Cake makers looking for a dark chocolate topping
If it matters to you, compare dark chocolate sprinkles by their stated minimum cocoa solids content. A higher percentage alone doesn’t prove that a product contains less sugar or tastes different.
Which decoration is right for you?
Celebration bakers who want to use aniseed sprinkles
Traditional aniseed sprinkles are a good fit if you’re looking for an aniseed flavour and a familiar decoration. Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles as sugar-coated aniseeds. For a chocolate topping, you’ll need a different type of product.
Bakers who need to check ingredients or allergens
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information for the specific variety you choose. The word ‘dark’ or a vegan label doesn’t replace these checks.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing sprinkles for cakes, cupcakes or desserts, first decide whether you want aniseed or chocolate. Then compare the cocoa percentage or ingredients that matter to you within your chosen product type.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate topping | For chocolate sprinkles, compare the stated minimum cocoa solids content and check the ingredients too. | If I want a dark chocolate topping, I’d rather look at the ingredients than rely on the word ‘dark’ alone. Cocoa content is said to be the main factor in the choice for around 42% of consumers. |
| Aniseed decoration | Check whether you’re buying sugar-coated aniseeds, aniseed sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles. | For a celebration cake, I’m looking for the flavour and appearance of aniseed sprinkles, not chocolate. Aniseed decoration is said to be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information. Assess a vegan label separately from any warnings about milk. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the packaging tells me which variety I can choose. Checking ingredients is said to be the main reason for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Choosing aniseed sprinkles for a chocolate flavour
Traditional aniseed sprinkles are sugar-coated aniseeds. They give a cake a different flavour from chocolate sprinkles.
Before buying, decide whether you want an aniseed decoration or a chocolate topping, and check the product name.
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Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘milk- or soya-free’
The De Ruijter Intens Puur product we looked at contains milk and soya. A PLUS variety labelled vegan states that it may contain milk and lactose.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the specific variety, especially if you need to avoid an allergen.
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Assuming all dark chocolate sprinkles are the same
The products we looked at state different minimum cocoa solids contents, including 32%, 43% and 52%. You can’t tell the difference from the product name alone.
Compare the percentage within the same product type and check the other ingredients too. Don’t assume the flavour or nutritional value from the cocoa percentage alone.
Brands to compare
De Ruijter
Offers both traditional aniseed products and dark chocolate sprinkles that are suitable for decoration.
- Albert Heijn states a minimum cocoa solids content of 43% for Royaal extra puur and 52% for Specials Intens Puur.
- According to the product information, Specials Intens Puur contains milk and soya. Check the current packaging for possible allergen warnings too.
AH
A supermarket own brand offering dark chocolate sprinkles that Albert Heijn recommends for cupcakes and desserts, among other things.
- AH Hagelslag puur states a minimum cocoa solids content of 32%.
- The variety we looked at contains whole milk powder, so ‘dark’ doesn’t mean dairy-free here.
PLUS
A supermarket own brand with dark chocolate sprinkles labelled vegan and made with Fairtrade cocoa.
- The variety we looked at states a minimum cocoa solids content of 32%.
- The product information also says that it may contain milk and lactose. Consider this warning separately from the vegan label.
Fairtrade Original
Dark chocolate sprinkles with a Fairtrade label.
- The sprinkles we looked at state a minimum cocoa solids content of 32%.
- According to the ingredients information, they may contain milk. Check the packaging if this matters to you.
Kiekeboe
Dark chocolate sprinkles that ALDI describes as coming in a 600 g pack.
- ALDI mentions Rainforest Alliance cocoa for this variety.
- If you want to compare varieties by cocoa content or ingredients, check those details on the packaging of the product you choose.
Dark chocolate sprinkles for cake
These chocolate sprinkles are a good choice if you want a chocolate topping rather than aniseed sprinkles. For cakes or cupcakes, check the ingredients on the packaging too.
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De Ruijter Intens Puur dark chocolate sprinkles, 200 g
A good option if you’re looking for chocolate sprinkles to finish off a cake or cupcakes.
Albert Heijn states a minimum cocoa solids content of 52% for this variety. The pack contains 200 g. Check the current ingredients and allergen information if milk or soya is a concern for you.
Frequently asked questions
Are aniseed sprinkles the same as dark chocolate sprinkles?
No. Albert Heijn describes the traditional De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles we looked at as sugar-coated aniseeds. For a chocolate topping, look for chocolate sprinkles and compare the ingredients of the variety you choose.
Can I use aniseed sprinkles in cake or on cupcakes?
Yes, if you want an aniseed flavour or decoration. An Allerhande recipe uses crushed aniseed sprinkles in cupcakes, while Albert Heijn also recommends aniseed sprinkles as a decoration for cakes and pastries. They won’t replace chocolate sprinkles if you’re after a chocolate flavour.
Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically vegan or dairy-free?
No. The De Ruijter Intens Puur product we looked at contains milk and soya. PLUS labels one of the dark varieties we looked at as vegan, but also says that it may contain milk and lactose. So, check both the ingredients and allergen information on the specific packaging.
How should I store chocolate sprinkles after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you choose. The De Ruijter product information we looked at says to store it in a cool, dry place. For the Royaal variety, it also says to press the pack closed carefully after use.
Where can I check the allergens in these products?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that 14 allergens must be declared on the label. For the aniseed or chocolate sprinkles you choose, look for the information relevant to any ingredients you need to avoid.