Advent calendar makers filling lots of compartments
You want to make several small Dutch rusk treats and decide how much chocolate sprinkle to put in each compartment. A larger bag is an ingredient, not a pack of individually portioned treats.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Gift-givers who care about the variety
You’re making a smaller number of treats and choosing between options such as milk chocolate sprinkles, dark chocolate sprinkles and larger sprinkles.
Shoppers comparing labels
You’re buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients, or you want to compare the sugars and other nutritional information per 100 g. Remember to check the rusks you use, too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many individual treats you want to make. Then check whether the pack size, the need to portion everything yourself and the ingredients suit your plans.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the net weight with the number of treats you want to make; you’ll need to buy the rusks separately. | If I’m filling lots of compartments, I want to know in advance whether one bag contains enough chocolate sprinkles. Around 33% of consumers put having enough in the pack first. |
| Individual portions | Check whether you’re buying chocolate sprinkles or a ready-made treat, and how you’ll keep the rusks dry and whole. | Each compartment needs its own portion, so I want to be able to portion and package the rusks and sprinkles myself. Around 42% of consumers give this portioning the highest priority. |
| Flavour and label | Read the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for the exact variety; compare nutritional values on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | I’m choosing a particular type of chocolate or need to avoid certain ingredients before wrapping something for someone else. This choice of flavour and label matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a product page is for a ready-made advent calendar treat
The Jumbo page reviewed says that Jumbo Rusks with Milk Chocolate Sprinkles is no longer in its online range. A separate bag of chocolate sprinkles doesn’t contain ready-made rusk treats either.
Plan to use separate rusks and chocolate sprinkles, unless you can check the current product information for an exact ready-made product.
For homemade portions, you’ll also need rusks, a way to make the sprinkles stick and individual packaging.
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Overlooking the pack size
The chocolate sprinkle varieties reviewed come in 380 g, 390 g and 600 g packs. A variety’s name won’t tell you how many calendar portions you’ll get from it.
Compare the net weight and work out how much chocolate sprinkle you want to use for each treat before choosing a size.
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Checking for allergens only after wrapping everything
Jumbo’s description of the Venz XXL milk variety lists milk components, lactose and soya lecithin, among other ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for pre-packed products appears on the label.
Before putting everything together, read the packaging for every variety you actually buy, including the rusks.
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Assuming all rusks contain the same ingredients
A general note about iodine in baker’s salt won’t tell you which ingredients are in the rusks you’ve chosen.
If iodine matters to your choice, check the ingredients on the rusk packaging.
Brands compared
Jumbo
The Jumbo milk chocolate sprinkles reviewed come in a 600 g pack, making them a choice to consider if you want to put together lots of treats yourself.
- Jumbo lists the pack size for this variety as 600 g.
- These are loose chocolate sprinkles; you’ll also need rusks and individual packaging.
De Ruijter
The 390 g Hagelslag Royaal reviewed has a different stated cocoa content for those who want to compare this feature.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, Hagelslag Royaal contains at least 43% cocoa solids.
- That description applies to Hagelslag Royaal and shouldn’t be assumed to apply to another De Ruijter variety.
Venz
The 380 g XXL milk variety reviewed is aimed at shoppers who take the size of the sprinkles into account.
- Venz describes the sprinkles in this XXL variety as extra large.
- The ingredients listed by Jumbo for this milk variety include milk components and soya lecithin, among others; check the label of the variety you choose.
Chocolate sprinkles for homemade treats
These Joybuy products are loose chocolate sprinkles to combine with rusks yourself. Choose a pack size and variety to suit the number of portions you’re making and the ingredients you’re looking for; you’ll need to arrange the rusks and individual packaging separately.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smileys 600 g
A 600 g pack of chocolate sprinkles to divide between several homemade Dutch rusk treats.
The sprinkles feature smiley faces; buy the rusks and materials for individual portions separately. If allergies are a concern, read the label on the bag you buy.
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Venz milk chocolate sprinkles 380 g
380 g of milk chocolate sprinkles to portion yourself for Dutch rusk treats.
This isn’t a ready-made rusk product. Check the ingredients for this variety on the packaging, especially if you’re buying for someone with a food allergy.
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De Ruijter Dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g
A 390 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to use this type of chocolate on homemade Dutch rusk treats.
Buy the rusks and portion packaging separately. Compare the label for this variety; the cocoa content stated for De Ruijter Hagelslag Royaal doesn’t automatically apply to this product.
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Venz XXL white chocolate sprinkles 380 g
380 g of white XXL chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to use this variety as a topping on homemade Dutch rusk treats.
The stated ingredients list milk, but the allergen information for this variety appears to contradict this. Check the packaging before buying, especially if you’re buying for someone with a food allergy.
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De Ruijter Intense Dark chocolate sprinkles 200 g
A 200 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles to portion yourself for a smaller number of Dutch rusk treats.
You’ll also need rusks and a way to package each portion separately. If you’re taking allergens into account, read the ingredients for this exact variety.
Frequently asked questions
Is a large bag of chocolate sprinkles a ready-made treat for advent calendar compartments?
No, a bag of chocolate sprinkles is an ingredient to combine with rusks and portion yourself. The Jumbo page reviewed also says that Jumbo Rusks with Milk Chocolate Sprinkles is no longer in its online range. If you’re looking for a ready-made variety, check the latest information for that exact product.
How should I store rusks and chocolate sprinkles before making the treats?
Follow the storage instructions on both packs you buy and keep the rusks dry. The Jumbo chocolate sprinkle page reviewed recommends storing them in a cool, dry place. Albert Heijn advises keeping its plain rusks in a dark, dry place and storing them in a sealed tin after opening. Only assemble the treats when you’ll be able to keep the rusks dry afterwards.
Can I rely on the online product name for allergen information?
No, check the label on the exact packs of chocolate sprinkles and rusks. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for pre-packed products appears on the label; varieties from the same brand may contain different ingredients.
What should I consider if the treats are for children?
Decide in advance how big each treat will be rather than using a large bag without a portion plan. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving children aged 4 to 12 small sweet snacks at set times.