People planning a small snack before exercise
For them, the timing, portion size and what else is in the snack all matter. The Voedingscentrum advises eating a regular meal around two to three hours before exercising.
Who is this relevant for?
People who want to measure out or take chocolate sprinkles with them
Individual portions can be handy if you don’t want to sprinkle them straight from a large pack. Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Kleintjes as containing eight portions of 15 g and 20 g.
Households that keep chocolate sprinkles at home
If you use this topping regularly, you can compare the sizes of standard packs and measure out an amount for each snack. Jumbo and Albert Heijn stock a range of pack sizes.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how you want to portion your chocolate sprinkles. Then consider how much topping you’ll have as part of your overall snack, and when you plan to eat it.
Individual portions
Best for: a measured topping to take with you; according to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains four portions of 15 g and four of 20 g.
Consider: a portion pack isn’t a squeezy bottle and doesn’t determine what makes a suitable overall snack.
Standard pack
Best for: using at home if you want chocolate sprinkles as a topping on several occasions and can measure out the amount yourself.
Consider: you’ll need to measure out your preferred portion from the pack yourself.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and portion size | Check the portion size and think about how much time there’ll be between eating and exercising. The Voedingscentrum recommends having a regular meal two to three hours beforehand. | If I’m exercising soon after eating, I want to choose a small snack I’ll enjoy. For an estimated 40% of consumers, planning the timing comes first. |
| Measuring out and taking with you | Check whether the pack contains individual portions. If a listing describes it as a ‘bottle’, check how the opening actually works. | I want to take some chocolate sprinkles with me without sprinkling them from a large pack. This is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Keeping a supply at home | Compare the pack size and follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. | If I use chocolate sprinkles at home regularly, I want to keep enough in the cupboard and measure out an amount each time. An estimated 30% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘Bottle format’ means it has a squeezy top
A Joybuy listing for De Ruijter Puur, 390 g, uses this description, but also describes the product as sprinkles. The description alone doesn’t tell you how to dispense the chocolate sprinkles.
Before buying, check the product photo, pack wording and opening if a squeezy bottle is essential for you. Choose individual portions if measuring out an amount in advance is what you actually need.
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Treating chocolate sprinkles as a complete pre-exercise snack
Chocolate sprinkles are a topping, not a meal on their own. The Voedingscentrum cites sugar and saturated fat as reasons not to eat chocolate sprinkles too often or in large amounts.
Decide how much topping you want to use, and consider the base of your snack and when you’ll be eating it too.
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Using one variety’s label information for another
Ingredients and allergen information apply to the variety you’ve chosen. For Venz Puur, Jumbo lists milk and soya, and possible lactose.
Read the current label on the pack you’re buying, even if you’ve used a different flavour or pack before.
Brands and shops to consider
De Ruijter
Worth considering if you want to compare a standard pack with individual portions.
- For Kleintjes, Albert Heijn lists eight portions: four of 15 g and four of 20 g.
- Individual portions don’t confirm that a product has a squeezy bottle or dispensing top.
Venz
A brand to compare if you’re looking for pure chocolate sprinkles in a standard pack.
- For Venz Puur, 400 g, Jumbo provides nutritional and allergen information.
- Check the nutritional information for the amount you use; chocolate sprinkles alone don’t make a complete snack.
Jumbo
A shop range that includes chocolate sprinkles in a variety of standard pack sizes.
- The Jumbo category lists packs including 380 g and 600 g sizes.
- Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you choose; pack size won’t tell you anything about these.
Albert Heijn
A shop range that includes both standard packs and De Ruijter Kleintjes.
- The product information for Kleintjes clearly states the contents of each individual portion.
- A claim such as ‘less sugar’ on another variety is no substitute for comparing the nutritional information.
ALDI
A shop range that includes Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles.
- ALDI Netherlands lists Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles mix in a 600 g pack.
- Check the nutritional information and type of opening on your chosen pack if these are important to your decision.
Lidl
A shop option for Mister Choc Hagelslag Puur.
- Lidl Netherlands lists a 600 g pack.
- The product page says this item is only available in store; check the pack for details on how to dispense it.
Chocolate sprinkles for home use on Joybuy
These packs are suitable if you want to use chocolate sprinkles as a topping at home and measure out an amount yourself. Check the pack if a specific dispensing opening is important to you.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smiley faces, 600 g
A topping for bread or biscuits if you want to measure out an amount yourself at home. Check the pack opening if controlled dispensing is important, and read the current label for allergen information.
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g'woon dark chocolate sprinkles, 400 g
A topping for bread or toast if you want to decide how much to use for each snack. Check the pack to see how to dispense the sprinkles, and read the current label for allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
When should you eat a snack with chocolate sprinkles before exercise?
Choose your snack based on when you’re going to exercise and what you find comfortable to eat. The Voedingscentrum advises eating a regular meal around two to three hours beforehand. If you’re eating shortly before exercising, keep the portion small and consider the whole snack, not just the chocolate sprinkles.
Are chocolate sprinkles a complete pre-exercise snack on their own?
No. Chocolate sprinkles are a topping, not a complete meal or snack on their own. The Voedingscentrum doesn’t include chocolate sprinkles in the Wheel of Five and advises not eating them too often or in large amounts.
Which allergens should you check in chocolate sprinkles?
Read the allergen information on the current label for the variety you’re buying. For Venz Puur, Jumbo lists milk and soya, and possible lactose; don’t assume this information applies to other chocolate sprinkles without checking.
How should you store chocolate sprinkles after buying them?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen. For Venz Puur, Jumbo advises storing it in a cool, dry place; check the label on any other product.