If you’re looking to cut down on sugar with your coffee, compare the nutrition information per 100 g and consider chocolate sprinkles with less sugar if the flake shape isn’t essential to you. Jumbo lists 63 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes and 63.7 g per 100 g for its own dark chocolate flakes. Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker, but chocolate sprinkles are a different type of product.
You’re looking for a chocolate topping for bread, crispbread or yoghurt and want to compare the sugar content. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the nutrition information per 100 g, rather than looking only at the amount per serving.
You’re choosing chocolate flakes for their shape and flavour. Chocolate sprinkles with less sugar could work for the same occasion, but they don’t have the same shape.
You check the allergens, sweeteners and any warnings on the packaging before buying. It’s especially important to check the ingredients again if you’re switching from standard flakes to chocolate sprinkles with less sugar.
When choosing a chocolate topping for your coffee break, the sugar content, the texture of the flakes or the ingredients may be the deciding factor. First, decide which feature you want to keep; then compare the labels of the products that suit you.
A good choice if: You specifically want flakes on bread, crispbread or yoghurt.
The trade-off: Jumbo lists 63 g and 63.7 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter and Jumbo dark chocolate flakes respectively. The word ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t mean a product contains less sugar.
A good choice if: You’d rather choose a chocolate topping with a lower stated sugar content than stick to flakes.
The trade-off: Chocolate sprinkles have a different shape. Check the ingredients and any usage warnings for the variety you choose.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Less sugar | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, and check which product ‘less sugar’ is being compared with. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the ‘low sugar’ claim applies to products containing no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If I want a chocolate topping with my coffee but want to prioritise less sugar, I don’t want to rely on wording on the front of the pack alone. Around 50% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Shape and flavour | Check whether you’re buying flakes or chocolate sprinkles. For dark varieties, check the ingredients and sugar content separately. | The shape of the flakes determines whether the topping works with my bread or yoghurt, even if chocolate sprinkles have less sugar. Around 30% of consumers prioritise keeping the flakes. |
| Ingredients | Read the latest allergen information and check the packaging for warnings on products containing polyols. | When I switch products, I want to know whether the ingredients suit my dietary needs and whether there are any usage warnings. For around 20% of consumers, this check is their top priority. |
Those words don’t tell you the sugar content on their own. Jumbo’s product page lists 78.5 g of sugars per 100 g for Chogal Boterhamvlokken licht.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, and check which product a reduction claim is referring to.
Different serving sizes make it difficult to compare the sugar content of two packs directly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products per 100 g first.
You can then use the per-serving information to assess the amount you actually use.
According to its product information, Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains maltitol. Albert Heijn’s product page warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
As well as the sugar content, check the latest ingredients list, allergen information and warnings.
A lower sugar content doesn’t change the difference in shape. If you specifically want chocolate flakes, chocolate sprinkles won’t give you the same topping.
Before comparing different varieties, decide whether the texture of the flakes or the sugar content matters more to you.
A brand to consider if you’re specifically looking for dark chocolate flakes.
The own-brand range includes dark chocolate flakes, so you can compare labels within the same product type.
The own-brand range includes chocolate sprinkles with less sugar, an alternative if you’re not set on flakes.
A brand with chocolate sprinkles for shoppers considering a product that states a sugar reduction.
No. ‘Less sugar’ compares a product with another product; it doesn’t mean that its sugar content is below the threshold for a ‘low sugar’ claim. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets that threshold at no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check both the comparison behind the claim and the nutrition information per 100 g.
No. The word ‘dark’ doesn’t prove that a product contains less sugar. Jumbo lists 63 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Vlokken Puur and 63.7 g per 100 g for Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur. Check the label of the variety you want to buy.
They can if the shape of flakes matters less to you than the sugar content. Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker, but chocolate sprinkles are still a different type of product. Compare the nutrition information and ingredients for the specific varieties you’re considering.
Check the ingredients, allergens and usage warning, not just the stated sugar reduction. The product information lists maltitol and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Check the latest packaging before you buy.
