Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosts who put Fairtrade cocoa first

You’re looking for a topping for the buffet and want to check the packaging for a Fairtrade claim on the cocoa. Chocolate sprinkles may suit your needs better than aniseed sprinkles.

Fans of classic aniseed sprinkles

You want the flavour and texture of crushed, sugar-coated aniseed on something like Dutch rusks or a dessert. Chocolate sprinkles have a different flavour.

Hosts mindful of allergens

You’re serving guests who need to avoid wheat, milk or lactose, so you check the ingredients and allergen information for each product separately. A certification mark or the word ‘dark’ is no substitute for checking.

What should you look for when choosing?

For your Boxing Day buffet, first decide whether aniseed flavour or Fairtrade cocoa is your priority. Then check which toppings are suitable for your guests’ allergen requirements.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa Check that cocoa is listed in the ingredients and read the Fairtrade claim on the current packaging. I want to check whether the topping contains cocoa and what the Fairtrade claim applies to; around 42% of consumers prioritise cocoa with a verifiable Fairtrade claim.
Aniseed flavour Check that the description mentions crushed, sugar-coated aniseed rather than chocolate sprinkles. I want the familiar aniseed flavour on a Dutch rusk or dessert, not chocolate; around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information, especially for wheat and milk. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what I’m serving in each topping; for around 25% of consumers, this check matters most.

Common buffet mistakes

  • Mistaking crushed aniseed sprinkles for chocolate

    According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes are crushed, sugar-coated aniseed; the ingredients list published by Jumbo does not mention cocoa. So they won’t meet your needs if you want to serve chocolate as a topping.

    Decide which flavour you want first. If you prefer Fairtrade cocoa, look for a chocolate product and read the Fairtrade claim on the packaging.

  • Assuming a Fairtrade logo means the same thing for every ingredient

    Fairtrade Nederland describes a certification mark with an arrow for products containing multiple ingredients. Looking at the logo alone won’t tell you which claim applies to the product you’ve chosen.

    Read the text alongside the mark as well as the ingredients list on the current packaging.

  • Skipping the allergen check because something is ‘dark’ or ‘Fairtrade’

    According to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contain wheat. Albert Heijn states that Fairtrade Original Hagelslag Puur may contain milk, while Delicata Chocoladehagelslag Puur contains milk and lactose.

    Check the packaging of the products you’re serving and clearly label the ingredients used in your buffet dishes.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

Gestampte Muisjes are an option when you specifically want sugar-coated aniseed as a topping.

  • Albert Heijn describes the product as crushed, sugar-coated aniseed.
  • The ingredients list published by Jumbo mentions wheat starch but no cocoa; this isn’t a chocolate sprinkles product.

Fairtrade Original

Hagelslag Puur is a chocolate alternative for anyone looking for a sprinkle-on topping with a Fairtrade claim.

  • For the 380 g pack, Albert Heijn lists the Fairtrade attribute and at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • This isn’t an aniseed product. According to the product information, it may contain milk.

Delicata

Chocoladehagelslag Puur is another sprinkle-on option with a claim that its cocoa is Fairtrade-certified.

  • Albert Heijn lists at least 43% cocoa solids for this product.
  • It isn’t a crushed aniseed product; the product information lists milk and lactose.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are crushed aniseed sprinkles a Fairtrade chocolate product?

According to the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes are sugar-coated aniseed, not chocolate sprinkles. The ingredients list published by Jumbo does not mention cocoa. If you want a topping with Fairtrade cocoa, look for a chocolate product with a suitable claim on the packaging.

How do I check the Fairtrade claim on chocolate sprinkles?

Read the certification mark and the accompanying text on the chocolate sprinkles packaging. Fairtrade Nederland distinguishes between different marks, including a version with an arrow for products containing multiple ingredients. Don’t rely on the presence of a logo alone.

Which allergens should I check in these buffet toppings?

At the very least, check the current information for wheat and milk on each product you choose. Jumbo lists wheat in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes; according to Albert Heijn, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag Puur may contain milk, while Delicata Chocoladehagelslag Puur contains milk and lactose. Read the packaging before serving the topping to guests.

How should I store the toppings until the buffet?

Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the packaging of the product you buy. The product information for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes and Fairtrade Original Hagelslag Puur says to store them in a dry place; Fairtrade Original also says to store its product in a cool place.