Which option is right for you?

Parents who prioritise Fairtrade cocoa

You want to be able to check the Fairtrade label on the chocolate product you choose. Chocolate sprinkles could work as a topping or decoration, as long as they do not need to be traditional muisjes.

Organisers of a traditional muisjes treat

You’re looking for the familiar shape, colours or aniseed flavour for a children’s party. Don’t automatically assume this also means choosing Fairtrade chocolate.

Parents who check ingredients in advance

You want to know exactly what’s in the version you’ve chosen before handing it out. Dutchfoodexpress lists wheat starch, among other ingredients, in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes, so always check the latest packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

For this kind of treat, first decide whether you want aniseed muisjes or chocolate sprinkles. Then check the labels and ingredients for the exact product you’re considering.

Traditional muisjes

Choose these if: aniseed flavour and the muisjes theme are central to your treat.

The trade-off: the ingredients listed by Dutchfoodexpress for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes describe a product that is not chocolate.

Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles

Choose these if: Fairtrade cocoa is your priority and chocolate works as a topping or decoration for your treat.

The trade-off: chocolate sprinkles don’t have the shape or aniseed flavour of traditional muisjes.

What to consider What to check Who it matters most to
Fairtrade cocoa Check that the Fairtrade label applies to the chocolate product you’ve chosen, not just to the shop’s range. I want cocoa with a Fairtrade label I can verify, and I’m happy to forgo the traditional muisjes shape. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this product-specific choice.
The muisjes theme Consider the version, colour and ingredients you want. Muisjes and chocolate sprinkles are different types of product. The shape and aniseed flavour matter more than chocolate for my treat. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the muisjes experience.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest packaging for the exact product and check in advance which ingredients may be relevant to the children. Before handing anything out, I want to check that the ingredients are suitable for what the children can eat. Around 25% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing a shop’s Fairtrade range with a product claim

    A supermarket selling Fairtrade products doesn’t tell you whether the pack of muisjes or chocolate sprinkles you’ve chosen carries that label.

    Check the label on the packaging or product page for the exact chocolate product.

  • Assuming chocolate sprinkles are the same as muisjes

    Switching products changes the look and flavour of your treat. Dutchfoodexpress lists sugar and aniseed in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes, while Fairtrade Original offers Hagelslag Puur.

    Before you buy, decide whether the muisjes theme or Fairtrade chocolate matters more, and don’t describe chocolate sprinkles as muisjes.

  • Relying on an old ingredients list

    The ingredients in the version you choose are what matter. Dutchfoodexpress lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes.

    Just before handing out the treat, check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. If necessary, ask in advance about any relevant allergies.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

A brand of traditional aniseed muisjes. Jumbo lists Feestmuisjes, pink and white, blue and white, and crushed varieties, among others.

  • Familiar varieties of muisjes for a treat with an aniseed theme.
  • For Feestmuisjes, Dutchfoodexpress lists sugar, aniseed and wheat starch; don’t infer a Fairtrade chocolate claim from this product.

Fairtrade Original

A chocolate option for anyone looking to use sprinkles instead of muisjes. The brand offers Hagelslag Puur.

  • The product name gives you a specific chocolate variety to check for a Fairtrade label.
  • Chocolate sprinkles aren’t aniseed muisjes, so check the latest ingredients and allergen information for this product too.

PLUS

A supermarket own-brand option for chocolate sprinkles. PLUS lists Chocoladehagelslag puur Fairtrade 400 g.

  • PLUS says the cocoa in its own-brand products has been Fairtrade-certified since 2020; the sprinkles mentioned carry Fairtrade in the product name too.
  • This information relates to chocolate sprinkles, not muisjes. Check the packaging for the version you choose.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are ordinary muisjes automatically Fairtrade chocolate?

No. Dutchfoodexpress lists sugar, aniseed and wheat starch, among other ingredients, in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes. If you want Fairtrade chocolate for your treat, check the label on the specific chocolate product you choose.

What can I choose if Fairtrade cocoa matters more than the muisjes theme?

Chocolate sprinkles with a Fairtrade label on the specific product are an alternative to traditional muisjes. Fairtrade Original offers Hagelslag Puur, and PLUS lists Chocoladehagelslag puur Fairtrade. Check the latest packaging and remember that chocolate sprinkles aren’t aniseed muisjes.

Where can I check for allergens before handing out the treat?

Read the allergen information on the latest packaging for the exact product you’re handing out. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority provides guidance on allergen labelling for prepacked foods; Dutchfoodexpress lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes.