Who is this relevant to?

Bakers choosing by cocoa content

You don’t want to rely on the word ‘dark’ alone. According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids and AH Puur Minder Suiker at least 50%.

Shoppers comparing sugars and sweeteners

You want to compare the nutritional information per 100 g for decorating, and check whether a variant lists polyols and a usage warning.

Bakers who prioritise allergens or decorating

Check the allergens on the exact pack and decide when to add the sprinkles. In a Lidl biscuit recipe, they are added only after the biscuits have cooled completely.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether the stated cocoa content, nutritional information or suitability for decorating will guide your choice. Then check the details on the pack of the variant you want to buy.

What to look for What to check Who is it important to?
Cocoa content Check the minimum percentage of cocoa solids on the exact pack; ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t tell you the percentage. I want to choose a variant for my rusks or Dutch spiced biscuits based on its stated cocoa content. This is the most important factor for around 45% of consumers.
Sugars and sweeteners Compare sugars per 100 g and, if sweeteners are used, read the ingredients and warnings too. When decorating, I want to know which sugars or sweeteners I’m using. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this nutritional information.
Decorating and allergens Check the allergen statement, including any ‘may contain’ information, and decide whether to add the sprinkles after cooling. I want the decoration to suit my method and need to take the allergens listed on the pack into account. This is the first consideration for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all dark chocolate sprinkles have the same cocoa content

    According to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, the variants reviewed state minimum cocoa solids content ranging from 32% to 52%. The word ‘dark’ is no substitute for checking the information on the pack.

    Compare the minimum percentage for the exact variant, then check the ingredients and pack size.

  • Sprinkling chocolate sprinkles straight onto warm Dutch spiced biscuits

    In Lidl’s biscuit recipe, the biscuits are left to cool completely before the sprinkles are added with chocolate spread. The recipe doesn’t show how the sprinkles reviewed behave in Dutch spiced biscuit dough.

    Let the biscuits cool if you want to use visible sprinkles as a finishing touch, and add them with a suitable coating to help them stick.

  • Looking only at sugars in a variant with sweeteners

    According to Jumbo’s product information, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7,7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The pack warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    As well as the nutritional information, read the ingredients and warning, especially if you plan to use a larger amount.

Brands compared

De Ruijter

Within the range reviewed, you can compare standard dark sprinkles with Royaal Extra Puur and Specials Intens Puur.

  • According to Albert Heijn, Royaal Extra Puur contains at least 43% cocoa solids and Specials Intens Puur at least 52%.
  • Check the allergens for each variant; a higher cocoa content doesn’t tell you how the sprinkles will behave in Dutch spiced biscuit dough.

AH

The own-brand variants reviewed let you compare regular dark chocolate sprinkles with Puur Minder Suiker.

  • According to Albert Heijn, the regular dark variant contains at least 32% cocoa solids and 64 g of sugars per 100 g; Puur Minder Suiker contains at least 50% and 43 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The labels reviewed list milk and lactose; check the pack if allergens are important to your choice.

Venz

Venz Puur is a dark chocolate sprinkles product in a 400 g pack.

  • According to Jumbo, the variant reviewed contains at least 32% cocoa solids and 65 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The label reviewed lists milk and soya, and indicates that lactose may be present.

Céréal

This variant is worth considering if you want to compare its sugars and sweeteners with those in regular dark chocolate sprinkles.

  • According to Jumbo, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7,7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g.
  • The variant contains maltitols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Fairtrade Original

The dark chocolate sprinkles reviewed are an option to compare by their stated cocoa content.

  • According to Jumbo, the variant contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • The product information reviewed says the sprinkles may contain milk.

Dark chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy

These De Ruijter products are a good fit if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles for rusks or want to decorate cooled Dutch spiced biscuits. Check the exact pack if a particular cocoa content or allergen is a deciding factor for you.

De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g pack

De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles – 200 g

Dark chocolate sprinkles for rusks or as a finishing touch on cooled Dutch spiced biscuits. The pack contains 200 g; check the cocoa content and allergens on the exact pack if they will affect your choice.

View at Joybuy
De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g pack

De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles – 390 g

Dark chocolate sprinkles for rusks or to decorate cooled Dutch spiced biscuits. The pack contains 390 g; check the exact pack to see the cocoa content and allergens listed for this variant.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which of the dark chocolate sprinkles reviewed has the highest stated cocoa content?

According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Specials Hagelslag Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids. AH Hagelslag Puur Minder Suiker contains at least 50%. Always check the label of the exact variant, as ‘dark’ doesn’t mean one fixed percentage.

Can I mix chocolate sprinkles into Dutch spiced biscuit dough?

Don’t assume dark chocolate sprinkles will keep their shape in every Dutch spiced biscuit dough. If you want the sprinkles to remain visible, you can decorate the biscuits after they have cooled; Lidl’s biscuit recipe also adds sprinkles only after cooling. If you do want to bake the sprinkles into the dough, try a small amount in your own recipe first.

Which allergens should I check in dark chocolate sprinkles?

Read the allergen statement on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ information. According to the product information reviewed, De Ruijter and Venz variants list milk and soya, or indicate that lactose or milk protein may be present; the AH variants reviewed list milk and lactose.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles until I decorate the Dutch spiced biscuits?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack of the variant you buy. The product information reviewed for De Ruijter and Venz says to store in a cool, dry place.