Host catering for different preferences
Wants to serve both classic plain rusks and a wholegrain option with coffee. Albert Heijn and Jumbo stock several types of rusks.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Host keeping an eye on how much chocolate topping is served
Wants to offer guests something sweet while still having some control over how much chocolate topping goes on the table. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights sugars and saturated fat as things to consider with chocolate sprinkles.
Host who needs to check allergens
Has guests for whom the ingredients in both products matter. Rusks and chocolate sprinkles can contain different allergens; the wholegrain label or choosing dark chocolate doesn’t tell you enough on its own.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide which types of rusks you want to serve, then choose how many flavours of chocolate sprinkles to open. Finally, check the labels of the products you’ll actually be serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of rusks | Compare plain rusks with a clearly labelled wholegrain variety. If you choose the latter, check the ingredients too. | If my friends don’t all choose the same type of rusk, I want to offer two easy-to-identify options. This choice of rusk is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Variety of flavours | For example, choose milk and dark chocolate sprinkles as two different options, and check the pack size. | I want to offer guests a choice of flavour with the same type of rusk, without opening lots of packs. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this variety. |
| Sugars and portion size | Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and the stated portion size. If you like, let guests sprinkle their own topping. | I want to offer chocolate sprinkles as a sweet topping while keeping an eye on how much is used. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any cross-contamination warning on both the rusks and the chocolate sprinkles. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to be able to check both products separately. This check is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholegrain rusks are suitable for everyone
Wholegrain tells you about the type of grain, not whether a product is allergen-free. Albert Heijn lists egg, wheat and cereals containing gluten among the allergens in its wholegrain rusks.
Offer wholegrain as an additional choice, but if a guest has an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.
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Assuming rusks contain iodine
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. So don’t assume that your chosen rusks are made with iodised baker’s salt unless the product information confirms it.
If the presence of iodised salt matters to your choice, check the label on the rusks or ask the manufacturer.
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Forgetting to count a generous helping of chocolate sprinkles
The amount of topping affects how much sugar you consume. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 9.4 g of sugar per 15 g portion of chocolate sprinkles; the amount can vary between products.
Compare the nutrition information on the pack and serve the sprinkles so guests can decide how much to use.
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Choosing a large pack for a single coffee get-together
Chocolate sprinkles come in different pack sizes. A larger pack is most practical if you expect to use the sprinkles again later.
Choose a pack size that suits how much you expect to use, and follow the storage advice on the pack once it’s open.
If an opened pack is left unused, some of it may eventually go to waste.
Brands to consider
The differences below apply to the product varieties mentioned. Always check the packaging of the product you choose when buying.
De Ruijter
A brand with several varieties of chocolate sprinkles, including milk and dark chocolate, for anyone who wants to offer guests a choice of flavour.
- Jumbo lists a milk chocolate variety, offering a specific option alongside dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Jumbo lists milk, lactose and soya for that milk chocolate variety. Check the allergens for each flavour you choose.
Venz
A chocolate sprinkles brand with an XXL milk chocolate variety, for anyone who also wants to consider the size of the sprinkles.
- The XXL milk chocolate variety is sold with extra-large sprinkles.
- Jumbo lists milk, lactose and soya for this variety. Larger sprinkles don’t change the need to check the label.
Albert Heijn huismerk
An option for comparing plain and wholegrain rusks, as well as different types of chocolate sprinkles.
- Albert Heijn lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Wholegrain Rusks.
- The same rusks list egg, wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens.
Jumbo huismerk
An own-brand range with different varieties of rusks and chocolate sprinkles in various pack sizes.
- Jumbo lists, among other options, a 600 g pack of milk chocolate sprinkles, which may be useful if you expect to use them more than once.
- The nutrition information for this milk chocolate variety lists 68 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare the other information on the pack you choose too.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
An own-brand option for anyone considering a large pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
- ALDI lists a 600 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
- If any guests have allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Rusks and chocolate sprinkles on Joybuy
These products offer one wholegrain rusk option and two flavours of chocolate sprinkles. Choose your rusks and topping separately. If you also want to serve plain rusks, choose those as an additional option.
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Bolletje wholegrain rusks, 13 pieces
A wholegrain rusk option for guests who prefer this type. The pack contains 13 pieces; choose your chocolate sprinkles separately.
If any guests have allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information, including cereals containing gluten and sesame.
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g'woon dark chocolate sprinkles, 400 g
A dark chocolate sprinkles option to serve with your separately chosen rusks. The pack contains 400 g; consider whether that’s the right amount for how much you expect to use.
If any guests have allergies, check the current ingredients and any warning about traces of wheat.
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Venz milk chocolate sprinkles, 380 g
A milk chocolate option to serve alongside dark chocolate sprinkles, with your rusks chosen separately. The pack contains 380 g.
If any guests have allergies, check the current packaging for information about milk, lactose and soya.
Frequently asked questions
Should I serve both plain and wholegrain rusks?
No, but it’s an easy way to cater for different preferences over coffee. Choose plain rusks for anyone who enjoys them, and add a clearly labelled wholegrain variety if your guests would appreciate the option.
If I choose chocolate sprinkles with less sugar, can I ignore portion size?
No. ‘Less sugar’ is a comparison that applies to a specific product. Compare the nutrition information on the packs you’re considering, per 100 g and, where stated, per portion. That way, you can take both the product and the amount of chocolate sprinkles into account.
Should I check the allergens in both the rusks and the chocolate sprinkles?
Yes. Check both products separately if a guest needs to avoid certain allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens that must be declared in prepacked foods need to be clearly listed in the ingredients. Also look out for any cross-contamination warnings.
Do rusks always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume this is the case for every type of rusk. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. Check the ingredients of the specific rusks or ask the manufacturer if this matters to your choice.
What should I do with the rusks and chocolate sprinkles after coffee?
Reseal any opened packs and follow the storage advice on the packaging for both products. You can also serve the rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately, so guests can top their rusks when they’re ready to eat.