Shopping solo and keeping stocks low
If you’re not sure how often you eat sprinkles, individual portions or a smaller pack are easier to match to your needs than a 600 g pack.
Which option is right for you?
Choosing a flavour
If you already know you’ll be eating sprinkles regularly, you can choose between dark chocolate, milk chocolate and a mix of toppings. Check exactly what’s in the pack: flakes and fruit sprinkles aren’t the same as chocolate sprinkles.
Checking ingredients
Read the current label for every variety you choose. For example, Albert Heijn lists milk and soya in Venz Hagelslag puur, while AH Hagelslag puur lists milk and lactose. The word ‘puur’ (dark) is no substitute for checking allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with how much you expect to use. Then choose the type of topping and check the ingredients. Only then compare packs by price per kilogram.
Small portions
When: if you use sprinkles occasionally or want to try different varieties.
Consider: a mix may also contain flakes or fruit sprinkles. Check the number of sachets too, as ‘one portion’ in a product name doesn’t necessarily mean the pack contains only a small amount overall.
Regular pack
When: if you use sprinkles regularly and want to buy one variety.
Consider: you’ll be opening a full pack, so follow the storage instructions for your chosen variety and check the ingredients.
Large pack
When: if you expect to use the larger quantity or share it with others.
Consider: a lower price per kilogram won’t save you much if some of the pack goes unused.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the total weight and, for individually wrapped portions, the number of sachets. | If I only eat sprinkles occasionally, I don’t want to open a large pack straight away. Around 40% of consumers prioritise keeping pack sizes down. |
| Type of topping | Check whether the pack contains dark chocolate sprinkles, milk chocolate sprinkles or a mix with other toppings. | If you want a specific type of chocolate, a mix containing flakes or fruit sprinkles may not be suitable. This product choice matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Quantity versus price per kilogram | Compare the total quantity with the price per kilogram and think about how much you’ll use. | A large pack appeals to me if I’ll actually use it all; otherwise, I’ll buy more than I need. The price per kilogram is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and the allergens highlighted on the current packaging. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the label matters more than the flavour or pack size. Around 10% of consumers make this their first priority when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a ‘single bar’ for one portion of sprinkles
Sprinkles are a topping, not a chocolate bar. And ‘1 portion pack’ doesn’t tell you how many sachets you’re buying altogether: Albert Heijn lists a De Ruijter pack containing 120 sachets of 20 g each.
If you only want a small amount to start with, check the number of sachets and the total weight.
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Comparing only the price per kilogram
A 600 g pack may look appealing by price per kilogram, but it means buying more than a smaller pack.
Work out how often you expect to use sprinkles, then compare both the pack size and the price per kilogram.
A large pack you don’t finish takes up space unnecessarily.
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Assuming ‘puur’ means free from milk or soya
The product name describes the type of chocolate, not which allergens are absent. The Venz and AH varieties listed by Albert Heijn also have different ingredients.
Before buying and using the product, read the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
Worth comparing if you want a small mixed pack alongside a pack of one type of sprinkles.
- According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains eight small portions of different toppings.
- This mix isn’t a pack containing only dark chocolate sprinkles.
Venz
A useful comparison if you’re looking for a regular pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Albert Heijn lists Venz Hagelslag puur in a 400 g pack, with at least 32% cocoa solids.
- Albert Heijn lists milk and soya in this variety; check the current label.
AH
A supermarket own-brand option to compare if you want a regular pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Hagelslag puur as a 400 g pack with twenty 20 g portions.
- The listed variety contains milk and lactose; ‘puur’ doesn’t mean dairy-free here.
Jumbo
A supermarket own-brand option to check when comparing pack sizes before buying a large quantity.
- Jumbo offers sprinkles in several sizes, including 200 g and 600 g.
- Check the quantity and availability of the product you choose; a category listing doesn’t show what’s in every shop.
Kiekeboe
An ALDI own-brand option to consider if a large pack of dark chocolate sprinkles suits your needs.
- ALDI Nederland lists a 600 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
- For someone living alone who doesn’t eat many sprinkles, 600 g is a substantial amount.
Mister Choc
A Lidl option to consider if you’re specifically looking for a large pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Lidl Nederland lists Mister Choc Hagelslag puur in a 600 g pack.
- Lidl says this variety is only available in store.
Sprinkles and flakes on Joybuy
These 200 to 400 g packs are options if you’re looking to buy a pack of toppings. The range includes both chocolate sprinkles and flakes, so if you’re after individual portion sachets, check the product type and packaging carefully.
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De Ruijter Flakes Milk, 200 g
For anyone looking for milk chocolate flakes and wanting to start with 200 g. Flakes are a different type of topping from regular chocolate sprinkles, so check the ingredients on the pack.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g
A 200 g pack for anyone looking for dark chocolate sprinkles without buying a larger pack straight away. Check the label for any ingredients and allergens you need to be aware of.
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Venz Tiger Flakes, 200 g
For anyone looking for flakes as a topping in a 200 g pack. Don’t choose this on the assumption that flakes are the same as dark or milk chocolate sprinkles; read the product description and ingredients.
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De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 390 g
A regular pack of dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone expecting to use all 390 g. If you only want an occasional portion, compare the total quantity first. Also check the current label for ingredients and allergens.
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g'woon Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 400 g
A pack of dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone looking to buy 400 g. This is a different option from individual portions, so read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before use.
Frequently asked questions
Is one portion of sprinkles the same as a small pack?
No. A portion sachet may be part of a large box. For example, Albert Heijn lists a De Ruijter box containing 120 sachets of 20 g each, so always check the number of sachets and the total weight as well as the portion size.
Are small portions the obvious choice if I live alone?
Small portions are a good fit if you don’t use much or want to try different toppings. If you eat sprinkles regularly, a standard pack may be more practical, as long as you use it all and follow the storage instructions.
Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically free from milk or soya?
No. Albert Heijn lists milk and soya in Venz Hagelslag puur, and milk and lactose in AH Hagelslag puur. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority advises that allergens must be clearly labelled; check the current packaging of the variety you’re buying.
How should I store an opened pack of sprinkles?
Follow the instructions on the pack you choose. Albert Heijn advises storing Venz Hagelslag puur in a cool, dry place, and AH Hagelslag puur in a cool, dark, dry place. Seal the pack properly after use and check the best-before date.
Can I rely on an online product description for allergen information?
Use the physical packaging as your final check before use. An online description can help you compare products, but the ingredients and allergen information on the product you actually receive should guide your choice.