For a strictly sugar-free Halloween topping, choose only a product whose current packaging states no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g: according to the European Commission, this is the limit for the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim. Céréal Hagelslag Puur does not meet this limit, with 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g according to Jumbo, but it could be an option if you’re looking for less sugar and are happy with chocolate sprinkles rather than flakes. If you specifically want flakes, the De Ruijter varieties described here are another option; according to Joybuy, they contain 70 g and 74 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.
You’re looking for a topping for a Halloween breakfast or treat and want to be able to take the ‘sugar-free’ label literally. To check, look at ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g; ‘less sugar’ means something different.
You want to compare chocolate toppings with less sugar and are happy to use chocolate sprinkles instead of flakes. If a product contains sweeteners, check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging too.
You want the distinctive look of flakes on bread, yoghurt or cakes to take centre stage. If so, compare the exact variety and its nutritional information, even if reducing sugar isn’t your main priority.
Before your Halloween event, decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a must-have, or whether you care more about having less sugar or choosing a particular type of topping. Compare the nutritional values of different products per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g on the current packaging. According to the European Commission, a product can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to carry the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim. | If sugar-free is a firm requirement for my treats, I want to see the value on the label before I buy. For around 42% of consumers, this strict requirement comes first. |
| Less sugar, a different shape | Compare the amount of sugars and polyols per 100 g, and consider whether chocolate sprinkles could replace the flakes you want. Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g. | I want less sugar in my topping, but chocolate sprinkles will work just as well for my Halloween table. Around 33% of consumers give reducing sugar their highest priority. |
| Flake texture | Choose the exact variety of flakes and check the sugars and allergens on the packaging. Joybuy states that De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Melk contains 70 g of sugars per 100 g and Vlokkenfeest contains 74 g. | I mainly want recognisable chocolate flakes on my decorated bread or cakes. For around 25% of consumers, presentation is their main reason for buying. |
A relative reduction doesn’t mean a product meets the EU limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g; Albert Heijn states that AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker contains 43 g per 100 g.
If the sugar-free claim is essential to your choice, check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g rather than relying only on the wording on the front of the pack.
Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 40 g of polyols per 100 g and carries a label warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Read the ingredients and warning before putting the topping out on a shared buffet, and keep the packaging available for guests.
Céréal Hagelslag Puur is a chocolate sprinkle topping, while the De Ruijter products described here are flakes. So choosing a lower-sugar option also means choosing a different type of topping.
Decide in advance whether you need flakes for your presentation. If you need a product to be strictly sugar-free, check the current label of each alternative separately.
The De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Melk described by Joybuy lists milk and soya; Vlokkenfeest lists wheat, soya and milk. Ingredients vary between varieties.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for every guest, and use separate bowls or spoons if you’re offering different toppings.
Céréal Hagelslag Puur is an option for anyone looking to cut down on sugar who doesn’t specifically need flakes.
AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker is an own-brand option with less sugar than regular AH dark chocolate sprinkles.
The chocolate flakes described here are worth considering if their distinctive look is important for your Halloween display.
No. According to the European Commission, a product can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml to carry the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim. Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g, so this variety doesn’t meet the sugar-free limit.
Not if you mean ‘sugar-free’ literally. Jumbo states that it contains 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g, and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Also bear in mind that this is chocolate sprinkles, not flakes.
Check the current packaging of every variety you’ve chosen before serving it. Joybuy lists milk and soya for De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Melk, and wheat, soya and milk for Vlokkenfeest. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that allergens are clearly identified in the ingredients list; keep different toppings separate when serving.
