Anise fans at the coffee table
For anyone who wants a sweet anise flavour on crispbread or bread and isn’t specifically looking for chocolate. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe De Ruijter Crushed Anise Sprinkles as crushed, sugar-coated anise seeds.
Who is each flavour for?
Fans of a dark cocoa flavour
For anyone who means a cocoa flavour when they say ‘dark’. Dark chocolate sprinkles are a different category from crushed anise sprinkles; Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Extra Dark contains at least 45% cocoa solids.
Label-conscious older people and carers
For anyone who needs to consider ingredients, allergens or the amount of sweet topping when serving it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises that older people can have varied nutritional needs, so consider the person you’re buying for rather than their age alone.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want anise or cocoa; then check the label of the specific product and consider how much you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa flavour | Check that the product is chocolate sprinkles and see what cocoa content is stated on the pack. | If I want a dark cocoa flavour, anise sprinkles aren’t what I’m looking for. This flavour preference comes first for around 40% of consumers. |
| Anise and serving | Choose crushed anise sprinkles for anise; Albert Heijn and Jumbo suggest using them on bread and crispbread. | For coffee with crispbread, I’m looking for a familiar anise topping. This matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information for the variety you choose; don’t assume that switching from anise topping to chocolate sprinkles avoids an allergen. | If I’m serving something to someone with a food allergy, I want to know the ingredients in that exact pack. This check is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Amount of sweet topping | Compare sugars and, for chocolate sprinkles, saturated fat per 100 g; then decide how much to sprinkle on each serving. | I want a modest touch of sweetness with my coffee, so I pay attention to how much I sprinkle. This is the most important consideration for around 10% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ means a type of crushed anise sprinkles
The ingredients list for De Ruijter Crushed Anise Sprinkles at Albert Heijn includes anise seeds and sugar, but no cocoa. So it won’t give you the flavour you’re looking for if cocoa is your priority.
If you want anise, choose crushed anise sprinkles; for a cocoa flavour, look for dark chocolate sprinkles and check the stated cocoa content.
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Going by the word ‘dark’ alone
A description such as ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you how much sugar or saturated fat the chocolate sprinkles contain. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating more chocolate as a way to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Choose chocolate sprinkles for the flavour you want, and compare the nutritional information and the amount you plan to use.
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Assuming allergens are the same across different types
The crushed anise sprinkles at Albert Heijn list wheat and milk; the De Ruijter Specials Extra Dark listed there contains milk and soya. Choosing a different flavour therefore doesn’t guarantee that you’ll avoid allergens.
Before serving, read the allergen information on the pack of the variety you’ve chosen.
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Assuming a shop listing guarantees the product will be available
Availability can vary between shops and over time. This matters if you’ve planned a particular topping for coffee.
Check availability with your shop before you go shopping, and read the label again when you buy the product.
Brands and shops to consider
De Ruijter
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list both De Ruijter crushed anise sprinkles and separate dark chocolate products.
- The product names distinguish between anise topping and chocolate sprinkles.
- The crushed anise sprinkles described are not a chocolate product; choose a separate chocolate variety if you’re after cocoa.
Albert Heijn
The listings for De Ruijter Crushed Anise Sprinkles and Specials Extra Dark provide information to help you compare the two categories.
- The ingredients and nutritional information help you compare the varieties listed.
- Check what your shop currently stocks before planning to buy a particular product.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists De Ruijter Crushed Anise Sprinkles 270 g and separate dark chocolate products from the same brand.
- The description of the crushed anise sprinkles suggests using them on bread, crispbread and yoghurt, among other things.
- Here too, the anise product is different from chocolate sprinkles.
Chocolate sprinkles on Joybuy
These are chocolate varieties for anyone who would rather have cocoa than anise with their afternoon coffee. They aren’t crushed anise sprinkles, so check the packaging to see which variety best suits your taste and other requirements.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
Chocolate sprinkles for anyone who isn’t looking for anise with their coffee. If they’re important to your choice, compare the cocoa content, allergens and nutritional information on the pack.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
Chocolate sprinkles as an alternative to anise topping on bread or crispbread. They aren’t crushed anise sprinkles; if you have allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
Dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone who prefers chocolate to anise. If a particular cocoa content is important to you, check the percentage on the pack before choosing.
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g'woon Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 400 g
Chocolate sprinkles for coffee when you’d prefer to serve cocoa rather than anise. Check the pack for cocoa content, nutritional information and any allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Are crushed anise sprinkles the same as dark chocolate sprinkles?
No. Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter Crushed Anise Sprinkles as crushed, sugar-coated anise seeds; the Specials Extra Dark listed there are chocolate sprinkles. Choose according to the flavour you actually want to serve, and check the product name and ingredients.
How should you store crushed anise sprinkles?
Store them in a dry place, as stated for De Ruijter Crushed Anise Sprinkles, and follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack you buy.
What should you consider when serving these to older people?
Consider whether the person likes anise or chocolate, and check the allergens and nutritional information for the topping you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises that older people have varied nutritional needs, so age alone doesn’t determine which option is suitable.