Dark chocolate lovers
You’re looking for a chocolate topping for adult guests and want to compare products by their stated minimum cocoa content, not just by words such as ‘dark’.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts who want a dark finish
You want to finish cupcakes or a cake with a dark topping. Dark chocolate sprinkles could be just the thing, but they don’t have the aniseed flavour or shape of Muisjes.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
You’re serving snacks to guests with different dietary needs. Compare the allergen information on each pack: the Feestmuisjes examined list wheat, while the dark chocolate sprinkles in the example mentioned list milk and soya.
What should you look for in Halloween sprinkles?
First, decide between chocolate sprinkles and aniseed Muisjes. Then compare different varieties within your chosen product type.
Dark chocolate sprinkles
Choose these if: you want a chocolate topping for cupcakes or cake and the stated cocoa content matters to you.
Bear in mind: chocolate sprinkles don’t have the aniseed or the shape of Muisjes.
Muisjes
Choose these if: you specifically want to use crunchy aniseed as a topping.
Bear in mind: the Feestmuisjes examined are not dark chocolate sprinkles.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark cocoa flavour | Compare the minimum cocoa solids percentage on the label. According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52%, while Royaal chocoladehagel extra puur contains at least 43%. | If I’m mainly looking for a pronounced chocolate flavour for the party, I don’t want to rely on the product name alone. For around 42% of consumers, cocoa flavour comes first. |
| Muisjes as decoration | Check the product type, ingredients and colour variety. According to Jumbo, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes contain ingredients including sugar, aniseed and wheat starch. | For my party snacks, I mainly want the distinctive shape and crunchy aniseed texture of Muisjes. That’s the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the label on the pack you buy. The Intens Puur sprinkles mentioned list milk and soya; the Feestmuisjes list wheat and gluten. | If I’m serving guests with a relevant allergy, my product choice needs to suit their needs, even if the topping looks appealing. For around 25% of consumers, checking for allergens is the main concern. |
Things to watch out for when choosing
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Assuming Muisjes and dark chocolate sprinkles are the same product
Feestmuisjes contain aniseed, while dark chocolate sprinkles are a different type of topping. So a festive colour doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the chocolate flavour you want.
First decide whether aniseed Muisjes or a chocolate topping will work best with your snacks, then compare the varieties.
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Relying on ‘extra dark’ alone
For the De Ruijter products listed by Albert Heijn, Royaal chocoladehagel extra puur has a minimum of 43% cocoa solids, while Specials Intens Puur has a minimum of 52%.
If it will influence your choice, compare the minimum cocoa content on the specific packs.
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Skipping the label when allergies are a concern
The allergens listed differ between the chocolate sprinkles and Feestmuisjes examined. Online product information is no substitute for checking the pack you’re actually serving.
Before serving, read the latest ingredients and allergen information. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods.
Brands and retailers to help you choose
De Ruijter
Among the products discussed, De Ruijter offers both aniseed Muisjes and dark chocolate sprinkles. Treat them as different product types.
- For Specials Intens Puur and Royaal chocoladehagel extra puur, Albert Heijn lists at least 52% and 43% cocoa solids respectively.
- A description such as ‘extra dark’ doesn’t replace checking the label of the variety you choose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists Muisjes and separate product pages for the De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles mentioned.
- The product pages help you compare the ingredients and stated minimum cocoa content of specific varieties.
- Albert Heijn advises checking the pack, as ingredients, nutritional and allergen information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Muisjes and chocolate sprinkles as separate product categories.
- This distinction is helpful if you want to choose between aniseed and chocolate toppings first.
- An online category list doesn’t tell you which varieties are available in every delivery area.
PLUS
PLUS describes De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes as a topping that can also be used on cupcakes, cake and pastries.
- The product description gives you a specific idea for using aniseed Muisjes as decoration.
- Crushed Muisjes are still not a dark chocolate topping.
Chocolate sprinkles for Halloween on Joybuy
These products are chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants a chocolate topping on party snacks instead of aniseed Muisjes. Compare the packaging and, if you have specific requirements around cocoa or allergens, check the label on the variety you choose.
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De Ruijter Intens Puur dark chocolate sprinkles, 200 g
For anyone who wants to finish cupcakes with a chocolate topping rather than aniseed Muisjes.
200 g pack. If you have a milk or soya allergy, check the information on the current packaging.
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g'woon dark chocolate sprinkles, 400g
For anyone who wants to decorate bakes with chocolate sprinkles instead of using Muisjes.
400g pack. If you have a milk or wheat allergy, check the information on the current packaging.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g
For anyone looking to finish cupcakes with a dark chocolate topping and wanting a 390 g pack.
If cocoa flavour is a deciding factor, compare the minimum cocoa content on the label. If you have a milk or soya allergy, also check the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark Muisjes the same as dark chocolate sprinkles?
No. Muisjes and dark chocolate sprinkles are different types of topping. The Feestmuisjes described by Jumbo contain ingredients including aniseed and wheat starch; choose chocolate sprinkles if you specifically want a chocolate topping.
Does ‘extra dark’ always mean a higher cocoa content?
No. Compare the minimum cocoa content of each product. According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids, while De Ruijter Royaal chocoladehagel extra puur contains at least 43%.
Which allergens should I check for a Halloween buffet?
Check the allergen information on every pack you serve. The Intens Puur example mentioned lists milk and soya, while Jumbo lists wheat and gluten for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the allergen information on the label of prepacked foods.
How should I store the sprinkles until the party?
Follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack you choose. The product information for the chocolate sprinkles and Feestmuisjes discussed says to store them in a dry place; seal an opened pack well after use.