Who is this choice for?

Fans of a rich dark chocolate flavour

If you want chocolate rather than the aniseed flavour of aniseed sprinkles, compare the stated cocoa content of each variant. PLUS states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.

Couples looking for a dark finish to their buffet

For rusks, small rolls or individual desserts, you can choose between fine chocolate sprinkles and chunkier flakes. Jumbo lists aniseed sprinkles as a separate product category; Albert Heijn and Jumbo also list dark chocolate flakes.

Buffet planners who need to provide allergen information

When toppings are served separately, it’s important to have the information from the exact pack to hand. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that businesses offering food to consumers must provide information about the allergens it contains.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you want to serve aniseed sprinkles or chocolate. Then compare the product format, pack size and allergen information for your chocolate topping.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Dark chocolate flavour Check whether it’s chocolate sprinkles or flakes, and compare the cocoa percentage of the exact variant. PLUS states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids. I want chocolate rather than aniseed sprinkles for this buffet. For around 33% of consumers, this preference for a dark chocolate flavour comes first.
Presentation Choose between fine sprinkles and chunkier flakes, then try the topping on the rusk, roll or dessert you plan to serve. I want the dark topping to stand out on small buffet portions. For around 25% of consumers, the finish matters most.
Amount needed Make a test portion, then work out how much you need for the planned number of portions. ALDI lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur in a 600 g pack. I want to buy enough sprinkles for a large number of portions without basing the amount solely on pack size. This is the top priority for around 17% of consumers.
Allergen information Read the declaration on each exact pack and keep the information available for toppings served separately. PLUS lists milk and soya for Venz Puur; its own-brand dark chocolate variant may contain milk and lactose. When I serve toppings separately, I want to be able to tell guests about allergens and avoid mix-ups. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Searching for ‘dark aniseed sprinkles’ when you mean chocolate

    Jumbo lists celebration sprinkles, coloured aniseed sprinkles and crushed aniseed sprinkles in its aniseed-sprinkle category. If you choose from this category, you could end up with an aniseed topping when you wanted chocolate.

    Look for dark chocolate sprinkles for a fine finish, or dark chocolate flakes for a chunkier one.

  • Assuming ‘intense’ and ‘extra dark’ indicate an exact cocoa percentage

    A flavour description doesn’t tell you the cocoa percentage stated on the pack. As a result, two products with similar names may still give you different expectations.

    Compare the specific cocoa content stated for each variant. PLUS says that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.

  • Relying on a vegan label instead of checking allergens

    PLUS labels its own-brand dark chocolate sprinkles as vegan, but also says that the product may contain milk and lactose. A vegan label doesn’t replace the allergen declaration.

    Keep the current pack details with your buffet plan and use the relevant allergen information for each topping served separately. Make sure scoops and product labels stay with the correct topping.

  • Assuming pack size tells you how many portions you’ll get

    A 600 g pack alone won’t tell you how much you’ll use on your rusks, rolls or desserts.

    Make a test portion with your chosen base and use it to work out how much you need for the buffet.

Brands compared

Compare the specific product, not just the brand: aniseed sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles and chocolate flakes are different product formats.

De Ruijter

Its listed ranges include both aniseed sprinkles and dark chocolate toppings.

  • PLUS states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
  • These intensely dark chocolate sprinkles aren’t an aniseed-sprinkle variant; the ingredients listed by PLUS include milk fat and soya lecithin.

Venz

An example of dark chocolate sprinkles for a range of buffet treats.

  • PLUS describes Venz Puur 400 g as a topping for bread, rusks, rolls and desserts, among other things.
  • The product information lists milk and soya; check the current label before serving.

PLUS

Offers its own-brand dark chocolate sprinkles.

  • PLUS states that its 400 g variant contains at least 32% cocoa solids and displays a vegan label.
  • The same product information says the sprinkles may contain milk and lactose; check the exact declaration if allergies are a concern.

Kiekeboe

Dark chocolate sprinkles in a larger pack.

  • ALDI lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur in a 600 g pack, made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.
  • Work out how much you need based on your portions; 600 g isn’t a serving recommendation.

Mister Choc

Dark chocolate sprinkles listed by Lidl as a store product.

  • Lidl lists Mister Choc Hagelslag Puur in a 600 g pack.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before choosing this variant for your guests.

Dark chocolate sprinkles on Joybuy

These two products are dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to serve a chocolate topping rather than aniseed sprinkles at a wedding buffet. Compare the variant and pack size with your test portions.

De Ruijter Intense Dark chocolate sprinkles 200 g

De Ruijter Intense Dark chocolate sprinkles 200 g

An intensely dark variant to consider if chocolate flavour is your priority. The pack contains 200 g; check the current ingredients and allergen information before serving the sprinkles separately.

View on Joybuy
De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g

De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g

For anyone looking for dark chocolate sprinkles rather than aniseed sprinkles. The pack contains 390 g; check the cocoa percentage and allergens on the current label if these will influence your choice.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are dark aniseed sprinkles the same as dark chocolate sprinkles?

No, they aren’t necessarily the same product. Jumbo lists De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles in a separate category; for a chocolate topping, choose a product described as dark chocolate sprinkles or flakes.

Does ‘extra dark’ indicate a set cocoa percentage?

No, the wording alone doesn’t give you the exact percentage in the pack you’re buying. PLUS states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids; compare this kind of specific information for each variant.

Does a professionally catered buffet need to provide allergen information?

Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that businesses offering food to consumers must provide information about the allergens it contains. For toppings served separately, use the current product information so guests get the right details for each product.

Can I prepare rusks with sprinkles well before the buffet?

First, try a portion using the base and any spread you actually plan to use. PLUS lists rusks as one way to serve Venz Puur, but that product description doesn’t tell you how a prepared buffet portion will look when it’s served.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically suitable for vegan guests?

No, check the exact variant. PLUS displays a vegan label for its own-brand dark chocolate sprinkles, but also says they may contain milk and lactose. For guests with an allergy, the label isn’t a substitute for the allergen declaration.