If you regularly use bread toppings
If you often sprinkle chocolate on bread or use it as a topping, the right pack size, flavour and ease of storage matter more than gift presentation.
Who should choose which option?
If you’re planning a gift or sharing occasion
For a thank-you gift or a visit, presentation and the option to hand out individual chocolates are important. A box of chocolates serves a different purpose from sprinkles for bread.
If you want to compare ingredients
If you have a particular flavour preference or need to consider allergens, the information for the specific product you choose is key. Dark chocolate sprinkles and assorted boxes of chocolates may contain different ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
Chocolate sprinkles
Choose these if: you want to keep sprinkles for bread or a topping in the cupboard for regular use.
Things to consider: a large pack is most useful if you use it regularly. Seal it well after opening and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Box of chocolates
Choose this if: presentation or sharing individual chocolates is the priority for a planned occasion.
Things to consider: individual chocolates aren’t a substitute for sprinkles; if you choose an assortment, check the ingredients of the box you’re buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use and pack size | Think about how often you use sprinkles and what pack weight would suit you. | If you regularly have sprinkles on bread or use them as a topping, you’ll want a pack that suits how much you use. For around 40% of consumers, regular use is the main consideration. |
| Gifting and sharing | Look at the presentation, the types of chocolate and whether the pieces are individually wrapped. | For a thank-you gift or a visit, you’ll want chocolates you can put out or hand around. For around 30% of consumers, gifting is the top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label for the exact product; compare nutritional information only on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know what’s in the product before you buy it. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Portions and variety | Check the number of portions and the flavours or types included in the pack. | If you’d rather have small portions or a selection to share than one large pack of the same type, check what’s in the assortment. For around 10% of consumers, variety matters most. |
Common buying mistakes
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Buying a box of chocolates as a substitute for sprinkles
The box of chocolates reviewed contains individual chocolates, while sprinkles are designed to go on bread or be used as a topping. So the products aren’t suited to the same everyday use.
Choose based on how you actually expect to use the product: as a regular bread topping, as a gift, or for both.
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Choosing a large pack without considering how much you use
A bulk-size pack may not be the best choice if you only use sprinkles occasionally or mainly want something to offer guests.
Compare the pack weight with how often you use the product, and check the best-before date.
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Assuming dark chocolate contains no allergens
The dark chocolate sprinkle products reviewed also list milk or soya. In a box with several varieties, the ingredients may differ from one chocolate to another.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the current label on the exact pack you’re choosing. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for pre-packed products appears on the label.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
The range reviewed includes chocolate sprinkles for regular use and a pack of small assorted portions.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Royaal extra puur contains at least 43% cocoa solids and comes in a 390 g pack.
- According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains eight portions. Check the ingredients and allergens for the specific product you choose.
Venz
The Jumbo range consulted includes several types of chocolate sprinkles from Venz.
- According to Jumbo, the dark chocolate variety reviewed weighs 400 g and contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The product information for this dark chocolate variety lists milk and soya. Check the label for the product you choose.
Jumbo
The own-brand range consulted includes both large packs of chocolate sprinkles and a 200 g dark chocolate variety.
- Jumbo offers a 600 g pack for anyone looking for a larger everyday size.
- The ingredients in the 200 g dark chocolate variety aren’t necessarily the same as those in the larger pack, so check them separately.
Kiekeboe
The Kiekeboe product reviewed is a 600 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles, sold by ALDI.
- The pack size makes this a relevant option if you’re specifically looking for a larger pack of chocolate sprinkles.
- Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before use.
Products for bread toppings and gifting
The first three products are sprinkles or flakes for bread and toppings; the last two are chocolates for gifting or sharing. Note the difference between sprinkles and flakes, and check whether the chocolate packaging suits the way you plan to hand them out.
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Venz chocolate sprinkles and vanilla-flavoured sprinkles, 400 g
An option if you’re looking for sprinkles for bread in two flavours. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients for this product on the packaging.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g
For anyone looking to use dark chocolate sprinkles regularly on bread or as a topping. Read the label if the cocoa content or presence of allergens will affect your choice.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast flakes, 200 g
A flake option if you’re looking for a different type of topping for bread from sprinkles. The pack contains 200 g; check the ingredients if flavour or allergens are important to you.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A selection of chocolates for anyone looking for variety for a thank-you gift or sharing occasion, rather than sprinkles for bread. Before buying, check the ingredients and whether the pieces are individually wrapped, if that matters when handing them out.
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Milka Thank You Pralines Milk Cream, 110 g
Filled pralines for a thank-you occasion, rather than sprinkles for everyday bread. If you plan to hand them out individually, check the packaging; also read the label for ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both chocolate sprinkles and a box of chocolates in my cupboard?
Only if you want to cover both regular use as a bread topping and a planned gift or sharing occasion. For everyday use alone, a box of individual chocolates won’t replace sprinkles; for a thank-you gift, a pack of sprinkles won’t offer the same presentation.
How should I store an opened pack of chocolate flakes?
Seal the pack well and store it somewhere dry, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises for chocolate flakes. Also follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you’re using.
Can I still use chocolate after its best-before date?
Passing the best-before date doesn’t automatically mean the product can no longer be used: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the date relates to quality. Check an unopened product by looking at it and smelling it, and taste it if appropriate; after opening, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Should I still check for allergens in dark chocolate sprinkles?
Yes. Dark chocolate sprinkles may still contain ingredients such as milk or soya, so if you have an allergy or intolerance, read the label for the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for pre-packed products appears on the label.