Travellers looking for a dark chocolate flavour
If by ‘dark’ you mainly mean cocoa, and chocolate sprinkles are also an option, Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur as containing at least 52% cocoa solids. This product isn’t Muisjes.
Which flavour is right for you?
Fans of aniseed Muisjes
If aniseed matters more to you than cocoa, the traditional product type is a better match. De Ruijter describes Muisjes as sugared aniseed seeds; Jumbo also lists a crushed variety.
Travellers who need to check ingredients
If an allergen affects your choice, check the label on the exact product before you set off. Jumbo lists wheat in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes; check the milk and soya information separately for chocolate sprinkles.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want aniseed Muisjes or dark chocolate sprinkles. Then think about how you’ll carry your sprinkles and which ingredients you need to check.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa or aniseed | Check the product type and, if it matters to your choice, the stated cocoa content. | I mainly want a dark chocolate flavour for the journey, not the aniseed flavour of Muisjes. This flavour preference is the deciding factor for an estimated 40% of consumers. |
| Taking it with you and clearing up | Check whether you can seal the pack securely and put the sprinkles on your bread before you leave. | Making my sandwich in advance helps me avoid loose sprinkles in the train carriage. Convenience when travelling is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, checking the label comes before my flavour preference. An estimated 30% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark Muisjes’ are a standard variety
If you’re looking for cocoa, traditional Muisjes may taste different from what you expect. Jumbo lists Muisjes separately from dark chocolate sprinkles and flakes.
Decide whether you want aniseed or chocolate, then check the product type and ingredients list.
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Assuming ‘dark’ means allergen-free
A ‘dark’ label doesn’t tell you which allergens a particular chocolate sprinkle product contains. Jumbo lists wheat in Gestampte Muisjes; chocolate sprinkles need to be checked separately.
Read the allergen information on the current pack, even if you’ve bought the product before.
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Opening loose sprinkles in the train carriage
Loose sprinkles and packaging are tricky to clear up during a journey. NS asks passengers to put their rubbish in the bin.
Make your sandwich before you leave and take something with you to collect any loose sprinkles.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
The range shown by Jumbo and Albert Heijn includes both aniseed Muisjes and separate products made with dark chocolate.
- Jumbo lists Gestampte Muisjes as an option for anyone looking for aniseed flavour and a finer texture.
- Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur as containing at least 52% cocoa solids, but it’s a chocolate sprinkle product, not Muisjes. Check the allergens on the label.
Dark chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy
These chocolate sprinkle products are for anyone looking for a dark chocolate option to take with them. They don’t replace the aniseed flavour of Muisjes; it’s best to make your sandwiches before your train journey.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
For anyone looking for dark chocolate sprinkles instead of aniseed Muisjes. If you have allergies, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
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De Ruijter Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 390 g
For anyone who wants to take dark chocolate sprinkles as an alternative to Muisjes. If a particular cocoa content will determine your choice, check the percentage on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark Muisjes the same as dark chocolate sprinkles?
No. Traditional Muisjes are an aniseed product, while dark chocolate sprinkles are a different product type. Jumbo lists Muisjes and dark chocolate products separately; check the product name if cocoa is what matters most to you.
What should I look for if I mainly want a dark chocolate flavour?
Choose a chocolate spread or topping that’s explicitly labelled as dark, and check the cocoa content if that affects your choice. Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur as containing at least 52% cocoa solids; this doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties.
How should I take Muisjes or sprinkles on the train?
It’s best to put the sprinkles on your bread before you leave and keep any pack you take with you sealed. Collect any loose bits and put your rubbish in the bin, as requested in NS’s house rules.
Do I need to check for allergens in dark chocolate sprinkles?
Yes. ‘Dark’ on its own doesn’t mean a product is free from milk, soya or other allergens. If you have an allergy, read the information on the exact pack; Voedingscentrum points out that allergens are highlighted in the ingredients list.