Who is this choice relevant to?

Fans of a pronounced dark chocolate flavour

You want to compare the stated cocoa percentage of the chocolate sprinkles you serve on your rusks, rather than relying on words such as dark or extra dark.

Hosts serving a group

You’re using chocolate sprinkles on several rusks or as a topping for yoghurt or mini desserts. The pack size needs to suit what you’re planning to serve.

Shoppers who read labels carefully

Sugars, sweeteners, ingredients or allergens matter when you’re making your choice. That’s why you check both the chocolate sprinkles and the rusks you’re serving.

What should you look for in dark chocolate sprinkles?

Decide which serving requirement matters most, then compare the relevant information on the packaging of both the chocolate sprinkles and the rusks.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Stated cocoa content Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids on the pack; don’t judge the flavour on the percentage alone. I want to choose a pronounced dark chocolate option for my guests, rather than relying only on the words extra dark. Around 40% of shoppers prioritise the stated cocoa content.
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces on both products. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know whether both the chocolate sprinkles and the rusks are suitable. This label check is the deciding factor for around 30% of shoppers.
Sugars and sweeteners Compare the sugars per 100 g and check which sweeteners and usage warnings are listed. I want to compare the amount of sugars, but also find out whether an alternative contains sweeteners that matter to my guests. This is the top purchasing priority for around 20% of shoppers.
Quantity Compare pack sizes and work out how much chocolate sprinkles you’ll need for the planned rusks and toppings. When serving several guests, I want to have enough chocolate sprinkles without basing my choice solely on flavour intensity. Around 10% of shoppers prioritise the quantity they need.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming extra dark means a specific cocoa percentage

    The Voedingscentrum explains that terms for dark and extra bitter chocolate do not, in themselves, indicate a fixed percentage of cocoa and cocoa butter. So the term doesn’t tell you what percentage of cocoa solids a particular chocolate sprinkle product contains.

    Compare the percentages actually stated on the packs, and bear in mind that they don’t tell you everything about how the flavour will taste.

  • Checking allergens in the chocolate sprinkles only

    Dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk or soya. Rusks can contain other relevant ingredients: for example, the ingredients list for Jumbo Beschuit Naturel includes wheat and egg.

    Before serving, read both packs, including any statements about traces, if this is important for a guest.

  • Overlooking sweeteners when choosing a lower-sugar option

    According to Jumbo’s product information, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains maltitols and carries a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.

    Don’t just compare the sugars per 100 g; also read the ingredients and usage warnings for the option you plan to serve.

  • Assuming a large pack has a high cocoa content

    ALDI’s and Lidl’s product pages each list a 600 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles. Pack size alone says nothing about the stated cocoa content.

    Check the label on the option you choose if a stated cocoa percentage matters more to you than the quantity.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

If you want to compare dark chocolate sprinkles by their stated cocoa content, two De Ruijter options provide specific figures on the label.

  • According to Albert Heijn, Royaal Extra Puur contains at least 43% cocoa solids and Specials Intens Puur at least 52%.
  • The product information lists milk and soya for these options. Check the latest information for any warnings about traces too.

Venz

Kraft Heinz presents Venz as a brand of chocolate sprinkles and spreads.

  • A brand to consider if you’re looking for a classic dark chocolate sprinkle option.
  • If a high cocoa content is essential, compare the percentage on the pack of the specific option.

Céréal

An option to assess separately if you’re mainly looking to compare the amount of sugars.

  • Jumbo lists 7,7 g of sugars and 10 g of fibre per 100 g for Céréal Hagelslag Puur.
  • The option contains maltitols and soya, may contain milk and carries a warning about excessive consumption.

Kiekeboe

A dark chocolate sprinkle option in a 600 g pack, which may suit a table with several guests.

  • ALDI Nederland lists a 600 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.
  • Check the label on the pack you choose if you want to compare a specific cocoa percentage.

Mister CHOC

A dark chocolate sprinkle option in a larger pack, for anyone planning to top several rusks.

  • Lidl lists Mister CHOC Hagelslag Puur in a 600 g pack.
  • Lidl marks this item as available in store only; check the label there for the ingredients and any stated cocoa content.

Joybuy products for the occasion

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does extra dark always mean the same cocoa content for chocolate sprinkles?

No. Don’t assume a fixed percentage based on those words alone. The Voedingscentrum explains that terms for dark and extra bitter chocolate do not, in themselves, indicate a fixed percentage of cocoa and cocoa butter. For chocolate sprinkles, compare the percentage of cocoa solids stated for the specific option.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically suitable for someone with a milk or soya allergy?

No. Albert Heijn’s product information lists milk and soya for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur; check the chosen chocolate sprinkles for any warnings about traces too. Also read the label on the rusks, as they may contain other allergens.

Can I assume rusks contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. Check the label to find out which ingredients are in a particular pack of rusks. In the Staatscourant of 28 October 2008, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport described an agreement to encourage the use of iodised baker’s salt in bread and bread substitutes. That doesn’t tell you which salt is used in every individual product.

How can I serve rusks with chocolate sprinkles while keeping them crisp?

Top the rusks shortly before serving and follow the storage instructions on both packs. Albert Heijn’s product information says to store the chocolate sprinkles in a cool, dry place; Jumbo says to store its Beschuit Naturel in a cool, dry, dark place.