Buyers planning a central buffet
If you’re welcoming lots of guests in one place, you can weigh the contents of each pack and the number of packs needed against the space available and the arrangements for serving.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Caterers responsible for allergen information
If you’re serving chocolate sprinkles from an opened pack, you need to make information about each variety available to guests. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the rules for non-prepacked foods.
Organisers serving guests in several locations
For lunch boxes, separate tables or several rooms, you’ll need to weigh up the convenience of individual portions against the choice and serving arrangements of a shared buffet.
What should you look for when buying?
First, decide where guests will get their chocolate sprinkles: a single managed buffet calls for different packaging from service in several locations. Then choose a variety and check how you’ll share the relevant allergen information with guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and quantity | Check the net weight and work out how many packs you’ll need for the planned buffet. | If I’m serving lots of guests from one buffet, I want enough chocolate sprinkles ready without having to open another pack every time. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label for your chosen variety and decide how guests will find the allergen information at the serving point. | When I serve opened packs, guests need to be able to check which allergens are in the chocolate sprinkles they’ve chosen. This is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portions and serving arrangements | Check the number of portions, the weight per portion and the types of toppings included in a multipack. | For lunch boxes or tables in different rooms, I want to hand out portions without setting up a shared serving point. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this way of serving. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a large pack is a complete buffet solution
A 600 g pack doesn’t tell you how guests can serve themselves hygienically or where they can find allergen information.
Before ordering, decide between a managed buffet, self-service with suitable serving utensils, and individual portions. Make sure the information is available to guests at the serving point.
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Relying on the flavour name for allergen information
Plain, milk chocolate and flavoured varieties don’t necessarily have the same ingredients. For example, Albert Heijn’s product information lists milk and lactose for AH Hagelslag puur; Jumbo says its Duo Hagelslag Mix may contain milk.
Use the allergen information on the exact pack delivered, even if you’ve previously ordered a different variety from the same brand.
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Taking an online listing as confirmation of availability
Lidl lists 600 g packs of Mister Choc Hagelslag puur as an in-store product. A product listing doesn’t guarantee that the packs you need will be available when you shop.
Before the event, confirm the quantity you need, whether you can collect or have it delivered, and which variety you’ll receive if an item is substituted.
Brands and varieties to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo has 600 g packs in milk chocolate, plain chocolate and a duo mix: varieties to assess individually for a central buffet.
- Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Melk product information lists a 600 g pack and 30 portions of 20 g.
- The milk chocolate variety contains milk; the duo mix may contain milk. Check the label for each variety.
Albert Heijn
AH Hagelslag puur in a 600 g pack is an option if you’re looking for a large pack of plain chocolate sprinkles.
- The product information lists 30 portions of 20 g.
- This particular variety contains milk and lactose; its properties don’t necessarily apply to other AH varieties.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
Kiekeboe Hagelslag puur comes in a 600 g pack and is worth considering if buying from an ALDI store fits your plans.
- ALDI lists this plain chocolate variety as 600 g.
- Check availability in store and read the allergen information on the pack.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers both a plain chocolate variety reviewed here and a pack of individual portions for a different way of serving.
- Albert Heijn lists 120 portions of 20 g for the multipack reviewed here.
- As well as chocolate sprinkles, the multipack contains chocolate flakes and fruit sprinkles. The plain chocolate variety reviewed here lists milk and soya, and may contain lactose.
Venz
Venz Kwinkslag in a 400 g pack is a flavoured variety to consider alongside a separately selected standard option.
- The 400 g pack offers a different variety from the 600 g standard packs reviewed here.
- According to the product information, Kwinkslag contains milk, cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Make this information clear at the serving point.
Mister Choc (Lidl)
Mister Choc Hagelslag puur in a 600 g pack is suited to buying from a Lidl store.
- Lidl lists this variety in a 600 g pack.
- Lidl describes this product as available in store only. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before choosing it for your guests.
Chocolate sprinkles for a central buffet on Joybuy
This 600 g pack is suited to a central buffet where you’ll manage the serving yourself. Work out how much you need and check the information on the product delivered before serving it to guests.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smiley faces, 600 g
This 600 g pack is an option if you want to serve chocolate sprinkles from a single buffet. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack delivered, and make that information available when serving the contents unpackaged.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide allergen information for chocolate sprinkles served in bowls?
Yes, if you’re serving chocolate sprinkles from an opened pack to guests without the original packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says information about allergens present must be available. This can be in writing or electronically, or given verbally under certain conditions, including displaying a notice for guests.
How many portions can I get from a 600 g pack of chocolate sprinkles?
At 20 g per portion, you’ll get 30 portions, as stated in the Jumbo and Albert Heijn product information reviewed here. How much you need for an event depends on how many guests actually use the sprinkles.
Are individual portions more convenient than a large pack?
Individual portions can be more convenient for lunch boxes or serving guests in several locations; a large pack suits a central buffet with a suitable dispensing or serving arrangement. If you choose a multipack, also check which types of topping it contains: the De Ruijter pack reviewed here doesn’t contain just one type of chocolate sprinkles.
How should I store chocolate sprinkles during a multi-day conference?
Follow the storage advice on the pack for your chosen variety and use a clean, resealable container for serving. The Jumbo, Albert Heijn, De Ruijter and Venz product information reviewed here advises storing the products in a cool, dry place. Also check the date on the pack delivered.