Who is this choice relevant to?

Fans of a pronounced cocoa flavour

You’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles for New Year celebrations with a clearly stated cocoa content, so you don’t have to rely solely on words such as ‘dark’ or ‘intense’.

Hosts and guests who like to serve sprinkles in different ways

You want to use chocolate sprinkles on bread, yoghurt or porridge, or as a topping, and you’re checking whether the pack size is right for the number of guests.

Shoppers who read the label carefully

You want to check the ingredients, sugars and allergens in the exact variety. A dark chocolate flavour alone tells you nothing about whether it contains milk or soya.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what matters most for your New Year celebrations: cocoa content, how you’ll serve the sprinkles, pack size or ingredients. Then check the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Cocoa content Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids in the exact variety; the flavour name is no substitute for the percentage. For a dessert or breakfast for adults, I want to be able to choose a variety with demonstrably more cocoa. Cocoa content is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
How you’ll serve them Check whether the product information mentions the intended use, such as on bread or as a topping. I want to be able to serve the same chocolate sprinkles in different ways over New Year. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this versatility.
Pack size Compare the net weight and check the best-before date and storage instructions. If several guests are eating, I want to choose a pack that suits the quantity I need. Pack size comes first for around 20% of consumers.
Ingredients Read the current ingredients, nutritional information per 100 g, allergen details and any warnings on the packaging. If sugars, sweeteners or allergens determine my choice, I want to know the ingredients of this exact variety. This is the top priority for around 10% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘dairy- or soya-free’

    The regular dark varieties of De Ruijter and Venz we looked at list milk and soya. The product name alone is therefore not a safe basis for choosing a product if you have an allergy.

    Before eating, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variety you’ve bought.

  • Assuming ‘intense’ means a high cocoa content

    According to Jumbo’s product information, the varieties we looked at contain at least 32% or at least 52% cocoa solids. The name doesn’t tell you which percentage applies to your pack.

    Look up the stated minimum percentage for the exact variety and don’t use flavour descriptions as a substitute.

  • Judging a sugar claim on its own

    A comparison of sugar content applies to the stated reference product, not automatically to all dark chocolate sprinkles. Jumbo also states that the Céréal variety we looked at contains sweeteners and carries a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.

    Check what the product is being compared with, and read the nutritional information per 100 g, ingredients and warnings.

  • Choosing a party-size pack based on size alone

    ALDI and Lidl sell dark chocolate sprinkles in 600 g packs. The pack size tells you nothing about the cocoa content or allergens in the variety you choose.

    Before buying, check the net weight, best-before date, ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.

Brands to compare

De Ruijter

Worth considering if you want to compare regular dark chocolate sprinkles with Specials Intens Puur.

  • According to product information from Jumbo and Albert Heijn, the varieties we looked at state a minimum of 32% and 52% cocoa solids respectively.
  • The regular dark variety we looked at contains milk solids and soya. If you have an allergy, always check the packaging of the exact variety.

Venz

The regular dark chocolate sprinkles we looked at could suit you if a stated minimum of 32% cocoa solids works for your needs.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists a 400 g pack and suggests using the sprinkles on bread, yoghurt and porridge, among other things.
  • Jumbo’s allergen information lists milk and soya, and also mentions possible lactose.

Jumbo

The supermarket’s own brand offers dark chocolate sprinkles in different pack sizes.

  • For one 200 g variety we looked at, Jumbo states a sugar comparison with another Jumbo chocolate sprinkle product.
  • That comparison doesn’t apply to all brands. Also check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose.

Kiekeboe (ALDI)

The Kiekeboe dark chocolate sprinkles we looked at come in a 600 g pack.

  • ALDI states that this variety contains Rainforest Alliance cocoa.
  • If the cocoa content or an allergen determines your choice, check the information on the packaging.

Mister Choc (Lidl)

The dark chocolate sprinkles we looked at come in a 600 g pack, which Lidl labels as a store-cupboard product.

  • The stated pack size makes it easier to work out how much you’ll need for several guests.
  • Check the ingredients, allergen information and cocoa content on the packaging if these matter to your choice.

Dark chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy

These regular dark chocolate sprinkles are a good fit if you’re looking for a bread topping or an ingredient to sprinkle over food for New Year celebrations. If you’re specifically looking for a higher cocoa content, compare the percentage on the packaging of the exact variety.

De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g

De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g

For anyone looking for regular dark chocolate sprinkles to use on bread or as a topping.

390 g pack. If you have a milk or soya allergy, check the current ingredients on the packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell which dark chocolate sprinkles contain more cocoa?

Compare the stated minimum percentage of cocoa solids for the exact variety. According to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52%; the regular dark varieties of De Ruijter and Venz we looked at state a minimum of 32%. This difference doesn’t guarantee how the flavour will taste to you.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles always free from milk and soya?

No. The regular dark varieties of De Ruijter and Venz we looked at list milk and soya. If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variety you want to use.

What should I check on the label for New Year?

Check the ingredients, allergen information, net weight, best-before date and storage instructions for the chocolate sprinkles you’ve chosen. Also look at the nutritional information per 100 g. If cocoa content determines your choice, look up the percentage for that exact variety.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles until New Year?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The De Ruijter and Venz varieties we looked at say to store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, seal the pack well as advised in Joybuy’s product information, and keep it away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Can I compare sugar claims from different brands directly?

Not without checking what the comparison is based on. Jumbo compares its 200 g dark variety we looked at with another Jumbo chocolate sprinkle product, not with all brands. Also read the nutritional information per 100 g, ingredients and any warnings for the variety you’re considering.