Choose crushed aniseed sprinkles if their aniseed flavour and this particular type of topping are what matter most to you. If you’re looking for a product with a stated sugar reduction compared with regular chocolate sprinkles, you could consider chocolate sprinkles, although they have a different flavour and texture. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 11,9 g of sugar per 15 g of aniseed sprinkles; compare the nutritional information for the exact products and portions before you buy.
You’re choosing the familiar aniseed flavour and texture of crushed aniseed sprinkles, for example on crispbread or as a decoration. In that case, a lower sugar content isn’t your first priority when buying.
You compare sugar per 100 g and per portion. Chocolate sprinkles with a stated sugar reduction could be an option if you’re happy to switch to a different type of product and flavour.
You want to serve the topping with a drink or alongside a treat. Check in advance whether you’re allowed to bring your own food, and if you’re sharing, check the allergens on the packaging of the variant you’ve chosen.
Choose these if: the aniseed flavour and texture of crushed aniseed sprinkles matter more to you than a stated sugar reduction.
The trade-off: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 11,9 g of sugar per 15 g of aniseed sprinkles; check the nutritional information on the pack you buy.
Choose these if: chocolate sprinkles suit how you plan to use them and you want to compare them with the regular AH version.
The trade-off: according to Albert Heijn, both the milk and dark chocolate variants contain 30% less sugar than their regular AH equivalents; they aren’t aniseed products.
Choose these if: you want to compare the stated sugar content per 100 g and are considering chocolate sprinkles containing maltitol.
The trade-off: Albert Heijn’s product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; these aren’t crushed aniseed sprinkles either.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Compare sugar per 100 g and per portion. If there’s a claim, check which product it’s being compared with. | If I want to cut down on sugar, I don’t want to rely solely on the wording on the front of the pack. For around 50% of consumers, this sugar comparison comes first. |
| Aniseed flavour and product type | Check whether it’s crushed aniseed sprinkles, aniseed topping or chocolate sprinkles. | For crispbread, I want to keep the aniseed flavour and texture of crushed aniseed sprinkles, even if chocolate sprinkles are an alternative. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Having it with a drink | Check the allergen information for the variant you’ve chosen and ask whether you’re allowed to bring your own food to the café. | If I want to bring something to share, it needs to suit the guests and the venue’s rules. This practical consideration matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
A stated sugar reduction in chocolate sprinkles doesn’t mean you’ll get the aniseed flavour and texture of crushed aniseed sprinkles.
First decide whether crushed aniseed sprinkles are a must. Comparing them with chocolate sprinkles only makes sense if you’re happy with a different type of product.
According to Albert Heijn, both AH Lower-Sugar Chocolate Sprinkles variants—the milk and dark chocolate versions—contain 30% less sugar than their regular AH equivalents. This comparison doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in the portion you choose.
Also check the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information and consider how much you actually plan to use.
The product information for Céréal Lower-Sugar Chocolate Sprinkles lists maltitol and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Read the ingredients and warning on the pack before choosing these chocolate sprinkles or offering them to others.
The allergens listed vary by product and variant: a product listing for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes names wheat and milk; the product information for Céréal milk chocolate names milk and soya, while the Céréal dark chocolate information names soya and the possible presence of milk.
Before serving, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the exact variant you bought.
De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes is an option if you’re looking for an aniseed product.
AH offers milk and dark chocolate sprinkles with a sugar claim compared with its own regular variants.
Céréal offers milk and dark chocolate sprinkles containing maltitol.
No, ‘less sugar’ doesn’t mean sugar-free. Albert Heijn’s claim compares the AH variants with the equivalent regular AH chocolate sprinkles; also check the sugar content per 100 g and per portion.
You’re choosing chocolate sprinkles instead of crushed aniseed sprinkles. Albert Heijn’s product information lists 7,7 g of sugars per 100 g for Céréal Lower-Sugar Dark Chocolate Sprinkles and names maltitol; also read the warning about excessive consumption.
Check the packaging of the exact variant you bought. A product listing for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes names wheat and milk; the product information for Céréal milk chocolate names milk and soya, while the information for Céréal dark chocolate names soya and the possible presence of milk.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and keep it tightly closed. The product information consulted recommends storing the product in a dry place; also check the best-before date on the pack.
