Sugar-conscious advent calendar maker
You want to choose the chocolate sprinkles for each compartment carefully, so you compare the sugar content per 100 g rather than relying solely on a reduction claim on the front of the pack.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Gifting small chocolate treats
You choose between dark and milk chocolate sprinkles based on the flavour you want, while also considering the sugar content of that particular option.
Ingredient-conscious shopper
You’re making treats for people who need to be mindful of ingredients or allergens. In that case, check the label on the exact flavour and pack you’ve chosen.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the sugar content per 100 g and the ingredients, then choose a flavour that suits the treat. If you want to work out how much sugar is in each advent calendar compartment, the amount of chocolate sprinkles you add matters too.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar content | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and check what a claim such as ‘less sugar’ is being compared with. | I want to limit the sugar in the treat and not assume that a reduction claim means it is sugar-free. For around 36% of consumers, keeping sugar as low as possible is the top priority. |
| Chocolate flavour | Choose between dark and milk chocolate sprinkles, and check the sugar content for that flavour. | For a small compartment, I’m mainly looking for a chocolate flavour the recipient will enjoy, even if the sugar content varies between flavours. Taste is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact option, including any maltitols, soya and milk. | If I’m filling compartments for different people, I need to know in advance which ingredients matter to them. Around 29% of consumers give this check the most importance. |
| Availability | Check the current stock status and whether the pack you’ve chosen is suitable for the number of compartments you’re filling. | I want to fill my calendar without relying on a product that is no longer available. For around 14% of consumers, current availability is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘less sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
The options compared here still contain sugars: Céréal Nederland lists 7.7 g per 100 g for Puur and 15 g for Melk; Albert Heijn lists 43 g for AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker.
Check the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information, and look at which product is used as the comparison for any reduction claim.
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Checking the ingredients only after filling the compartments
The Céréal options contain maltitols and soya; the milk option also contains milk. AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker lists milk and lactose. This means that choosing based on flavour or sugar content alone won’t suit every recipient.
Before dividing it up, check both the ingredients list and the allergen information on the pack you’ve bought.
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Treating an older option as currently available
Albert Heijn lists Venz Hagelslag Puur 30% Minder Suiker as discontinued. An earlier product listing is therefore no reason to plan on using this option in your calendar.
Check availability when you’re ready to buy, and choose another option if needed, making sure you can check its label.
This helps you avoid wasting time looking for a replacement pack shortly before you fill the calendar.
Brands compared
Céréal
Céréal offers dark and milk chocolate sprinkles with a sugar reduction claimed by the brand compared with a similar standard product.
- Céréal Nederland lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Puur and 15 g per 100 g for Melk.
- Neither option is sugar-free. Both contain maltitols and soya; Melk also contains milk.
Albert Heijn
AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker is an own-brand option for anyone looking for dark chocolate sprinkles with a stated sugar reduction.
- Albert Heijn states that it contains 30% less sugar than its regular dark chocolate sprinkles.
- According to Albert Heijn, this option contains 43 g of sugars per 100 g; the allergen information lists milk and lactose.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells a chocolate sprinkles option called Hagelslag Melk Minder Suiker.
- The product name makes it easy to identify the milk chocolate option when comparing packs.
- Before buying, compare the sugar content, sweeteners and allergens on the label for this option.
Venz
Venz Hagelslag Puur 30% Minder Suiker is an option that was previously available, not one to plan into your calendar without checking its current status.
- The Albert Heijn product listing gives a sugar content of 46 g per 100 g for this dark chocolate option.
- Albert Heijn lists the option as discontinued. Check its current status before counting on it.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter Specials Hagelslag Intens Puur is another dark chocolate sprinkles option to compare for flavour and ingredients, but it is not confirmed as a lower-sugar choice.
- Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for this option.
- The same product information lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g, with milk and soya as allergens.
Related Joybuy products
Related products will appear here soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are chocolate sprinkles with less sugar also sugar-free?
No, the options compared here are not sugar-free. Céréal Nederland lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Céréal Puur and 15 g for Céréal Melk; Albert Heijn lists 43 g for AH Puur Minder Suiker. Always check the sugar content for the exact option you’re buying.
What should I know if the chocolate sprinkles contain maltitols?
Check the ingredients for the option you’ve chosen and bear in mind how much you use in each compartment. Céréal Puur and Melk contain maltitols. The Voedingscentrum states that consuming large amounts of polyols can cause wind and diarrhoea, and that sensitivity varies from person to person.
Which allergens should I check when buying for several people?
Check the allergen information on the exact pack for each recipient. Céréal Puur lists soya and the possible presence of milk; Céréal Melk contains milk and soya. Albert Heijn lists milk and lactose for AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker.
What should I check just before filling the advent calendar?
Read the storage instructions, ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’ve actually bought. Also check how much you’re putting in each compartment if you want to work out the sugar content per treat.