Who is this choice relevant to?

People organising a children's party with a mix of guests

If you want to use chocolate sprinkles on bread rolls, cupcakes or other party treats, check both the pack weight and the stated minimum cocoa percentage. A higher percentage alone doesn't mean that all children will prefer that variety.

People organising a party for guests who prefer a higher cocoa content

If some guests specifically want a dark variety containing at least 50% or 52% cocoa solids, you could consider buying a smaller pack as well as sprinkles for the rest of the party. Check how much you'll need for the treats you've planned.

People organising a party with allergies in mind

Ask in advance which allergens are relevant to your guests. The product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists milk and soya among the ingredients in the varieties compared here, while information about the possible presence of other allergens varies by product. So check the label on the exact pack you'll be serving.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide who the chocolate sprinkles are for and how many treats you want to make. Then compare the minimum cocoa solids percentage, pack weight and allergen information for the exact variety.

What to consider What to look for Who it's important for
Choosing a flavour for the group Compare the minimum cocoa percentage and pack weight; don't assume that the percentage alone indicates flavour preference. If several children will be eating the same treats, I don't want to assume that the highest cocoa content will suit everyone. Around 43% of consumers prioritise a versatile dark chocolate option.
Higher cocoa content Check whether the pack states that it contains at least 50% or 52% cocoa solids, and whether there's enough in the pack. For guests who specifically want a variety with more cocoa, I look for a clearly stated percentage. A higher cocoa content is a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy, including statements about possible traces. If a guest has a known allergy, I need to be able to check whether this particular product is suitable before serving it. This check is the top priority for around 28% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all dark chocolate sprinkles are the same

    The Jumbo and Albert Heijn product pages state minimum cocoa solids percentages of 32%, 50% and 52% for the products compared here. So the word ‘dark’ alone doesn't tell you the percentage stated on the pack.

    Check the minimum percentage on the packaging if a higher cocoa content matters to some of your guests.

  • Assuming more cocoa automatically means less sugar

    Jumbo compares its chocolate sprinkles containing at least 50% cocoa with Jumbo Dark Chocolate Sprinkles specifically in its ‘30% less sugar’ claim. This comparison doesn't automatically apply to other brands or varieties.

    Compare the sugar content per 100 g in the nutrition information for the exact products you're considering.

  • Skipping the label if someone has a known allergy

    The products compared have different statements about milk, soya, lactose, gluten and wheat, among other things. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, clear allergen information on the label is important for people with allergies.

    Ask in advance which allergens are relevant, then check both the ingredients and any statements about possible traces on the pack you've bought before serving it.

  • Assuming a small pack will be enough for all the treats

    The varieties containing at least 50% and 52% cocoa in this comparison both come in 200 g packs. That may not be enough if you're using chocolate sprinkles on several types of treat.

    Estimate how many treats you'll be making and compare the pack weights in advance. If you like, you can keep a smaller pack with a higher cocoa content separate for guests who prefer it.

Relevant brands to compare

De Ruijter

Albert Heijn lists a 390 g pack of Chocoladehagel Puur and a 200 g pack of Specials Intens Puur. The latter contains at least 52% cocoa solids.

  • The two pack sizes give you a choice between more chocolate sprinkles and a smaller pack with an explicitly stated higher cocoa content.
  • The product information lists milk and soya for these varieties; check the current pack for statements about possible traces too.

Venz

According to Jumbo's product page, Venz Puur Chocolade Hagelslag comes in a 400 g pack and contains at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The stated percentage gives you a clear point of comparison with varieties containing at least 50% and 52% cocoa.
  • The product page lists milk and soya, and mentions the possible presence of milk protein and lactose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Hagelslag Puur in a 400 g pack containing at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The pack size is worth considering if you want to use chocolate sprinkles on several treats.
  • If you have dietary requirements or allergies, check the ingredients and statements on the pack; a single nutrition or dietary claim isn't a substitute for checking.

Jumbo

Jumbo states that its 200 g pack of Chocolade Hagelslag Puur contains at least 50% cocoa solids. The ‘30% less sugar’ claim compares this product only with Jumbo Hagelslag Puur.

  • The clearly stated cocoa percentage makes it easier to choose a variety with more cocoa.
  • Jumbo lists milk and the possible presence of gluten and wheat; the sugar claim isn't a comparison with all other chocolate sprinkles.

Lidl / Mister Choc

Lidl Netherlands lists Mister Choc Hagelslag Puur as a store product in a 600 g pack.

  • The larger pack size may be useful if you're making several treats.
  • If the cocoa percentage or allergens matter to your choice, check the information on the pack before using it.

ALDI / Kiekeboe

ALDI Netherlands lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur in a 600 g pack made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.

  • The pack size is an option worth comparing if you need chocolate sprinkles for lots of treats.
  • Check the cocoa percentage and allergen information on the pack if they're relevant to your guests.

Dark chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy

These two De Ruijter varieties suit different plans for the same party: a smaller pack explicitly stating 52% cocoa solids for guests looking for a higher cocoa content, and a 390 g pack for making several treats. If the cocoa percentage will determine your choice, check it on the second pack.

De Ruijter Intens Puur chocolate sprinkles, 200 g pack

De Ruijter Intens Puur chocolate sprinkles 200 g

A choice for guests who specifically want a higher cocoa content, for example as a topping for cupcakes. This variety is stated to contain at least 52% cocoa solids. The pack contains 200 g, so check in advance whether that's enough for the treats you've planned. Milk and soya are listed, along with the possible presence of milk protein and lactose. Check the current label before serving.

View at Joybuy
De Ruijter Chocoladehagelslag Puur, 390 g pack

De Ruijter Chocoladehagelslag Puur 390 g

A pack for anyone who wants to use dark chocolate sprinkles on several party treats, including cupcakes and bread. The pack contains 390 g. If a particular cocoa percentage matters to you, check the information on the pack you buy. Check the current allergen information too; milk and soya are listed for this variety.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do all dark chocolate sprinkles taste equally intense?

No. For the products compared here, ‘dark’ doesn't correspond to one fixed minimum cocoa percentage. The Jumbo and Albert Heijn product pages state that Venz contains at least 32% cocoa solids, Jumbo at least 50%, and De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur at least 52%. These percentages describe the products, but they don't predict which variety your guests will enjoy most.

Does more cocoa mean less sugar?

No, you can't assume that as a general rule for dark chocolate sprinkles. Jumbo's ‘30% less sugar’ claim for its variety containing at least 50% cocoa applies in comparison with Jumbo Hagelslag Puur. For other products, compare the sugar per 100 g in the nutrition information on the exact packs.

What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?

Check the ingredients, allergens and any statements about possible traces on the pack you're actually serving. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, clear allergen information on the label is important. Information about milk, soya, lactose, gluten and wheat varies between the varieties compared here.

Is the largest pack automatically the right choice for a children's party?

No. Pack weight is only one part of the decision. The varieties from Jumbo and De Ruijter discussed here, containing at least 50% and 52% cocoa respectively, come in 200 g packs, while Venz Puur comes in a 400 g pack according to Jumbo. Work out how many treats you're making, and compare the cocoa percentage and allergen information too.

How should I store any leftover dark chocolate sprinkles?

Follow the storage instructions and date on the packaging of your product. The product information compared here recommends storing the sprinkles in a cool, dry place; seal the pack tightly after use.