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends for unopened boxes of chocolates. Also check that the packaging is intact before use.
