Fans of a pronounced cocoa flavour
After a savoury stamppot meal, you fancy something sweet and compare dark sprinkles by their stated cocoa content rather than relying on the word ‘dark’ alone.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Family shopper keeping an eye on quantity
You use dark sprinkles for several sandwiches or breakfasts and check how much is in a pack before choosing a variety.
Shopper checking allergens or certification
You check the soy and milk information on the specific pack, or look for a variety of sprinkles with a particular cocoa certification.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the cocoa content if you’re specifically looking for dark sprinkles after your stamppot. Then check that the pack size and ingredients suit the way you’ll use them.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Look for the minimum percentage of cocoa solids on the pack; the word ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you what that percentage is. | After my stamppot, I want to choose sprinkles with a clearly stated cocoa content, even if that means ruling out other varieties. Around 46% of consumers put this first. |
| Pack size | Compare the weight of the packs with the amount you usually use. | If I’m buying enough for several breakfasts, I want to know how long a pack will last. Pack size is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, even if a pack says ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’. | If I need to avoid soy or milk, I first need to check the information on the specific pack. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Cocoa certification | Check which certification is shown on the variety you’ve chosen, rather than relying on general information from a brand or shop. | I want to be able to identify a variety of sprinkles with a particular cocoa certification. This is the first consideration for around 9% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘extra dark’
Jumbo states that regular dark De Ruijter sprinkles contain at least 32% cocoa solids; Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Royaal extra puur contains at least 40%. So the names alone won’t tell you what percentage is on the pack.
Compare the stated minimum percentage if it’s a deciding factor for you.
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Assuming a vegan label means allergen-free
PLUS describes its dark Fairtrade sprinkles as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. The De Ruijter varieties reviewed list soy among the ingredients and warn that they may contain milk.
If you have an allergy, always read the current allergen information on the pack; a dietary claim answers a different question.
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Picking up a different variety by mistake
ALDI lists Kiekeboe sprinkles in milk and dark varieties on a single product page. That makes it important to identify the variety on the pack itself.
Just before you buy, check the variety, cocoa content and ingredients of the pack you’re actually taking home.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
The range reviewed includes regular dark chocolate sprinkles and Royaal extra puur.
- Jumbo states that the regular dark sprinkles contain at least 32% cocoa solids; Albert Heijn states that Royaal extra puur contains at least 40%.
- Both varieties reviewed list soy among the ingredients and warn that they may contain milk.
PLUS
The PLUS variety reviewed is 300 g of dark Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles.
- PLUS states that this variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids and uses Fairtrade cocoa.
- Although PLUS describes the sprinkles as vegan, it also states that they may contain milk and lactose.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own 300 g variety of dark chocolate sprinkles in its sprinkles range.
- The 300 g pack is easy to identify if you’re keeping an eye on quantity.
- Check the cocoa content and ingredients of this specific variety on the pack before comparing it with extra-dark sprinkles.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists 300 g Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles in milk and dark varieties.
- ALDI mentions Rainforest Alliance certification for these sprinkles.
- Check the pack to make sure you have the dark variety and see what cocoa content is stated for it.
Products at Joybuy
These two De Ruijter products are worth considering if you’re looking for dark chocolate sandwich topping or a topping for other dishes. If you’re specifically after sprinkles, pay extra attention to the product format of the variety with ‘Hail’ in its name.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
An option if you’re specifically looking for dark chocolate sandwich topping or a topping for other dishes. Check the cocoa content on the pack and read the milk and soy information before choosing this product.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
Consider this product if regular dark chocolate sandwich topping will do. Check whether ‘Hail’ on the pack refers to hagelslag (chocolate strands) rather than the sprinkles you’re looking for; also check the cocoa content and the milk and soy information.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘dark’ on chocolate sprinkles automatically mean a higher cocoa content?
No. Jumbo states that regular dark De Ruijter sprinkles contain at least 32% cocoa solids, and PLUS states the same minimum for its dark Fairtrade sprinkles; Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Royaal extra puur contains at least 40%. If you’re choosing based on cocoa content, check the percentage on the specific pack.
Are dark or vegan chocolate sprinkles free from milk and soy?
Those descriptions don’t guarantee that they are. The De Ruijter varieties reviewed contain soy and may contain milk; the PLUS variety described as vegan may contain milk and lactose. If you have an allergy, check the current information on the pack.
How should I store chocolate sprinkles after opening?
Store the sprinkles in a cool, dry place and close the pack after use. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought.