Looking for a study snack with a more intense cocoa profile? Start by checking the minimum cocoa solids listed on the label. Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur as containing at least 40%, compared with at least 32% for the regular dark sprinkles from De Ruijter, AH and PLUS that we looked at. This percentage alone doesn’t determine how a product tastes or how much you’ll want to use. Also compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, check the allergens and see whether your chosen variety is available.
You want to compare sprinkles with a verifiably higher minimum cocoa content for your study snack. The product listings we looked at from Albert Heijn and PLUS show a difference between at least 40% for De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur and at least 32% for some regular dark varieties. Taste is still a matter of personal preference.
You use sprinkles as a topping and want to look beyond the nutritional values per 100 g to work out how much to add to a portion. The serving size shown on the pack is a point of comparison, not a personal recommendation.
You need the ingredients and allergen information for the exact pack you’re buying. The dark varieties we looked at differ in their statements about soya, milk and lactose, including warnings that they may contain milk.
First, decide which feature matters most for your study snack. Then check the other details on the pack: a higher minimum cocoa content doesn’t replace the need to check allergens or nutritional information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa solids | Read the minimum percentage listed for the exact variety. For example, compare the 40% listed for De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur with the 32% listed for the regular dark sprinkles we looked at. | I want to make a considered choice for my study session and pick a variety with a higher stated minimum cocoa content, rather than relying on the word ‘dark’ alone. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check both ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ on the pack, especially for soya, milk and lactose. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to know what the pack for this exact variety says. This check comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portion size and nutritional information | Compare sugars, energy and saturated fat per 100 g, then work out how much you’ll actually use. | If I sprinkle these over a snack, I want to measure out the amount rather than keep taking more from the pack without noticing. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portion size. |
| Packaging and availability | Check the pack weight and whether your preferred variety is available from your chosen retailer. | I only use sprinkles occasionally, so I want to choose a pack that suits me. I also want to know whether my chosen variety is available to order. This is the first consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
The dark chocolate sprinkles we looked at list either at least 32% or at least 40% cocoa solids. Choca Sprinkles are described as cocoa fantasy sprinkles and list 7.5% low-fat cocoa. A dark-coloured pack or the word ‘sprinkles’ doesn’t make these products alike.
If the percentage matters to your choice, read the product description and check the minimum cocoa content for the exact variety.
The regular dark varieties we looked at list around 63–65 g of sugars per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also points out that chocolate contains a lot of saturated fat and calories.
Check the sugars, energy and saturated fat per 100 g, and consider how much you’ll use as a topping.
Allergen information varies by variety and may change if the recipe is updated. This is especially important if milk, lactose or soya affects your choice.
Before eating, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you actually receive.
Albert Heijn’s listing for De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur said that the variety was no longer in its range. So an interesting cocoa percentage doesn’t automatically make a product available to buy.
Check availability at your chosen retailer and, if needed, compare the labels of varieties that are available to order there.
The range we looked at includes both regular dark chocolate sprinkles and a Royaal Extra Puur variety with a higher stated minimum cocoa content.
The own-brand dark chocolate sprinkles we looked at come in a 300 g pack and list at least 32% cocoa solids.
The 300 g PLUS Chocoladevlokken Puur we looked at lists at least 32% cocoa solids.
Choca Sprinkles are a different type of sprinkle for anyone who isn’t specifically looking for dark chocolate sprinkles with a stated minimum cocoa content.
These two De Ruijter varieties may be worth considering if you’re looking at chocolate sprinkles or chocolate chunks for a study snack. To decide which is right for you, compare the cocoa content, ingredients and amount you’ll use on the exact pack.
Image unavailable
For anyone considering dark chocolate sprinkles as a topping for a study snack. The pack contains 200 g; check the cocoa content, nutritional information and allergens on the label before choosing this variety.
Image unavailable
For anyone comparing chocolate chunks as a topping for a study snack with finer sprinkles. This pack contains 390 g; check the label to see whether the ingredients and allergen information suit your needs.
No. The word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t tell you enough about the nutritional value or how much you’ll use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that chocolate contains a lot of saturated fat and calories, so compare the nutritional information for the exact variety and decide on your portion size.
Read the minimum cocoa content on the pack rather than relying on the product name alone. The Albert Heijn listing we looked at for De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur states at least 40%, compared with at least 32% for the regular dark varieties from De Ruijter, AH and PLUS that we looked at. Also check whether the exact variety is available.
Yes. The product pages we looked at suggest using them with yoghurt and porridge. Decide how much to add and consider the nutritional information in relation to that amount.
Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warning on the pack you’re buying. The varieties we looked at differ in their statements about soya, milk and lactose, among other things, so don’t rely on the ‘dark’ category alone.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack for your variety. The dark sprinkles we looked at say to store in a cool, dry place. Reseal the pack carefully after use.
