Who are these options for?

Strict sugar comparers

You compare chocolate sprinkles by their sugar content per 100 g and also want to check which sweeteners are used in lower-sugar options.

Those avoiding sweeteners while watching their sugar intake

You’re looking for less sugar, but want to check the ingredients and allergens before choosing a product with polyols.

Celebratory breakfast fans keeping an eye on portions

You’re using chocolate sprinkles as a topping for Valentine’s rusks and want to keep track of how much you add.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, compare the sugar content per 100 g when choosing chocolate sprinkles for your Valentine’s rusks. Then check the ingredients and decide how much you want to use.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugars Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Under the EU regulation published by EUR-Lex, the claim ‘sugar-free’ is only permitted for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. I mainly want to compare the sugar content of my chocolate sprinkles without mistaking ‘lower in sugar’ for ‘sugar-free’. This is the top priority for around 39% of consumers.
Sweeteners and allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging you choose. A lower sugar content isn’t the deciding factor for me if the ingredients don’t suit my preferences. Sweeteners or allergens are the main consideration for around 23% of consumers.
Availability Check whether the exact product is available from your chosen retailer, and compare the current packaging with the product information. For a planned Valentine’s breakfast, I want to be able to find the option I have in mind. Around 23% of consumers prioritise availability.
Portion size Check the nutritional information per 100 g and, if provided, per portion. Decide how much chocolate sprinkles to add to your rusk. When putting my breakfast together, I also want to keep an eye on how much chocolate sprinkles I use. Portion size is the main concern for around 15% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘lower in sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A product with less sugar can still exceed the EU threshold for the claim ‘sugar-free’. For example, Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker.

    Compare the ‘of which sugars’ amount per 100 g on the label rather than relying only on the wording on the front of the pack.

  • Skipping the warning because the sugar figure is low

    For Céréal Hagelslag Puur Minder Suikers, Jumbo lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    As well as the nutritional information, read the ingredients, allergens and usage warning.

  • Using an old product page as a shopping list

    Albert Heijn marks its page for Venz Hagelslag Melk 30% Minder Suiker as ‘discontinued’. That doesn’t tell you whether the same product is available elsewhere.

    Shortly before breakfast, check the exact product and current packaging with the retailer you plan to order from.

  • Assuming rusks are made with iodised baker’s salt

    You can’t tell from the product category whether a particular rusk is made with iodised baker’s salt.

    Check the ingredients list on the rusk you choose.

Brands compared

Céréal

The dark chocolate sprinkles with less sugar are an option if you’re mainly comparing the listed sugar content per 100 g and want to take polyols into account.

  • For Céréal Hagelslag Puur Minder Suikers, Jumbo lists 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g.
  • The product information lists soya, notes that the product may contain milk, and includes a warning about excessive consumption. This product is not sugar-free.

Albert Heijn

AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker is another option if you’re looking for less sugar and want to compare it with the ingredients list shown, which does not list a sweetener.

  • Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g and compares the sugar reduction with AH Chocolade Hagel Puur.
  • The product is not sugar-free; the allergen information lists milk and lactose.

Venz

Venz Hagelslag Melk 30% Minder Suiker is an option whose availability you’ll need to check separately.

  • Albert Heijn marks its product page for this option as ‘discontinued’. Don’t use that page as confirmation that you can order it there.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Chocoladehagelslag Puur is included here as a standard chocolate sprinkle for comparison, not as a proven lower-sugar option.

  • Joybuy’s product information lists 64 g of sugars per 100 g for this dark chocolate option.
  • The same product information lists milk and soya as allergens.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘lower in sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?

No. Under the EU regulation published by EUR-Lex, the claim ‘sugar-free’ may only be used for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Jumbo lists 7.7 g per 100 g for Céréal Hagelslag Puur Minder Suikers, while Albert Heijn lists 43 g per 100 g for AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker. Neither meets that threshold.

Is Céréal Hagelslag Puur suitable if I want to avoid maltitols?

No, not if you want to avoid maltitols. The product information lists maltitols, states that it contains 40 g of polyols per 100 g, and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Which allergens should I check in these chocolate sprinkles?

Check the packaging for the exact product. The product information lists soya and possible traces of milk for Céréal Hagelslag Puur Minder Suikers, milk and lactose for AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker, and milk and soya for De Ruijter Chocoladehagelslag Puur on Joybuy.

How can I tell whether my rusks contain iodised baker’s salt?

Check the ingredients list for the specific rusk. Don’t assume that iodised baker’s salt has been used just because the product is called a ‘rusk’.

How should I store opened chocolate sprinkles after Valentine’s breakfast?

Follow the storage advice on the packaging you choose. Albert Heijn advises storing AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker in a cool, dark and dry place. The product information for Céréal Hagelslag Puur Minder Suikers says to store it in a dry place at room temperature.