The sugar-conscious host
You want to serve something festive with coffee and compare the sugar content. Check the nutrition information per 100 g for your chosen topping, as well as the portion you’ll actually serve.
Who is this choice relevant to?
A fan of the aniseed-sprinkle tradition
The aniseed flavour and familiar colours are part of the treat for you. Classic aniseed sprinkles retain that character, but you’ll need to weigh up their sugar content.
A host who considers allergens
You’re serving friends who need to know what’s in their food. Jumbo lists wheat and cereals containing gluten for De Ruijter pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles. Check the packaging of the variety you buy.
What should you look for when choosing?
Classic aniseed sprinkles
Choose these: if aniseed flavour and a traditional look are top of your list for a coffee-time treat.
The trade-off: Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles.
A different topping
Choose this: if you mainly want to compare products by sugar content and don’t need the aniseed-sprinkle flavour.
The trade-off: Albert Heijn offers chocolate sprinkles labelled ‘less sugar’, but they aren’t a like-for-like substitute for aniseed sprinkles.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar content | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per portion; don’t rely solely on a claim on the front of the pack. | I want to serve something festive and know how much sugar is in the portion I choose. For around 50% of consumers, demonstrably less sugar would be the top priority. |
| Flavour and presentation | Check whether you want whole or crushed aniseed sprinkles, or a different type of topping. | The aniseed flavour and familiar colours are part of this coffee-time treat for me. For around 30% of consumers, tradition would matter more than reducing sugar. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact variety. | When friends are joining me, I want to know first whether the topping is suitable for them. For around 20% of consumers, this would be the most important condition when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming classic aniseed sprinkles are low in sugar
Even a small portion can add a significant amount of sugar: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 11.9 g of sugar for 15 g of aniseed sprinkles. Jumbo lists 12 g of sugars per 15 g portion for De Ruijter pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles.
Decide how much you want to serve and compare its nutrition information with that of any alternative.
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Relying only on the sugar claim
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean a product contains no sugars.
Also check ‘of which sugars’ in the nutrition table and compare products on the same basis, for example per 100 g.
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Assuming chocolate sprinkles are an identical substitute
Chocolate sprinkles labelled ‘less sugar’ are a different type of topping from aniseed sprinkles. So your choice depends not only on the sugar content, but also on the flavour and presentation you want to serve.
Decide in advance whether the aniseed-sprinkle tradition or comparing sugar content matters more to you.
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Guessing allergens from the product name
Jumbo lists wheat and cereals containing gluten for De Ruijter pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles. Ingredients can vary or change between varieties.
Before serving, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging you’ve bought.
A relevant brand to consider
De Ruijter
De Ruijter makes classic aniseed sprinkles, perfect for topping Dutch rusks or adding a finishing touch to a coffee-time treat.
- The pink-and-white variety has the familiar aniseed flavour and traditional look of Dutch aniseed sprinkles.
- Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for this variety, and wheat as an ingredient. Check the packaging before serving it to guests.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are regular aniseed sprinkles a low-sugar choice with coffee?
The regular aniseed sprinkles reviewed aren’t a low-sugar choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 11.9 g of sugar for 15 g of aniseed sprinkles; Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g and 12 g per 15 g portion for De Ruijter pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles.
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean a topping is sugar-free?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that a product with no added sugars can still contain sugars. Check ‘of which sugars’ in the nutrition table to assess the amount.
Which sugar information is useful when comparing toppings?
The amount of ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g gives you a consistent basis for comparing products. Also consider how much you plan to serve: a claim such as ‘less sugar’ doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in your portion.
Should I check the allergens in aniseed sprinkles?
Yes. If allergens matter to your guests, check the packaging of the exact variety. Jumbo lists wheat and cereals containing gluten for De Ruijter pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles; Albert Heijn notes that ingredient and allergy information can change.