For a Halloween table with adults, if you’re looking for a topping with more emphasis on cocoa, compare the stated minimum cocoa solids: according to product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS, De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur contains at least 40%, Jumbo Puur at least 35% and PLUS Puur at least 32%. These percentages describe the composition, but they don’t guarantee which flavour your guests will prefer. Choose the pack size according to the number of treats you’re making, and always check the current label if anyone has an allergy.
If you want to emphasise cocoa for adult guests, compare the percentages on packs of the same type of product. Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur contains at least 40% cocoa solids; Jumbo says its dark sprinkles contain at least 35%.
If you’re making several cupcakes or desserts, or putting on a breakfast buffet, it helps to work out how much you’ll need in advance. Then compare pack sizes: the Jumbo and PLUS own-brand packs included in this comparison each contain 300 g.
If you’re serving sprinkles to someone who needs to avoid milk, lactose or soya, don’t rely on the word ‘dark’. Check the ingredients and warnings on the pack you’re actually serving, and keep the packaging available for your guests.
If any guests have allergies, check the label first. Then compare the cocoa content and pack size for the topping you want to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Compare the stated minimum percentage of cocoa solids on packs of chocolate sprinkles; don’t judge the flavour by ‘extra dark’ alone. | For a Halloween table with adults, I want to compare the composition of dark toppings without relying on a flavour name. Cocoa content is the top priority for around 45% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Check the weight of each pack and work out how much you’ll need for the treats you’re planning. | If I’m decorating lots of cupcakes or desserts, I want to make sure I have enough sprinkles without underestimating how much I need. Quantity is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the current pack; keep the packaging to hand when serving. | If a guest needs to avoid milk or soya, I want to be able to check what’s in the sprinkles I’ve chosen. Checking allergens is the most important condition when choosing for around 22% of consumers. |
A higher stated cocoa percentage indicates a difference in composition, but it doesn’t tell you which topping each guest will prefer.
Compare the minimum percentage on the pack and check the ingredients too if you’re choosing between dark varieties.
If you’re preparing several bowls or cupcakes, the number of packs you need may vary. The product information reviewed lists De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur in a 240 g pack, and Jumbo and PLUS dark own-brand sprinkles in 300 g packs.
Work out how much topping you want to use and check the weight of the pack you’re buying.
The dark varieties reviewed have different information about soya and the possible presence of milk or lactose. A claim on the front of the pack doesn’t replace the ingredients list and warnings.
Check the current label on every pack before serving the sprinkles to guests.
A product you’ve seen online before may not be available when you do your shopping.
Check the range at the shop where you plan to buy your sprinkles shortly before your Halloween party.
The product range reviewed includes regular dark sprinkles and Royaal Extra Puur.
Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur is a dark own-brand variety in a 300 g pack.
PLUS Chocoladevlokken Puur is an own-brand variety in a 300 g pack.
ALDI lists a 300 g pack of Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles, available in a milk or dark variety.
Albert Heijn’s sprinkles range includes AH Pure chocoladevlokken and De Ruijter Royaal Extra Puur.
These products are options for a dark chocolate topping on cupcakes or desserts. Check the product’s form if you specifically want sprinkles: chocolate chunks aren’t the same as fine sprinkles.
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An option for finishing cupcakes or desserts with dark chocolate sprinkles.
200 g pack. Before serving, check the current label for milk, soya and lactose.
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Consider this pack if you’re decorating several treats, but first check that its form suits the topping you have in mind.
390 g pack. Before buying, check whether these are chunks or fine sprinkles, and check the label for milk and soya before serving.
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A dark chocolate topping for anyone decorating several cupcakes or desserts.
390 g pack. If a particular cocoa content is essential, compare the percentage on the pack; also check the current label for milk and soya.
No. To compare products, use the minimum percentage of cocoa solids shown on the pack, rather than relying on the name alone. The Voedingscentrum notes that the terms for bitter and extra-bitter chocolate don’t, by themselves, indicate a fixed cocoa percentage.
Don’t decide based on ‘dark’ alone. The dark sprinkles reviewed have different ingredients and warnings about the possible presence of milk. Check the packaging of the product you’ve chosen before serving it.
Check the label on the pack you’re serving. The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit explains the mandatory labelling of 14 allergens; read both the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings.
Seal the pack well and store it in a dry place. Also follow the storage instructions and date on the packaging of your sprinkles.
