Who should make these checks?

Buying for someone with coeliac disease

You want to be able to check the gluten-free label on the exact chocolate sprinkles. A dark chocolate flavour or an ingredients list with no obvious gluten-containing grains is not enough on its own.

Looking for a rich dark chocolate flavour

You compare the stated cocoa content of dark varieties, but don’t let a higher percentage matter more than checking that the product is gluten-free.

Looking for a bread topping

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles, not breakfast flakes with dark chocolate. The distinction matters: Albert Heijn lists wheat and barley malt extract among the ingredients in AH Special flakes pure chocolade.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check that the exact variant is gluten-free. Then decide whether you like its stated cocoa content, and finally make sure you’re choosing chocolate sprinkles intended as a bread topping.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Check the current packaging for the exact variant for a ‘gluten-free’ label, and read the allergen information. If there is no label, ask the manufacturer to confirm that the specific product is gluten-free. When I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the dark colour; I want to be able to check the exact variant. Around 46% of consumers prioritise verifiable gluten-free status.
Cocoa content Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids in the variants you’re considering, but only after confirming they’re suitable for a gluten-free diet. I’m looking for a rich dark chocolate flavour, but I won’t mistake a higher cocoa percentage for confirmation that a product is gluten-free. Cocoa flavour is the most important factor when choosing for around 36% of consumers.
Product type and packaging Check that the description refers to chocolate sprinkles for bread; read the ingredients if you’re unsure. Also check the pack size. When I’m looking for a bread topping, I don’t want to accidentally choose breakfast flakes, and I check which pack I’m buying. The right product type is the top priority for around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means the sprinkles are gluten-free

    ‘Dark’ describes the chocolate, not the gluten content of the finished product. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a product labelled ‘gluten-free’ must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg.

    Check the current gluten-free label or ask the manufacturer to confirm that the exact variant is gluten-free before choosing based on its cocoa content.

  • Confusing breakfast flakes with chocolate sprinkles

    Products with ‘flakes’ in their name aren’t necessarily chocolate sprinkles for bread. According to Albert Heijn, AH Special flakes pure chocolade contains wholemeal wheat and barley malt extract.

    Read the full product name and ingredients list if you’re looking for chocolate sprinkles as a bread topping.

  • Relying only on an online product page

    Albert Heijn says that information about ingredients, dietary attributes and allergens can change.

    Compare the online information with the current label on the pack you receive before serving the sprinkles.

  • Overlooking gluten-containing crumbs when serving

    Even after you’ve bought the product, crumbs on your hands, worktops or utensils can come into contact with the sprinkles.

    Use clean hands and utensils, and prevent contact with gluten-containing products when serving the sprinkles.

Brands to consider

AH

Albert Heijn labels its 300 g pack of AH Pure chocolate sprinkles as gluten-free and states that it contains at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The product page explicitly labels this variant ‘Gluten-free’.
  • The stated cocoa content doesn’t automatically make this a high-cocoa variant. Check the current label, as product information can change.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter offers several varieties of dark chocolate sprinkles. According to the product information from Albert Heijn, the standard dark variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids, while Royaal extra puur contains at least 40%.

  • The stated minimum percentages make it possible to compare these two exact variants.
  • A cocoa percentage doesn’t confirm that a product is suitable for a gluten-free diet. For the variant you choose, check for a current label on the pack or confirmation from the manufacturer.
  • Albert Heijn lists Special intens puur as discontinued, so don’t rely on that older product page when making a current purchase.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically gluten-free?

No. ‘Dark’ describes the chocolate; it isn’t a gluten-free label. Check the current label for the exact variant or ask the manufacturer to confirm. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a product labelled ‘gluten-free’ must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg of finished product.

What does Albert Heijn say about AH Pure chocolate sprinkles?

Albert Heijn labels these chocolate sprinkles as gluten-free and states that they contain at least 32% cocoa solids. Also read the label on the pack you receive, as ingredient and allergen information can change.

Are AH Special flakes pure chocolade the same as chocolate sprinkles?

No. AH Special flakes pure chocolade are breakfast flakes, not chocolate sprinkles for bread. According to Albert Heijn, they contain wholemeal wheat and barley malt extract, among other ingredients. So check the product type and ingredients when searching for ‘sprinkles’.

How can you keep chocolate sprinkles free from crumbs when serving?

Use clean hands, a clean worktop and clean utensils. Keep gluten-containing bread crumbs and other products away from the open pack.

Should you check the label for milk and soya as well as gluten?

Yes, if milk or soya is also relevant to the person eating the sprinkles. The product information provided lists milk and lactose for AH Pure chocolate sprinkles, and soya for the dark De Ruijter varieties described. Always check the current label for the exact variant for information about all allergens.