Which option is right for you?

If sugar-free is a firm requirement

You’re looking for a product that can genuinely be labelled sugar-free. A pack that only says ‘less sugar’ won’t meet that requirement; compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.

If you want to keep the aniseed flavour and the sprinkles’ texture

You want crushed aniseed sprinkles on bread or rusks, and keeping that flavour matters more to you than reducing sugar. The De Ruijter variety described by WorldwideHolland contains sugar, so it isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a sugar-free option.

If you’re happy with a different, lower-sugar topping

You’re happy to have chocolate sprinkles instead of aniseed. If so, check more than just the sugar content: look at the sweeteners, allergens and any warnings on the packaging too.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a firm requirement or whether you mainly want to keep the aniseed flavour. Chocolate sprinkles with less sugar are only an alternative worth comparing if you’re happy with a different flavour.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Genuinely sugar-free Compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is limited to a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. I don’t want to buy sprinkles that merely contain less sugar. For around 46% of consumers, a verifiably sugar-free option comes first.
Keeping the aniseed flavour Check that aniseed is listed in the ingredients; for De Ruijter, also check the packaging for wheat and milk. I want the flavour of crushed aniseed sprinkles on my rusk, even if that means choosing a product with sugar. For around 27% of consumers, keeping the aniseed flavour matters most.
Less sugar in a different topping Compare sugars per 100 g and read the ingredients, allergens and warnings for products containing sweeteners. If aniseed isn’t a deciding factor, I want to be able to choose a sweet topping with less sugar. For around 27% of consumers, this is the priority.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    Albert Heijn lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Céréal Dark Chocolate Sprinkles with Less Sugar. That’s above the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g permitted for the ‘sugar-free’ claim under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

    If sugar-free is a firm requirement, check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the current packaging.

  • Confusing chocolate sprinkles with crushed aniseed sprinkles

    Chocolate sprinkles with less sugar can be an alternative breakfast topping, but they won’t give you the aniseed flavour of crushed aniseed sprinkles.

    Before buying, decide whether you mainly want to keep the aniseed flavour or are looking for a different topping with less sugar.

  • Looking only at the sugar content

    WorldwideHolland’s product specifications for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes list wheat starch and a flavouring containing milk. For Céréal sprinkles, Albert Heijn lists sweeteners and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    For whichever product you choose, also read the ingredients, allergens and usage warnings on the packaging.

Brands and retailer overview

De Ruijter

Gestampte Muisjes are the classic aniseed option for bread or rusks.

  • WorldwideHolland lists aniseed among the ingredients in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes.
  • The same specifications list sugar as the first ingredient and 79 g of sugars per 100 g. This is not a sugar-free option.

Céréal

Chocolate sprinkles with less sugar are another topping option if you’re happy to go without aniseed.

  • Albert Heijn lists both a milk chocolate and a dark chocolate variety with less sugar.
  • They’re still chocolate sprinkles, not crushed aniseed sprinkles. Check the remaining sugar content, sweeteners, allergens and warnings for each variety too.

Albert Heijn

A retailer where you can compare classic crushed aniseed sprinkles with chocolate sprinkles containing less sugar as different types of topping.

  • The product listings distinguish De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes from the Céréal varieties.
  • A ‘less sugar’ claim doesn’t make chocolate sprinkles sugar-free or equivalent to aniseed sprinkles; check the current packaging of the product you choose.

Products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a bread topping be called sugar-free?

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can only be used for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. ‘Less sugar’ is a different claim, so compare the nutritional information per 100 g too.

Are De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes sugar-free?

No. The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes described by WorldwideHolland contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g. Sugar is listed as the first ingredient; check the current packaging before buying.

Can chocolate sprinkles with less sugar replace crushed aniseed sprinkles?

Only if you’d rather have chocolate than aniseed. The Céréal varieties listed by Albert Heijn are chocolate sprinkles and still contain sugars, so don’t choose them thinking they’re sugar-free crushed aniseed sprinkles.

What should you look for in sprinkles containing sweeteners?

Read the ingredients, nutritional information, allergens and any warnings on the packaging. For Céréal sprinkles, Albert Heijn includes a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.