Don’t choose chocolate sprinkles as a snack on their own just before a workout: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against large portions and foods high in fat at that point. Sprinkles are better suited as a topping with a meal or snack, where portion size and the label both matter. Looking for a chocolate gift? A box of chocolates is a different purchase from a packet of sprinkles.
If you want to eat something shortly before exercising, the timing and portion size are what matter most. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre at that point.
If you want to add chocolate sprinkles to bread, yoghurt or porridge, compare the flavour, quantity and nutritional information on the pack you choose.
If you’re looking for a gift, first decide between sprinkles for bread or as a topping and a box of chocolates as a gift.
First decide whether you want a small bite to eat shortly before exercising, sprinkles to use as a topping or a gift. Then consider portion size, nutritional information and any allergens.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and how it feels on your stomach | Check how long you have until your workout and decide on a portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre shortly before exercising. | If my workout is starting soon, I want a small bite to eat rather than a heavy meal. Around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Sprinkles as a topping | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and consider how many sprinkles you actually use, particularly the sugars and fat. | I want to add sprinkles to bread, yoghurt or porridge for flavour, while choosing the amount myself. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and statements such as ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ on the current packaging for the exact variety. | If I have a relevant allergy, I want to know which ingredients and warnings appear on this specific pack before using it. This check comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Gift or bread topping | Check the product type: a packet of chocolate sprinkles is different from a box of chocolates. | If I want to give chocolate as a gift, I look for a product that suits the recipient. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this when choosing a gift. |
Chocolate sprinkles are used on bread or as a topping. That makes them different from chocolates in a gift box.
First decide whether you’re looking for a topping, something to eat around your workout or a chocolate gift. For a gift, look specifically for chocolates or gift boxes.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against a large portion shortly before exercising and recommends avoiding foods high in fat, protein or fibre.
Choose when to eat and how much according to the time until your workout. If you’re hungry just beforehand, it’s better to choose a small amount of something you’re used to.
The varieties reviewed differ in how they list soya, milk and lactose. A name such as ‘dark’ or a vegan label doesn’t replace the allergen information.
Before buying and using the product, check the current packaging for the exact variety you’ve chosen, including warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
Chocolate sprinkles, including dark and milk varieties, for use on bread or as a topping.
Own-brand product with a reviewed 300 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles.
Own-brand product with a reviewed dark chocolate sprinkles variety made with Fairtrade cocoa.
Retailer with product information for both its own chocolate sprinkles and De Ruijter varieties.
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles in 300 g milk and dark varieties.
These products are chocolate sprinkles for use as a topping at an earlier mealtime. If you’re looking for a small snack just before exercising or a box of chocolates as a gift, you’ll need a different type of product.
Image unavailable
For anyone wanting to use chocolate sprinkles as a topping at an earlier mealtime. The pack contains 390 g. Choose your own portion size and check the current label if you have allergies.
Image unavailable
For anyone looking for milk chocolate sprinkles as a topping, rather than a snack on their own just before a workout. The pack contains 200 g. If you have allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information.
Image unavailable
For use as a topping at an earlier mealtime. The pack contains 200 g. Choose a portion based on how you plan to use it, and check the label for this variety if you have allergies.
Image unavailable
Milk chocolate sprinkles for anyone looking for a topping to add to an earlier meal. The pack contains 300 g. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the label if you have allergies.
Image unavailable
For anyone wanting to add cocoa sprinkles to bread or yoghurt. The pack contains 200 g. Check your portion size and the allergen information on the current pack.
A small amount as a topping is different from having a large portion of sprinkles as a snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against a large portion shortly before exercising and recommends avoiding foods high in fat, protein or fibre. So take into account when you’re eating, what you’re adding the sprinkles to and how much you use.
No. ‘Dark’ doesn’t automatically make sprinkles more suitable just before a workout. Compare the nutritional information for the exact varieties, including sugars and fat per 100 g, and consider how much you actually use.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety, even if you’ve already checked the online product information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the label. For the varieties discussed here, information about soya and milk is particularly relevant.
You can, if the recipient enjoys using chocolate sprinkles on bread or as a topping. If you’re looking for a box of chocolates, check the product type: a packet of sprinkles doesn’t contain an assortment of chocolates.
