Who are the different packaging formats for?

Cake and cupcake decorators

If you want to set out a small amount of chocolate sprinkles for each piece of cake, individual portions are worth considering. Albert Heijn also recommends De Ruijter Kleintjes portions for decorating baked goods.

Households that use chocolate sprinkles regularly

If you use chocolate sprinkles on bread as well as in baking, a standard pack may suit you better than individual portions. Jumbo stocks packs from De Ruijter, Venz and its own brand, among others.

Anyone who wants to control how much they use

If you want to sprinkle chocolate sprinkles from a sealable shaker, bear in mind that you’ll need to fill it yourself. OXO lists chocolate sprinkles as one possible filling for its empty shakers.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to serve individual portions, use the original packaging or transfer the sprinkles to a shaker yourself. Then consider the flavour and quantity that best suit the way you’ll use them.

Small portions

When: you want to set out a small amount of chocolate sprinkles for each individual piece of cake or cupcake.

Trade-off: you use one portion at a time, rather than pouring from one large pack each time.

Standard pack

When: you use chocolate sprinkles regularly, including for more than just decorating cakes.

Trade-off: a larger pack won’t, by itself, help you measure out the right amount for one piece of cake.

Separate shaker

When: you want to use a sealable shaker to sprinkle chocolate sprinkles.

Trade-off: you’ll need to transfer the sprinkles and keep the shaker clean; it won’t come filled with chocolate sprinkles.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Controlled sprinkling Check whether you’re buying portions, a standard pack or a separate shaker. If it has a dispensing opening, make sure dry sprinkles can pass through it. When I decorate one cupcake, I want the chocolate sprinkles to land on the cake, not all over the worktop. Around 45% of consumers prioritise being able to sprinkle accurately.
Flavour and use in cake Choose the type of chocolate sprinkles you want and check the ingredients for that particular variety, especially if you’re mixing them into cake batter. For a cake to serve with coffee, I want to choose a flavour that suits the recipe or topping. For around 36% of consumers, flavour is the main consideration.
Pack size Choose a pack size to suit how often you use chocolate sprinkles, including as a topping for bread. If I bake regularly and also use chocolate sprinkles on bread, I don’t want to keep reaching for a new small portion. Around 19% of consumers prioritise pack size.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a squeeze bottle for a shaker

    A bottle for liquid topping and a shaker for dry chocolate sprinkles are different types of product. OXO’s product information lists chocolate sprinkles as something you can put in a separate shaker, not as the contents of a ready-filled squeeze bottle.

    Check whether the product contains chocolate sprinkles or is just an empty shaker, and whether the opening is designed for dry sprinkles.

  • Assuming all chocolate sprinkles have the same ingredients

    A description such as ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you exactly which ingredients or allergens are listed on the label of the variety you’ve chosen.

    If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on that exact pack, even if you’ve used another variety from the same brand before.

  • Storing chocolate sprinkles open or somewhere damp

    A shaker offers another way to store them, but having a lid doesn’t remove the need to check the sprinkles themselves. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says a musty smell is a sign that chocolate sprinkles should no longer be used.

    Close the pack or shaker properly, keep the chocolate sprinkles in a dry kitchen cupboard and don’t use them if they smell musty.

Brands to consider

The packaging and features mentioned apply to specific varieties of chocolate sprinkles. A brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether a squeeze bottle is suitable.

De Ruijter

Worth considering if you’re choosing between individual portions and standard packs.

  • Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Kleintjes, 140 g, divided into eight portions, and Specials Intens Puur, 200 g, with at least 52% cocoa solids. Jumbo lists Hagelslag Puur, 390 g.
  • These details describe different varieties and don’t confirm that any contain chocolate sprinkles in a squeeze bottle.

Venz

Worth considering if you want to compare different types of chocolate sprinkles from one brand.

  • Jumbo lists Venz Puur and Melk Chocolade Hagelslag, both 400 g, as well as XXL varieties and Kwinkslag.
  • The flavour or shape of a variety doesn’t tell you whether its packaging is suitable for sprinkling accurately over cake.

Jumbo

A useful reference if you want to compare pack sizes from its own brand.

  • Jumbo’s range includes chocolate sprinkle packs of 200 g, 380 g and 600 g, as well as mini portions.
  • Check the contents, flavour and packaging of the variety you choose; the range listings don’t confirm that any squeeze bottles contain chocolate sprinkles.

Kiekeboe

An option to consider if you’re looking for a large pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.

  • ALDI lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur, 600 g, made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.
  • The product description presents this variety as a bread topping; check the packaging separately if you mainly want it for decorating cake.

Chocolate sprinkle products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How should I store opened chocolate sprinkles?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you can keep opened chocolate sprinkles in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year. Close the pack properly and don’t use the sprinkles if they smell musty.

Should I check the allergens on the label of chocolate sprinkles?

Yes. If you have an allergy, check the current label on the exact variety of chocolate sprinkles you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on food labels; don’t rely on the brand name or the word ‘dark’ alone.