Fans of an intense dark chocolate flavour
Families where the adults want a pronounced cocoa flavour on their Dutch rusks or bread, and are happy with a smaller pack to get it.
Which considerations matter to you?
Families comparing sugar content
Shoppers who want to serve dark chocolate sprinkles and check the nutritional information per 100 g. For them, the difference between a lower-sugar option and one with sweeteners matters.
Families who use chocolate sprinkles regularly
Shoppers who choose a pack size based on how often they serve chocolate sprinkles, while keeping storage, shelf life and the label for their chosen variety in mind.
What should you look for in dark chocolate sprinkles?
First decide what matters most at your table: a pronounced cocoa flavour, the amount of sugar, a practical pack size or the ingredients in the exact variety. Then use the packaging to compare dark chocolate sprinkles against those priorities.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa flavour | The stated cocoa solids percentage and the exact variety. | If the adults at the table mainly want a pronounced dark chocolate flavour on their Dutch rusks, I look for a variety that clearly states its cocoa content on the packaging. This flavour is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Sugars | Sugars per 100 g and the basis of comparison for any ‘less sugar’ claim. | When choosing dark chocolate sprinkles for my family, I want to be able to compare the amount of sugar without confusing ‘dark’ with ‘low sugar’. This comparison is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Pack size | The pack’s weight and best-before date. | If we serve chocolate sprinkles regularly, I want a pack we’ll actually finish. Around 23% of consumers prioritise a practical pack size. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, stated allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. | If someone at the table needs to watch what they eat, I check the label on the exact variety first. For around 15% of consumers, this check is the first priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘low in sugar’
According to Jumbo’s product information, the Venz Puur variety reviewed contains 65 g of sugars per 100 g. So a dark variety doesn’t necessarily contain little sugar.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g. For ‘less sugar’ claims, also check which product the manufacturer uses for comparison.
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Serving a variety with sweeteners without checking the label
Jumbo’s product information states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains polyols and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Read the usage warning on the packaging you’ve chosen before serving this variety.
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Assuming the allergens from the brand or the word ‘dark’
Whether milk, soya or possible traces are listed varies by product. The label on one dark chocolate sprinkle product is no substitute for checking another.
Before buying, check the ingredients and allergens for the exact flavour and pack.
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Assuming baker’s salt in the sprinkles means they contain iodine
According to the Voedingscentrum, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. This tells you nothing about the chocolate sprinkles on your Dutch rusks.
If you want to know which ingredients are in the rusks, check the label on the rusks themselves.
Brands to compare
These brands offer useful points of comparison for dark chocolate sprinkles. The features listed apply to the varieties described, not necessarily to a brand’s entire range.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur is worth considering if the stated cocoa content matters to you.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product page, this 200 g variety contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
- The product page lists milk and soya, and also mentions possible lactose; check the current label.
Venz
The Venz Puur variety reviewed is a standard dark chocolate sprinkle product in a 400 g pack.
- Jumbo’s product information states that this variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The same variety contains 65 g of sugars per 100 g and includes milk and soya.
Albert Heijn
AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker is worth considering if sugar content is what will determine your choice.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product page, this variety contains 30% less sugar than AH Chocolade Hagel Puur; the stated amount is 43 g of sugars per 100 g.
- ‘Less sugar’ doesn’t mean sugar-free. The product information lists milk and lactose as allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo Chocoladehagelslag Puur is an option for families considering a 600 g pack.
- Jumbo’s product page states that the pack contains 600 g.
- Check the nutritional information and allergens on the packaging for this exact variety.
ALDI / Kiekeboe
Kiekeboe dark chocolate sprinkles are a supermarket option if you’re looking for a 600 g pack.
- ALDI Netherlands lists this variety as containing 600 g.
- In store, check the packaging and current label on the variety you’re buying.
Lidl / Mister CHOC
Mister CHOC Hagelslag Puur is a supermarket option if you’re looking for a larger pack.
- Lidl Netherlands’ product page lists a 600 g pack and states that the product is only available in store.
- In store, read the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the current pack.
Dark chocolate sprinkles for Dutch rusks on Joybuy
These two De Ruijter varieties are suitable for serving dark chocolate sprinkles on Dutch rusks. One pack is 200 g and the other is 390 g. If cocoa content, sugars or allergens will determine your choice, compare the label on the exact variety.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure dark chocolate sprinkles 200 g
For anyone who wants to serve sprinkles described as intensely dark on Dutch rusks and is looking for a 200 g pack.
Before choosing, compare the cocoa percentage and read the allergens on the label for this pack.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g
For families who serve dark chocolate sprinkles on Dutch rusks and can use up a 390 g pack.
If a pronounced cocoa flavour is the main reason for your choice, check the cocoa percentage for this variety on the packaging. Also read the nutritional information and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘dark’ mean that chocolate sprinkles contain a lot of cocoa?
No. Check the cocoa solids percentage for the exact variety. According to Albert Heijn’s product page, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52%; Jumbo’s product information states that the Venz Puur variety reviewed contains at least 32%.
What should I look out for if someone at the table has an allergy or intolerance?
Read the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging for the exact variety you want to serve. The dark chocolate sprinkles reviewed list milk, soya and possible traces; don’t assume a product is suitable based on the word ‘dark’.
Are dark chocolate sprinkles the basis for the nutritional value of a family meal?
No. Think of chocolate sprinkles as a sweet topping or spread. The Voedingscentrum highlights sugars and saturated fat in chocolate sprinkles; check the nutritional information per 100 g if you want to compare the composition of different varieties.
Do chocolate sprinkles tell me anything about iodine in Dutch rusks?
No. Your choice of chocolate sprinkles doesn’t tell you which salt was used in the rusks. Check the ingredients on the rusks themselves. The Voedingscentrum states that baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it.
How should I store chocolate sprinkles after a family meal?
Follow the storage advice on the pack; the product information reviewed says to store in a cool, dry place. Seal the packaging after use and check the best-before date.