Who is this choice relevant to?

Shoppers who put Fairtrade first

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles for your weekend breakfast that are specifically sold as Fairtrade. Compare flavour and other product differences only after checking the certification mark on the exact pack.

Fans of dark chocolate sprinkles

You compare the stated cocoa content of dark varieties. If Fairtrade is also a requirement, don’t treat a Rainforest Alliance claim as a substitute for the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Families comparing packs and labels

You want to choose a pack that will be used up at home, and check the ingredients and allergen information in advance, including milk, soya and possible traces of milk.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether Fairtrade is a requirement for the chocolate sprinkles you put on your rusks. Then compare the exact product’s cocoa content, pack size and label information.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade Check for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the exact pack; don’t rely on a different sustainability logo. If I put Fairtrade first, I want the chocolate sprinkles I choose to meet that requirement. For around 33% of consumers, this would be the main reason for buying.
Dark variety and cocoa content Compare the details on dark varieties: according to the manufacturer, Fairtrade Original Dark contains at least 32% cocoa solids; Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52%. I’m looking for dark chocolate sprinkles and want to know the cocoa content stated on the pack, even if Fairtrade isn’t my first priority. Around 27% of consumers would put this product choice first.
Pack size Compare the contents and consider whether you’ll use up the pack. The Fairtrade Original dark variety mentioned contains 380 g, while Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Melk and Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur are sold in 600 g packs. For a family weekend breakfast, I want to choose a size that suits how much we use. For around 20% of consumers, pack size would be the main consideration.
Allergens and nutritional information Check the ingredients, allergen information and sugars per 100 g on the current packaging. Also look for a statement that the product may contain milk. If someone at the table needs to avoid milk or soya, I want to read the information for the exact product before serving it on rusks. Around 20% of consumers would put label information first.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    These are separate certification programmes. A Rainforest Alliance cocoa claim does not confirm that the chocolate sprinkles are Fairtrade certified.

    If Fairtrade is a requirement for you, look for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the packaging of the variety you choose.

  • Assuming dark chocolate sprinkles are milk-free

    Fairtrade Original says its dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk. Milk and soya are listed as ingredients in De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur.

    If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, including any warnings about traces.

  • Assuming all rusks contain baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. So you can’t tell from your choice of chocolate sprinkles whether the rusks for your breakfast were made with it.

    Check the ingredients of the rusks if the presence of baker’s salt matters to you.

Brands to consider

Fairtrade Original

The manufacturer identifies its Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g as an FT product; Jumbo sells this variety in its Fair trade category.

  • According to Fairtrade Original, this dark variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • The allergen information warns that the product may contain milk.

De Ruijter

Specials Intens Puur is a dark chocolate sprinkle variety for anyone looking to compare stated cocoa content.

  • Albert Heijn states that this variety contains at least 52% cocoa solids and uses Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa.
  • This variety contains milk and soya. The Rainforest Alliance claim does not confirm Fairtrade certification for this product.

Venz

Venz Hagelslag Melk is a milk chocolate variety. Albert Heijn states that its cocoa is sourced from Rainforest Alliance certified farms.

  • A familiar choice if you’re specifically looking for milk chocolate sprinkles.
  • The listed ingredients include milk, lactose and soya; check the label if you need to avoid them.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells Fairtrade Original Puur and also offers its own milk chocolate sprinkles in a 600 g pack.

  • For its own milk variety, Jumbo states that it contains Rainforest Alliance cocoa and at least 20% cocoa solids.
  • The own-brand milk variety contains milk; don’t treat the Rainforest Alliance cocoa claim as a Fairtrade label.

Kiekeboe (ALDI)

ALDI states that Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur comes in a 600 g pack and contains Rainforest Alliance cocoa.

  • The larger size may suit you if you use chocolate sprinkles regularly at home.
  • Check the exact pack if you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade; a Rainforest Alliance cocoa claim alone isn’t enough.

Joybuy products on this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rainforest Alliance the same as Fairtrade?

No. Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade are separate certification programmes. If you specifically want Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles for your rusks, check for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the exact pack.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles always milk-free?

No. Fairtrade Original says its dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk, while De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur lists milk and soya as ingredients. If you have an allergy, always check the current allergen information for the product you’re buying.

Are rusks always made with iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume so: check the ingredients for baker’s salt. The Dutch Commodities Act Decree defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt for bread and other baked goods; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, its use in bread is not compulsory. Chocolate sprinkles won’t tell you which salt was used in the rusks.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles after the weekend breakfast?

Keep the chocolate sprinkles in a cool, dry place and seal the pack tightly. This storage advice is given for Fairtrade Original Puur and Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Melk; for other products, follow the instructions on the pack.