If you want something sweet with a meal or snack
Chocolate sprinkles go well on bread, or as a topping for yoghurt or porridge. You decide how much to use; check the label to find out the nutritional value of that amount.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to give an exam candidate a gift or share something together
A box of individually wrapped chocolates is ideal as a gift or for sharing. For example, Albert Heijn lists 32 individually wrapped chocolates in the Merci Gift Box.
If you’re comparing nutritional values and allergens
Check the sugars and saturated fat per 100 g and for the amount you plan to eat. If you have an allergy, check the allergens in the specific product, especially if it’s a box containing different types of chocolate.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a topping to have with a meal or snack, or chocolate to give as a gift or share. Then compare the portion size and the labels of the products you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Occasion and portion | Would you rather measure out a topping yourself or pick up an individual chocolate? Compare the stated portion with the amount you plan to use. | If I’m going to have bread, yoghurt or porridge while studying, I want to be able to add something sweet without opening a whole box. Around 40% of consumers prioritise a planned meal or snack. |
| Gifting and sharing | Check the number of chocolates and the packaging. Albert Heijn lists 32 individually wrapped chocolates in the Merci Gift Box. | For a small gift or a get-together, I want chocolate that’s easy to share. Around 30% of consumers prioritise convenience when sharing. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Compare sugars and saturated fat per 100 g and per intended portion. If you have allergies, read the current label on each pack. | If I need to take ingredients or the amount I eat into account, I want to compare the products carefully. Around 30% of consumers prioritise checking this information. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing chocolate for a concentration boost
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes the stimulating effect of substances in chocolate as very weak. That’s not a good reason to choose chocolate sprinkles or chocolate as a study aid.
Choose based on taste, occasion or suitability as a gift, not an expected effect on your studies.
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Assuming a mixed box is suitable for everyone
Different types of chocolate can contain different ingredients. The Merci Gift Box lists milk, hazelnut, almond and soya among its ingredients; it may also contain peanuts and egg.
Before sharing, check the current label if anyone needs to avoid certain allergens.
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Focusing only on ‘less sugar’
A comparison of sugars alone tells you nothing about the other nutritional values. The claim for AH Hagelslag melk minder suiker compares it with AH Hagelslag melk, not with every type of chocolate sprinkles.
Also compare saturated fat, energy and the amount you plan to use.
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Comparing a tub and a box without considering how you’ll use them
Chocolate sprinkles as a topping and individual chocolates to share serve different purposes. The pack weight alone won’t tell you how much you’ll use or share at one occasion.
Decide how you plan to use the product first, then consider the weight, portions and what might be left over.
Brands and product ranges compared
The features listed apply to specific products or product ranges, not necessarily to everything from a particular brand.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter Specials Hagelslag Intens Puur is a dark chocolate option for anyone looking for chocolate sprinkles to use as a topping.
- Albert Heijn states that this variety contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
- Check the label if you have a milk or soya allergy; this variety isn’t allergen-free.
Venz
Venz XXL Hagelslag Melk is for anyone looking for milk chocolate sprinkles with larger pieces.
- According to Venz’s product description, you can use this variety on bread, yoghurt and porridge, among other things.
- The variety described contains milk and soya; check the current packaging if you avoid these ingredients.
Albert Heijn
AH offers regular milk chocolate sprinkles and a separate variety with less sugar.
- Albert Heijn lists a 600 g pack of AH Hagelslag melk. The ‘30% less sugar’ claim for the other variety compares it specifically with AH Hagelslag melk.
- For the lower-sugar variety, also check the other nutritional values and the portion size; the claim doesn’t tell you everything that’s on the label.
Merci
The Merci Gift Box is an example of chocolate for a gift or sharing occasion.
- Albert Heijn describes a box containing 32 individually wrapped chocolates.
- The box described lists several allergens, including milk, nuts and soya; check the label for the recipients.
Celebrations
A chocolate assortment for anyone who wants to share a selection of small chocolates.
- The assortment lets people choose from a range of different chocolates.
- If you’re sharing with a group, check the allergens on the current packaging before handing out the chocolates.
Products at Joybuy
This selection includes varieties of chocolate sprinkles for a planned meal or snack, a chocolate gift to share and chocolate bars for anyone looking for individual portions. First decide which of these uses best suits your purchase.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift for sharing; check that the packaging suits the way you plan to share the chocolates.
Pack weight: 288 g. If you have allergies, look out for ingredients including almond, egg, hazelnut, milk and soya, and check the current label.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g
For anyone who wants to use dark chocolate sprinkles as a topping with a meal or snack.
Pack weight: 200 g. Choose how much to use, and check the current label if you have a milk or soya allergy.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure, 390 g
A dark chocolate sprinkle option for anyone looking to add a topping to a meal or snack.
Pack weight: 390 g. Compare the amount you use and, if you have allergies, check the label for milk and soya.
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g'woon Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 400 g
For anyone who wants to use dark chocolate sprinkles as a spread or topping.
Pack weight: 400 g. If you have allergies, check the current label for milk and possible traces of wheat.
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Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 stuks, 104,4 g
Chocolate bars for anyone who wants to take something with them or share; these aren’t chocolate sprinkles, and the product name doesn’t describe gift packaging.
Nine bars, 104,4 g in total. Check the best-before date before buying, and if you have allergies, read the current label, including for wheat, milk and soya.
Frequently asked questions
Can chocolate sprinkles or chocolate help you concentrate while studying?
Don’t choose either for an expected effect on concentration. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes the stimulating effect of substances in chocolate as very weak, so let taste, occasion and portion size guide your choice.
What makes a good small gift during exam season?
A box of chocolates is generally a better fit for a gift or sharing occasion than chocolate sprinkles as a spread. For example, the Merci Gift Box described by Albert Heijn contains 32 individually wrapped chocolates; check the ingredients if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
Is chocolate with less sugar automatically the right choice?
No, the claim only relates to the stated comparison of sugar content. Albert Heijn compares its variety with 30% less sugar with AH Hagelslag melk; also check the other nutritional values and the amount you plan to use.
Where can you find allergen information for chocolate or chocolate sprinkles?
Check the label on the specific pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must be shown on the label of prepacked foods. If a box contains different chocolates, it’s important to check carefully for everyone who’ll be eating them.
How should you store chocolate sprinkles and a box of chocolates?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you buy. Albert Heijn advises keeping its milk chocolate sprinkles in a cool, dark and dry place, and recommends protecting the Merci Gift Box from heat.