Stocking up and keeping an eye on pack size
You regularly have chocolate sprinkles on rusks or bread and want to know whether you’ll use up a larger pack before its best-before date.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Fans of a higher cocoa content
You’re looking for a dark chocolate option with a higher minimum percentage of cocoa solids stated on the pack. That percentage alone doesn’t tell you how you’ll find the taste.
Checking nutritional information and allergens
You compare sugars per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product before stocking up.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing dark chocolate sprinkles for rusks, first decide whether pack size or a higher stated cocoa content matters more to you. Then compare the nutritional information, and always check the current label if you have an allergy or intolerance.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids in the exact product; the word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t tell you how they differ. | If I want to try a more intensely dark option on my rusks, I look for a pack that clearly states its cocoa percentage. This is the top priority for around 34% of consumers. |
| Pack size and storage | Check the pack size, best-before date and storage instructions on the pack. | I often use chocolate sprinkles and want to finish my stock while the packs are still within their best-before dates. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Sugars | Compare sugars per 100 g and, when a product claims ‘less sugar’, check which product it is compared with. | When I choose a topping based on its nutritional information, I want to compare the sugar figures for each option side by side. This matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current ingredients list and the information about milk, soya and possible traces on each pack. | If certain ingredients aren’t suitable for me, I want to know before buying several packs. Around 13% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘extra high in cocoa’
The minimum percentage varies between products. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the standard dark chocolate sprinkles from Venz and AH state at least 32% cocoa solids; De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur states at least 52%. This is a difference in ingredients, not a taste test.
Check the percentage on the pack of the product you’re actually buying.
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Assuming dark chocolate sprinkles are low in sugars
‘Dark’ doesn’t describe the amount of sugars. According to Albert Heijn, AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker contains 30% less sugar than AH Chocolade hagel puur; this comparison doesn’t automatically apply to other products.
Compare the figures per 100 g and check which product is used as the reference for the claim.
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Buying several packs based on a familiar brand
A brand name won’t tell you whether a particular product is suitable for an allergy or intolerance. The labels we checked mention milk and soya, or the possibility that they may be present.
Check the allergen information on each current pack before stocking up.
Brands compared
Compare the exact product and pack size within each brand: standard dark chocolate sprinkles and an option with a higher stated cocoa content aren’t the same product.
De Ruijter
Worth considering if you want to compare a 390 g pack of standard dark chocolate sprinkles with the 200 g Specials Intens Puur.
- Albert Heijn states that Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each product; the product information we reviewed mentions milk and soya, or the possibility of milk being present.
Venz
Standard dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone looking for a 400 g pack.
- Albert Heijn states that Venz Hagelslag puur contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The ingredients information we reviewed mentions milk and soya; also check the current label for possible lactose.
AH
The standard 600 g dark chocolate sprinkles and the separate 250 g lower-sugar option suit different needs.
- Albert Heijn states that the standard option contains at least 32% cocoa and the lower-sugar option at least 50% cocoa.
- The ‘30% less sugar’ claim compares the lower-sugar option with AH Chocolade hagel puur, not with every other type of chocolate sprinkles.
Jumbo
A supermarket own-brand option of standard dark chocolate sprinkles in a 380 g pack.
- Jumbo states that this product contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The product information mentions that milk may be present; check the pack before buying.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
A 600 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone mainly comparing larger pack sizes.
- ALDI Netherlands describes this product as dark chocolate sprinkles made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack when you buy it.
Related products at Joybuy
These products show three options for dark chocolate toppings: a smaller product with ‘intense’ in its name, standard dark chocolate sprinkles and dark chocolate flakes. Flakes are a different type of product from chocolate sprinkles, so check that they’re right for the way you like to top your rusks.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g
A smaller pack to consider if you don’t want to stock up on a large quantity of dark chocolate sprinkles straight away. Before choosing this option, compare the cocoa percentage and allergens on the current label.
Pack size: 200 g.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure, 390 g
A standard dark chocolate sprinkle option to consider if you’re looking for a 390 g pack for your rusks. If a higher cocoa content is essential, compare the percentage on the label rather than relying on the word ‘dark’ alone.
Pack size: 390 g.
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g'woon Flakes Pure, 300 g
Dark chocolate flakes to consider if you’d also like to try a different type of chocolate topping on your rusks. Don’t choose them on the assumption that flakes are the same as chocolate sprinkles.
Pack size: 300 g.
Frequently asked questions
Do dark chocolate sprinkles automatically have a high cocoa content?
No. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the standard dark chocolate sprinkles from Venz and AH state at least 32% cocoa solids, while De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur states at least 52%. Check the minimum percentage on the exact pack.
Should I choose a large pack or an intense dark option for stocking up?
A large pack makes sense if you use chocolate sprinkles regularly and will finish it before its best-before date. If a higher stated cocoa content is your priority, you could compare a smaller option: Albert Heijn states that the 200 g De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
How should I store dark chocolate sprinkles if I’m stocking up?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and check the best-before date before buying several. The AH and Venz product information we reviewed says to store them in a cool, dark and dry place.
Should I check for milk and soya in dark chocolate sprinkles?
Yes, if those ingredients are relevant to you: ‘dark’ doesn’t mean a product is free from milk or soya. The information we reviewed for Venz Puur and De Ruijter Puur mentions milk and soya, or the possible presence of lactose. Always check the allergen information on the pack you’re buying.