Bakers preparing to share
If you’re baking Dutch spiced biscuits for family or guests, it’s worth deciding in advance how many sprinkles you’ll need for the topping. A larger pack can save you from opening several small ones while decorating.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Bakers choosing by flavour and decoration
Milk, dark, white or mixed sprinkles give you different ways to finish your biscuits. For a complete chocolate coating, Allerhande and Rutger Bakt describe a different step: dipping the biscuits in melted chocolate.
Shoppers checking allergens
If milk, lactose or soya matters to anyone eating them, check the ingredients and any allergen warnings on the packaging of the exact product you’re buying. The word ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you which allergen warnings apply.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to sprinkle them on top or coat the biscuits in chocolate. For a topping, choose a suitable quantity and flavour, and check the packaging if allergens are a concern.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the weight in grams with the number of plates you want to decorate; if you have any left over, check the storage instructions. | If I’m baking for several people, I want enough topping without opening several small packs. For around 31% of consumers, quantity comes first. |
| Flavour and recipe use | Choose the type of sprinkles you want, and decide separately whether you’ll also need chocolate to melt for a chocolate coating. | I want the finish to suit my biscuits, but I’ll need a coating for a complete chocolate layer. Flavour and how the product is used in a recipe are the main considerations for around 31% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any statements about possible allergens on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen. | If someone eating with me needs to avoid certain allergens, I want to check the packaging before using the sprinkles. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check whether your preferred product is available from your shop, either in store or online. | If I want to buy all my baking ingredients in one shop, the right pack needs to be available there. For around 15% of consumers, this matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing sprinkles with chocolate coating
In recipes from Allerhande and Rutger Bakt, the biscuits get their chocolate coating by being dipped in melted chocolate. Sprinkles alone won’t replace that step.
Before you buy, decide whether you want to sprinkle or fully coat them. For the second option, you’ll also need chocolate to melt.
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Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ means dairy-free
PLUS labels its dark chocolate sprinkles as vegan, but also warns that they may contain milk and lactose. Jumbo says its dark sprinkles may contain milk.
Check both the ingredients and the ‘may contain’ statement on the pack you choose; don’t rely on the product name alone.
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Leaving an opened pack without a storage plan
You may have sprinkles left over after baking, especially if you buy a large pack. How to store them depends on the instructions for the product you’ve bought.
Reseal the pack after use and follow the storage and best-before information on the label. For homemade chocolate-coated biscuits, Voedingscentrum recommends keeping them in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container.
Brands and supermarket own-label options
De Ruijter
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a particular type or mix of sprinkles.
- The supermarket ranges reviewed include milk, dark, white and mixed varieties, often in 200 g or 240 g packs.
- Check the weight and allergens for each variety. Jumbo says De Ruijter Vlokken Royaal 300 g is no longer in its online range.
Albert Heijn
Supermarket own-label milk chocolate sprinkles, listed in a 300 g pack.
- The pack size gives you a useful point of comparison if you need a topping for several people.
- The milk variety contains milk and lactose. Albert Heijn notes that product information can change and that the packaging takes precedence.
Jumbo
Supermarket own-label sprinkles listed in 300 g packs, in dark, milk and duo varieties.
- You can compare the listed varieties by flavour and pack size.
- Jumbo says its dark variety may contain milk. Check the packaging if this matters to anyone eating them.
PLUS
Supermarket own-label dark and milk chocolate sprinkles, listed in 300 g packs.
- The two varieties offer a choice of dark or milk chocolate in the same pack size.
- PLUS labels its dark variety as vegan, but also says it may contain milk and lactose. The milk variety contains milk and lactose.
ALDI / Kiekeboe
An in-store option, with Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles listed in milk or dark varieties, in 300 g packs.
- ALDI’s product listing names both flavours and gives the pack size.
- Check which variety is available at your shop and read the packaging for product-specific information.
Lidl
An in-store option listed as 300 g milk chocolate sprinkles.
- The product listing confirms the 300 g pack size.
- Lidl says it’s sold in store. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Sprinkles and other chocolate toppings at Joybuy
These products are for sprinkling over Dutch spiced biscuits or other bakes: the selection includes both flakes and chocolate strands. Check the difference if you’re specifically looking for flakes. For a complete chocolate coating, you’ll also need chocolate to melt.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes, 300 g
A 300 g pack if you want to sprinkle milk chocolate flakes over several portions. The product contains milk; check the allergens on the packaging.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure chocolate strands, 390 g
For anyone who’d like to use dark chocolate strands as a topping instead of flakes. The pack contains 390 g. Check the allergen information on the packaging if milk or soya is a concern.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast, 200 g
A mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes for decorating, if a smaller pack suits your baking plans. It contains 200 g; check the packaging for wheat, soya and any milk statements.
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De Ruijter Flakes Milk, 200 g
Milk chocolate flakes for anyone who’ll have enough topping with 200 g. The product contains milk and soya; check the packaging if allergens matter to anyone eating them.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g
Dark chocolate strands for anyone who doesn’t need flakes and will get by with 200 g. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging, particularly if the lactose information will affect your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I coat Dutch spiced biscuits completely in sprinkles?
You’ll need more than sprinkles for a complete chocolate coating. Allerhande and Rutger Bakt explain how to dip the biscuits in melted chocolate; you can add sprinkles as an extra decoration.
What pack size is suitable for a baking session with several people?
A 300 g pack is a practical starting point if you want to decorate several plates. Work out how much topping you’ll use, and check whether any leftovers can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.
Are dark sprinkles labelled vegan automatically dairy-free?
No. PLUS labels its dark sprinkles as vegan, but also warns that they may contain milk and lactose. Read the allergen information on the packaging of the variety you’re buying.
How should I store leftover sprinkles and chocolate-coated biscuits?
Store sprinkles according to the instructions on their packaging. For chocolate-coated biscuits, Voedingscentrum recommends a cool, dry, dark place and a well-sealed container.