People who need to avoid wheat or gluten
If you’re looking for muisjes to spread on bread or use as decoration, look beyond the product name. Albert Heijn lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes.
Who is this choice important for?
People for whom Fairtrade is a requirement
A Fairtrade claim for chocolate or a supermarket range is not a certification mark for crushed muisjes. Check the label on the individual product.
Families buying muisjes for a celebration
If you’re serving muisjes on beschuit or using them as decoration, check that the current packaging is suitable for everyone’s allergies before serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check whether the product contains any ingredients you need to avoid. Then check the Fairtrade claim for that same product and make sure it’s suitable for how you plan to use it.
| What to check | What to look for when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the current packaging. | If the spread could contain an allergen I need to avoid, I want to rule that out before looking at the brand or certification mark; around 46% of consumers prioritise avoiding their own allergen. |
| Fairtrade certification | Look for a verifiable Fairtrade claim on the exact product, not just on other items sold by the same shop. | I only want to choose Fairtrade if the claim applies to the muisjes themselves; around 36% of consumers prioritise this product-specific assurance. |
| How you plan to use them | Check whether the product is suitable as a spread or decoration, and read the ingredients again if you choose an alternative. | For a celebration, I want to serve muisjes on beschuit or use them as decoration, as long as they’re suitable for the people eating them; this is the main consideration for an estimated 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Treating crushed muisjes like chocolate
Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes as crushed, sugared aniseed. So a Fairtrade claim for chocolate does not automatically apply to this spread.
Check the product type and ingredients before looking for a certification mark for the specific item.
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Assuming a Fairtrade range means a product is certified
Fairtrade Netherlands includes chocolate among the products available in some supermarket ranges. That doesn’t mean every product sold by those supermarkets is Fairtrade-certified.
Base your choice on a verifiable claim on the packaging of the product you’re buying.
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Relying on an allergen list you checked previously
A list you read online earlier is no substitute for the information on the packaging of the product you’re buying now.
Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible cross-contamination again every time you buy it.
Brands and shops to consider
De Ruijter
The product discussed is De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, a spread made from crushed, sugared aniseed.
- Albert Heijn’s product page lists the ingredients of this specific product, including wheat starch.
- This product is not suitable if you have a wheat or gluten allergy. Don’t infer its Fairtrade status from a shop’s wider range.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has a product page for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes with ingredient information.
- The page lists wheat starch, which is important if you need to avoid wheat or gluten.
- Fairtrade Netherlands lists Fairtrade products at Albert Heijn, including some chocolate. This does not confirm that De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes carry a certification mark.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes in its online product category for muisjes.
- The product listing helps you distinguish this type of muisjes from other sweet spreads.
- Fairtrade Netherlands lists other Fairtrade products at Jumbo. Check the allergen information and any Fairtrade claim separately for muisjes.
Products on this topic at Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes suitable if you have a wheat or gluten allergy?
No. Albert Heijn’s product information lists wheat starch and identifies wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens. Check the current packaging when you buy it, too.
Are crushed muisjes Fairtrade if the supermarket sells Fairtrade chocolate?
No, that doesn’t follow from the supermarket’s chocolate range. Fairtrade Netherlands lists Fairtrade products in supermarket ranges; for crushed muisjes, the claim must apply to the specific product.
Where can I find allergen information on pre-packed muisjes?
Check the ingredients list on the packaging, where any allergens present must be clearly identifiable. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains this labelling requirement for 14 allergens.
What should I do if there’s a warning about possible cross-contamination?
Read the warning alongside the ingredients list on the packaging of the product you’re buying. If you’re unsure what it means for your allergy, ask for clarification before using the product.