Christmas bakers choosing by cocoa content
Are you making cupcakes, cake or desserts and want to look beyond the word ‘dark’? Compare the stated minimum cocoa solids for the exact variant instead.
Who might be interested in these sprinkles?
Bakers looking for a decorative finish
If you’re using chocolate sprinkles as decoration, their shape and how much you can scatter over your bakes matter more than the cocoa percentage alone.
Bakers making several Christmas treats
For several cakes, cupcakes or desserts, the pack size in grams helps you work out how many packs you’ll need. Also read the allergen information for each variant you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether cocoa content, appearance, quantity or allergen information matters most for your Christmas baking. Then compare the variants that meet your main requirement.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Compare the stated minimum cocoa solids for the exact variant; ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t tell you the percentage. | If I want a pronounced cocoa note, I need to know the minimum stated on the pack. Around 21% of consumers put cocoa content first. |
| Decorative finish | Check that the shape suits the decoration you have in mind and that the pack contains enough for the number of portions. | If I’m decorating cupcakes or desserts, the chocolate needs to be visible as a topping. For around 29% of consumers, appearance is the main concern. |
| Quantity | Compare the pack size in grams with the number of bakes you want to decorate. | When I’m making several Christmas treats, I don’t want to run out of topping halfway through. Having enough in the pack comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and warnings on the latest pack; don’t rely on ‘dark’ or a dietary claim alone. | If someone I’m baking for has a food allergy, I need to be able to check the exact packaging. For around 21% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all dark sprinkles are the same
‘Dark’ doesn’t indicate a set cocoa percentage. For the variants discussed here, Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list minimum cocoa solids of 32%, 35% and 40%.
Compare the minimum on the packaging of the variant you’re actually buying. Don’t assume this alone proves there will be a difference in taste.
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Confusing a dietary claim with allergen suitability
A claim such as ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ doesn’t cancel out a warning about the possible presence of milk. The De Ruijter variants discussed here also list soya in their product information.
If you have an allergy, read the ingredients and warnings on the latest pack and follow the individual advice that applies to the person concerned.
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Looking only at the packaging, not the pack size
The variants discussed here come in different pack sizes, so you may need more than one pack for several bakes.
Work out how much baking you want to decorate, then check the pack size in grams for the variant you’ve chosen.
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Treating online product information as unchanging
The information you use to compare variants may not match the pack you eventually use. This can be particularly important for ingredients and allergens.
Check the packaging you have in front of you before you start baking.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
The standard dark sprinkles and Royaal Extra Puur offer two clearly different stated cocoa contents.
- Jumbo lists at least 32% cocoa solids for its standard dark variant; Albert Heijn lists at least 40% for Royaal Extra Puur.
- The variants discussed here list soya and may contain milk. If you have allergies, check the exact packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur comes in a 300 g pack and is worth considering if you’re decorating several bakes.
- Jumbo’s product information lists at least 35% cocoa solids.
- According to the product information, this variant may contain milk; check the pack if you have allergies.
PLUS
PLUS Chocoladevlokken puur comes in a 300 g pack, and its product page mentions Fairtrade Cocoa.
- PLUS lists at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The product information warns of the possible presence of milk and lactose; a dietary claim doesn’t replace an allergen check.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles in a 300 g milk or dark variant.
- ALDI lists Rainforest Alliance certification for the product.
- Check the chosen pack for the cocoa content and allergen information for the milk or dark variant.
Lidl
Lidl lists 300 g dark chocolate sprinkles as a store product.
- The stated pack size gives you a clear starting point if you’re shopping for several bakes.
- Check the pack for cocoa content, ingredients and allergens before comparing this variant with other sprinkles.
Products on Joybuy for decorating Christmas bakes
These products offer different forms of chocolate for decorating cupcakes and other Christmas bakes: sprinkles and chunks. Choose the shape that suits your decoration, and check the packaging if a specific cocoa content or allergen restriction is a deciding factor.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles – 200 g
A sprinkle-style topping for anyone looking to decorate cupcakes or desserts with chocolate. The pack contains 200 g; compare the cocoa content and read the ingredients and allergen information on the latest pack.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks – 390 g
The 390 g pack could be a good choice for decorating several bakes. This product is called Chocolate Chunks, not dark chocolate sprinkles, so check that the shape suits your decoration and read the label if you have allergies.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure – 390 g
A 390 g dark chocolate topping for decorating cupcakes or several other bakes. If you’re choosing by cocoa content, compare the information on the pack and check the allergen information too.
Frequently asked questions
Which dark sprinkles should I choose if cocoa content comes first?
Compare the stated minimum cocoa solids for the exact variant. Albert Heijn lists at least 40% for De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur, Jumbo lists at least 35% for its dark chocolate sprinkles and PLUS lists at least 32% for its dark variant. These percentages are product specifications, not the results of a taste test.
Can I use chocolate sprinkles on cupcakes?
Yes, the product descriptions discussed here mention cupcakes as one use for chocolate sprinkles. If you want to add sprinkles to warm icing, try a small amount with your recipe first; the product descriptions don’t say how the shape changes when heated.
Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically milk-free?
No. The product information for the De Ruijter, Jumbo and PLUS variants discussed here includes warnings about the possible presence of milk; the De Ruijter variants also list soya. If you have an allergy, always read the label on the pack you’re using.
Where should I check for allergens on the packaging?
Start with the ingredients list and read any warnings about the possible presence of allergens too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how the allergens that must be declared on pre-packed food labels should be highlighted. Always check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.