Fans of a pronounced cocoa flavour
You want to choose dark chocolate sprinkles for rusks with a clearly stated cocoa content. The word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t tell you enough.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Netherlands match watchers buying for a group
You’re getting rusks ready for several people and want to choose a pack size that suits what you’ll serve during the match.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
You want to check the ingredients, sugar content and allergens for each product, even when the pack says ‘dark’.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with what matters most for your rusks: cocoa content, the quantity you need, nutritional information or allergens. Then compare the individual packs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Compare the stated minimum percentage of cocoa solids; don’t use it as a score for flavour. | If I’m looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour for my rusks, I want to know more than that the sprinkles are called ‘dark’. Cocoa content is the top priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Check the weight in grams and think about how many rusks you want to prepare for the match. | When I’m serving several people, I want enough sprinkles without choosing a pack that doesn’t suit how we’ll use it. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the quantity they need. |
| Sugars and portion size | Read the nutritional information per 100 g and check whether any sweeteners are listed. | If I’m keeping an eye on sugar, I also want to know how much I’ll sprinkle on each rusk. Sugar content and portion size matter most to around 23% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens on the current packaging. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, a suitable label matters more than my preference for a particular cocoa content. This check is the top priority for around 8% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming all dark chocolate sprinkles have the same cocoa content
Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur; Jumbo lists at least 32% for Jumbo XXL Puur and Venz Puur. So the word ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you which of these percentages is on the pack.
If cocoa content is your deciding factor, compare the stated minimum percentage, but don’t treat it as an independent assessment of the flavour.
-
Assuming ‘dark’ means dairy-free or soya-free
Dark chocolate sprinkles can contain milk or soya, and some varieties also carry a warning about the possible presence of allergens. The product name is no substitute for checking the ingredients list.
Before use, read the label on the pack you’ve bought, including any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
-
Applying information about baker’s salt to the sprinkles
A statement about baker’s salt relates to the rusk, not the chocolate sprinkles. The Voedingscentrum also says that bakers don’t necessarily use baker’s salt.
If you want to know which salt was used in your rusks, check the information for the rusks separately.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
The product range reviewed includes regular Puur, Royaal Extra Puur and Specials Intens Puur.
- Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for the 200 g pack of Specials Intens Puur, and at least 43% for the 390 g pack of Royaal Extra Puur.
- The varieties reviewed list milk and soya, and may contain lactose. Check the label of the variety you choose.
Venz
Venz Puur is a regular dark chocolate sprinkle product in a 400 g pack.
- Jumbo lists at least 32% cocoa solids for this variety.
- The variety reviewed contains milk and soya, and may contain lactose.
Albert Heijn
AH Hagelslag Puur is a supermarket own-brand product in a 600 g pack.
- Albert Heijn lists at least 32% cocoa solids for this variety.
- The ingredients and allergen information for this variety doesn’t automatically apply to other AH sprinkles.
Jumbo
Jumbo Chocolade Hagel XXL Puur comes in a 380 g pack.
- Jumbo lists at least 32% cocoa solids for this variety.
- The product information says these sprinkles may contain milk.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
The Kiekeboe Puur product reviewed is a dark chocolate sprinkle product sold in a 600 g supermarket pack.
- ALDI states that the cocoa in this pack is Rainforest Alliance certified.
- Check the packaging in store for ingredients and allergen information.
Mister Choc (Lidl)
The Mister Choc Hagelslag Puur product reviewed comes in a 600 g pack.
- Lidl lists this variety as a supermarket product.
- Compare the cocoa content and check the ingredients and allergens on the pack itself.
Products on Joybuy
These products include two packs of dark chocolate sprinkles and one pack of dark chocolate flakes to consider for rusks. Chocolate flakes are a different product from sprinkles, so choose according to the type you want to use.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Intense Pure chocolate sprinkles 200 g
The 200 g pack is a good fit if you want to serve a smaller amount of dark chocolate sprinkles on match night.
Before choosing this variety, compare the cocoa content and check the ingredients and allergens on the current label.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure chocolate sprinkles 390 g
The 390 g pack is an option if you want to serve dark chocolate sprinkles on several rusks.
If cocoa content is your main selection criterion, check the information on this specific pack, and remember to check the allergens too.
Image unavailable
g'woon Flakes dark chocolate flakes 300 g
These are dark chocolate flakes rather than sprinkles, so only consider them if you want flakes on your rusks.
Before use, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘dark’ mean that chocolate sprinkles have a high cocoa content?
No. ‘Dark’ doesn’t give you a consistent cocoa percentage to go by. Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur, while Jumbo lists at least 32% for Jumbo XXL Puur and Venz Puur. So check the percentage for the variety you’re considering.
Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically dairy-free or vegan?
No. The De Ruijter and Venz varieties reviewed list milk and soya, while Jumbo XXL Puur may contain milk. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging before choosing.
How do I compare chocolate sprinkles with less sugar?
Compare the stated sugar content per 100 g and check which sweeteners have been used. Albert Heijn lists maltitols for Céréal Hagelslag Puur Minder Suikers and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Does crispbread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume so without checking. The Voedingscentrum says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the information on the rusks themselves, not the packaging for the chocolate sprinkles.