Who is this relevant to?

For shoppers who check the certification mark

You want to be able to see on the sprinkles packaging whether the product bears the Fairtrade mark or specifically states that the cocoa is Fairtrade-certified.

For fans of dark chocolate sprinkles

You compare dark varieties by their stated cocoa percentage and your own taste preferences, without treating a cocoa percentage as proof of certification.

For shoppers who check ingredients

Alongside the cocoa claim, you check the sugars, ingredients and allergen information. The current label matters even for dark chocolate sprinkles.

What should you look for?

First decide which Fairtrade statement you’re looking for. Then compare only the features that will make a difference to your choice.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important to?
Fairtrade statement Check whether the product bears the Fairtrade mark or states that the cocoa is Fairtrade-certified. Treat a Rainforest Alliance statement as a different claim. If I specifically want Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles, the exact claim on the packaging needs to match what I’m looking for. For around 40% of consumers, checking this certification comes first.
Cocoa and flavour For dark varieties, compare the stated minimum percentage of cocoa solids. Albert Heijn states a minimum of 32% for Fairtrade Original dark and a minimum of 43% for Delicata dark. If you want to choose a dark variety based on taste, a clear statement of its cocoa content gives you a useful point of comparison. Around 30% of consumers give this taste consideration the highest priority.
Ingredients and allergens Read the nutritional information per 100 g and check both the ingredients and any allergen warnings on the current label. If milk, soya or another allergen matters to me, the word ‘dark’ can’t replace checking the label; the amount of sugars may also influence my choice. This is the most important consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Pack size Check the net weight and the exact product variety: the Fairtrade Original dark pack described contains 380 g, while the Delicata dark pack contains 200 g. Whether I use chocolate sprinkles often or only occasionally, I want to choose a pack that suits my needs. Pack size matters most to around 10% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Rainforest Alliance means Fairtrade

    A statement that the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance-certified does not confirm that the chocolate sprinkles bear the Fairtrade mark.

    If Fairtrade is a requirement, look on the current packaging for the mark or an explicit statement that the cocoa is Fairtrade-certified, depending on what you want to buy.

  • Assuming a dark variety is automatically allergen-free

    Dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk or soya, or carry a warning about the possible presence of allergens. The word ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you either way.

    If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and information about possible traces on the pack you’re buying.

  • Judging by the cocoa percentage alone

    The percentage of cocoa solids describes one part of the product’s composition. It doesn’t tell you which sustainability certification applies, and on its own it doesn’t give you a complete picture of the nutritional value.

    Assess the cocoa statement, certification claim and nutritional information separately.

Brands and retailers to consider

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn and Jumbo state that Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles 380 g bear the Fairtrade mark.

  • The dark variety states that it contains a minimum of 32% cocoa solids.
  • Check the packaging if the possible presence of milk matters to you.

Delicata

Albert Heijn states that Delicata Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g contain Fairtrade-certified cocoa.

  • The product listing states that it contains a minimum of 43% cocoa solids.
  • This claim applies to the cocoa; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.

Albert Heijn

Its range includes both the Fairtrade varieties described here and chocolate sprinkles with a different cocoa certification.

  • The product listings let you check the claim for each variety.
  • AH Reduced Sugar Dark Chocolate Sprinkles state that the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance-certified; don’t read this as a Fairtrade claim.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g alongside its own-brand sprinkles made with Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

  • Fairtrade Original dark is listed as a product bearing the Fairtrade mark.
  • The certification claim for the own-brand variety mentioned is different; always check the pack you choose.

De Ruijter

The De Ruijter dark varieties reviewed state that they are Rainforest Alliance-certified, not that they bear the Fairtrade mark.

  • Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Intense Dark contains a minimum of 52% cocoa solids.
  • The stated cocoa percentage doesn’t make this a Fairtrade product.

Venz

The Venz dark chocolate sprinkles listing reviewed states that the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance-certified.

  • The product listing specifies the cocoa’s certification.
  • For this dark variety, Albert Heijn lists milk and soya as allergens and states that lactose may be present; check the current label.

Related products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are chocolate sprinkles made with Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa the same as Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles?

No. A Rainforest Alliance statement is not a Fairtrade statement. If this is a condition of your purchase, look on the product you’re buying for the Fairtrade mark or an explicit claim that the cocoa is Fairtrade-certified.

What does the cocoa percentage tell me about these dark chocolate sprinkles?

It indicates the stated minimum amount of cocoa solids, but it doesn’t determine how the flavour will taste to you. Albert Heijn states that Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles contain a minimum of 32% cocoa solids and Delicata Dark Chocolate Sprinkles a minimum of 43%; check the Fairtrade claim separately.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles suitable if I need to watch out for milk or soya?

Don’t rely on the word ‘dark’; check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. According to the product information described, Fairtrade Original dark may contain milk; the Venz dark listing reviewed names milk and soya as allergens and states that lactose may be present.

How should I store these chocolate sprinkles?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for your variety. The product information described for Fairtrade Original says to store in a cool, dry place; for Delicata, it says to store in a cool, dark, dry place.