Host who wants to share different flavours
Want to offer a range of sweet toppings after an Indonesian rijsttafel without opening a large pack of each flavour? A mix can be handy, as long as its contents and allergens are suitable for your guests.
Who is this choice for?
Family who also packs lunchboxes
If the opened pack will be used for lunches later, it’s not just what you use while sharing that matters. Consider whether the amount left will suit future meals and how the product should be stored. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies sprinkles as a sweet bread topping that sits outside the Wheel of Five.
Shopper checking ingredients and allergens
If you’re buying for people with different dietary needs, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack. Jumbo’s description of the De Ruijter Kleintjes mix lists milk, soya and wheat, among other ingredients; another product may have a different composition.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to combine flavours or keep them separate. Then consider how much will be left for lunchboxes after sharing, and check the label of every variety you plan to serve.
Small mix
When: You want to offer different flavours in one pack.
Consider: A mix may contain other toppings as well as sprinkles. Check that everyone can and wants to eat everything in the pack.
Large box of one flavour
When: Several people prefer the same flavour and will use it again at future meals.
Consider: A larger size is only practical if you’ll use it all and can store it according to the label.
Separate packs in different flavours
When: You want to serve flavours separately and choose what to keep for lunches from each pack.
Consider: You’ll be opening and storing several packs, and each one needs to be checked for ingredients and allergens.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Variety of flavours | Check which flavours and toppings are actually in a mix, and whether they’re individually wrapped. | If guests want different flavours, I don’t want to open a large box for everyone. For around 40% of consumers, flavour variety would be the main consideration. |
| Size and stock | Compare the net weight and storage instructions, and think about how many lunches you want to make with the remainder. | After sharing, I want to use the same pack for lunches without having lots of one flavour left over. For around 30% of consumers, pack size would be the most important factor. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Read the ingredients, allergen warnings and nutritional information for the specific variety. | When I’m buying for different people, I want to know whether the topping is suitable for them and how it fits into their lunches. For around 30% of consumers, checking this would come first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘plain’ means ‘dairy-free’
The plain De Ruijter varieties described by Jumbo contain soya and may contain milk. PLUS states that its plain chocolate sprinkles may contain milk and lactose. So the flavour name alone doesn’t tell you enough about allergens.
Check both the allergens listed in the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces on the specific pack.
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Assuming a mix contains only sprinkles
The De Ruijter Kleintjes pack described by Jumbo contains other toppings as well as sprinkles. This means one of the items may not be suitable, even if you like the flavours.
Check all the contents before choosing a mix. Separate packs let you assess flavours and ingredients individually.
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Choosing a large box without planning how to use it
A 300 g box makes most sense when several people want the same flavour or you’ll use it for future lunches. PLUS recommends storing its product in a cool, dry, dark place.
Before buying, think about how many meals you expect to use it for and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
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Assuming sprinkles are an everyday lunch topping
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre places chocolate sprinkles outside the Wheel of Five. That’s worth bearing in mind if you’re putting the remainder of an opened pack in lunchboxes each time.
Decide how often you want to use sweet toppings and vary lunches with other options.
Brands to compare
These brands and shops offer examples of mixes and packs containing one flavour. Always compare the specific variety: a brand name alone won’t tell you what’s inside the pack.
De Ruijter
Worth considering if you want to choose between individual flavours and a pack containing several toppings.
- Jumbo describes both plain De Ruijter sprinkles and the 140 g Kleintjes mix.
- The plain varieties consulted contain soya and may contain milk; check the allergens on the pack you choose.
Albert Heijn
A retailer range where you can compare AH sprinkles in milk chocolate, plain chocolate and mixed varieties.
- The product range includes different flavours and pack weights, including 200 g and 300 g.
- Check the latest product information for your chosen variety, even if you’re specifically looking for individually portioned options.
Jumbo
A retailer where you can compare product information for individual sprinkles and mixed toppings.
- The product information for De Ruijter Kleintjes lists the ingredients and allergens in the mix.
- When ordering, check the latest listing for the variety you want.
PLUS
Offers plain and milk chocolate sprinkles in separate 300 g packs.
- The product information lets you check the two flavours separately.
- The plain variety may contain milk and lactose; according to PLUS, the milk variety contains milk ingredients.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
An option for a single milk or plain chocolate flavour in a 300 g pack.
- ALDI describes both flavour varieties and states that this product is Rainforest Alliance certified.
- Check which variety is available at your shop and read the label on that pack.
Lidl
A retailer option for milk chocolate sprinkles in a 300 g pack.
- Lidl lists the weight and notes that this product is only available in store.
- Read the label in store before choosing this variety for someone who needs to avoid allergens.
Sprinkles and toppings at Joybuy
These products suit shoppers choosing between a smaller pack to share and larger packs for repeated use of one flavour. For each pack, check that its contents and portion sizes suit what you want to put in lunchboxes after your rijsttafel.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
Worth considering if you want a smaller amount left after sharing and are looking for different flavours. Before buying, check which toppings and allergens are in this pack, and whether the contents are divided into individual portions.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles 300 g
A single-flavour pack for people who also want milk chocolate sprinkles for future lunches. Consider whether 300 g suits your needs, and check the latest label for allergens, including milk and wheat.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
For people who want to use a plain chocolate flavour regularly and are considering a larger pack. Check that these toppings are the type of sprinkles you’re looking for, and read the latest label information about milk, soya and lactose too.
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De Ruijter Flakes Milk 200 g
A smaller pack for people who want one milk chocolate flavour, with less left over than they would have from a larger box. If individual portions matter for lunchboxes, check whether the pack contains them, and read the label for information about milk and soya.
Frequently asked questions
Are plain chocolate sprinkles dairy-free?
Not necessarily. Jumbo states that the plain De Ruijter varieties consulted may contain milk. According to PLUS, the same may be true of its plain chocolate sprinkles, which may also contain lactose. Read the latest allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
How should I store sprinkles after sharing?
Follow the instructions on the pack and seal it properly after use. For the varieties consulted, PLUS recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. Choose a large size only if you expect to use it within the stated shelf life.
Are chocolate sprinkles suitable as an everyday lunch topping?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre places chocolate sprinkles outside the Wheel of Five and considers them an occasional option, rather than an automatic everyday choice for a lunchbox. Check the nutritional information per 100 g for your chosen product, and consider how much you’ll actually use.
Where can I find allergen information for guests?
Start with the label on every pack you plan to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that 14 allergens must be listed on the label. Also check warnings about possible traces of allergens, and find out what’s in each item in a mix.