Hosting guests and looking for cocoa
You’re looking for a chocolate topping for a Christmas dessert or brunch and want to avoid finding an anise product when searching for ‘dark muisjes’.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Adding a hint of anise to the table
You’d like to use crushed anise sprinkles on something like Dutch rusks, yoghurt or cake. A high cocoa content isn’t essential for your dish.
Taking guests’ allergies into account
Wheat, milk or soya may be relevant to your guests. So check the label of each topping before serving it.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve anise or chocolate at your Christmas party. Then compare the type of topping, and check the current label if you need to consider allergies.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa or anise | Check the ingredients and, for chocolate, the stated percentage of cocoa solids. | If I want the topping to taste of chocolate, I don’t want to choose an anise product based on the word ‘dark’. Around 44% of consumers prioritise the cocoa option. |
| Its role in the dish | Choose between crushed anise sprinkles for a hint of anise, and chocolate sprinkles or flakes for a chocolate finish. | For Dutch rusks or a celebratory cake, I want the hint of anise to stand out. For around 33% of consumers, anise is the priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging. Compare sugars per 100 g and per serving if that matters to your choice. | When I’m serving guests, I first need to know which ingredients they need to avoid. For around 23% of consumers, checking this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ means a type of crushed anise sprinkles
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter crushed anise sprinkles contain aniseed, and the ingredients list does not mention cocoa. So they won’t give you the chocolate topping you had in mind.
First decide whether you want anise or chocolate. If cocoa is essential, compare the stated cocoa content of chocolate products.
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Assuming ‘extra dark’ means allergen-free
De Ruijter Royaal extra dark chocolate flakes, as described by Albert Heijn, contain soya and may contain milk. Milk and soya are listed for De Ruijter Intens Puur.
Check the allergen information on the packaging. Don’t assume a product is suitable for a particular diet because it says ‘dark’ or because of the colour of the packet.
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Relying only on an online product page
A product page is no substitute for checking the label on the pack you’re actually serving. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear ingredients and allergen information on pre-packed foods.
Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens, best-before date and storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought.
A relevant brand to consider
De Ruijter
The product range reviewed includes both crushed anise sprinkles and dark chocolate sprinkles and flakes. This makes it possible to compare the two flavour options for a Christmas dish within the same brand.
- Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids, while Royaal extra dark chocolate flakes contain at least 40%.
- The brand name doesn’t tell you the flavour or allergens of an individual product: the crushed anise sprinkles described contain wheat, while soya is listed for the chocolate products mentioned. Check the current label.
Chocolate toppings at Joybuy
These products are chocolate sprinkles or chocolate pieces for anyone looking for a cocoa-based option at their Christmas party. If you’re after the hint of anise from crushed anise sprinkles, these chocolate toppings won’t give you the flavour you’re looking for.
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De Ruijter Intense dark chocolate sprinkles 200 g
A sprinkle-on option if you want chocolate rather than anise on your dessert. Check the cocoa content and allergens on the packaging before serving to guests.
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De Ruijter chocolate chunks 390 g
Consider these chunks if you’d prefer a coarser chocolate finish to fine sprinkles. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before choosing.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g
A chocolate sprinkle option if you’re looking for a chocolate topping. Compare the cocoa content on the packaging if that’s what will make the difference for your dessert.
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g'woon dark chocolate sprinkles 400 g
Another chocolate sprinkle option if you’re not looking for an anise product. If you want a high cocoa content, check the percentage on the pack rather than relying on the word ‘dark’ in the name.
Frequently asked questions
Are crushed anise sprinkles a dark chocolate topping?
According to the ingredients list at Albert Heijn, De Ruijter crushed anise sprinkles are not a chocolate topping: they contain aniseed but no cocoa. Choose dark chocolate sprinkles or flakes if you’re looking for a chocolate flavour.
Which of the chocolate products reviewed contains more cocoa?
Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Intens Puur chocolate sprinkles contain at least 52% cocoa solids, while De Ruijter Royaal extra dark chocolate flakes contain at least 40%. The texture differs too: choose sprinkles for a finer finish and flakes for something coarser.
How can I use crushed anise sprinkles at a Christmas party?
Use them when you want a sweet hint of anise, for example on yoghurt or cake. Jumbo also suggests adding them to Dutch rusks and baked goods. Adjust the amount to suit the dish and your preferred level of anise flavour.
Is the product page enough to check allergens for guests?
Before serving, also check the label on the pack you’re actually using. The crushed anise sprinkles reviewed list wheat; soya is among the allergens relevant to the dark chocolate products mentioned. Check the full allergen information for each product, including any warnings about traces.