If you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles with a clearly stated higher cocoa content for the Christmas market, compare the minimum percentage on the packaging. According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids, compared with at least 32% for AH Hagelslag puur. A larger pack may be more practical if you’re catering for lots of people. Whichever you choose, check the ingredients and allergen information too: the word ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you anything about these on its own.
Do you want to use chocolate sprinkles on bread or as a topping, and are you looking for a variety with a clearly stated cocoa content? Compare the minimum percentage: the word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t tell you how the products differ.
If you’re making lots of sandwiches, cupcakes or desserts, the amount of sprinkles in each pack matters. Choose a pack size that suits the number of portions you’re planning and the space you have to store them.
If you’re preparing food for other people, check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose. If you’re selling food unpackaged, visitors also need access to allergen information.
Decide which feature matters most for your Christmas market. Then check the label on the exact variety you’re considering, as cocoa content, sugar profile and allergens vary from product to product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids stated on the packaging, not just the word ‘dark’. | If I’m serving the sprinkles mainly for a tasting or as a rich chocolate topping, I want to know how much cocoa the variety contains. Around 50% of consumers prioritise cocoa content. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. If you’re selling food unpackaged, make sure visitors can get allergen information. | When I’m preparing snacks for different visitors, I need to be able to tell them which allergens they contain. For around 20% of consumers, this information is the top priority. |
| Sugar profile | Compare sugars per 100 g and check whether the product lists sweeteners, polyols or a warning about excessive consumption. | If I want a different sugar profile from a standard variety, I also check what the sprinkles are sweetened with. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Compare the weight of each pack with the number of portions you’re planning and check the storage instructions. | If I’m making lots of sandwiches or desserts, I want to buy enough sprinkles without underestimating how many packs I’ll need. For around 10% of consumers, quantity comes first. |
According to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, the dark varieties discussed here contain at least 32%, 50% or 52% cocoa solids. The product name alone doesn’t tell you which percentage you’re buying.
If cocoa content is your main selection criterion, compare the minimum percentage for the exact variety.
The product information for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur and Venz Puur lists milk and soya. So the word ‘dark’ is no indication that these products are free from those allergens.
Check the current label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, customers must also be able to get information about allergens in unpackaged food.
Jumbo lists 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g for Céréal Hagelslag Puur. The product information also warns of a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.
For this type of variety, check the sweeteners, polyols and any warnings on the packaging before choosing it for visitors.
De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur is a 200 g variety for anyone looking for a higher cocoa content that’s clearly stated.
Venz Puur is a standard dark chocolate sprinkles variety in a 400 g pack.
AH Hagelslag puur is a 600 g variety for when you need to cater for lots of people.
Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Puur 200 g offers a different combination of stated cocoa content and sugar profile.
Lidl lists Mister Choc Hagelslag puur as a 600 g pack for in-store purchase.
Kiekeboe Hagelslag puur is a 600 g variety to include when comparing pack sizes.
This 200 g variety suits anyone looking for dark chocolate sprinkles with a clearly stated higher cocoa content. For a Christmas market, work out separately how many packs you’ll need for the portions you’re planning.
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For bread or as a topping when you’re looking for a variety with a clearly stated higher cocoa content.
The product information states that it contains at least 52% cocoa solids and comes in a 200 g pack. Milk and soya are also listed; check the current label if you’re buying for visitors with allergies.
No. According to the product information for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur and Venz Puur, both varieties contain milk and soya. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack, even if you’ve bought the same product before.
Make sure customers can get information about any allergens before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains this information requirement for sellers of unpackaged food. Use the labels for all the ingredients in your recipe to put the information together.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. The product information consulted for varieties from De Ruijter, Venz, AH and Jumbo says to store in a cool, dry place. Also check the best-before date and seal any opened pack properly.
Not without checking the other ingredients and warnings too. For Céréal Hagelslag Puur, Jumbo lists maltitols and 40 g of polyols per 100 g, with a warning of a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess. So compare the full label and make sure the ingredients are clearly communicated when you sell it.
