Host planning a sweet buffet
You want to serve something sweet alongside the barbecue food. A mix of chocolate sprinkles that’s also described as a cupcake topping gives you more serving options than rusks alone.
For a sweet addition to a summer barbecue, choose Dutch rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately. Compare the stated cocoa content, the type of rusk and the allergens in both products. Dark chocolate sprinkles with a higher stated cocoa content may suit you if that matters to you; a chocolate and vanilla mix offers another way to dress up a buffet or dessert. Cocoa percentage alone won’t predict which combination everyone will enjoy most.
You want to serve something sweet alongside the barbecue food. A mix of chocolate sprinkles that’s also described as a cupcake topping gives you more serving options than rusks alone.
You use the stated percentage of cocoa solids to compare varieties of chocolate sprinkles, without treating that percentage as a taste test or quality ranking.
You want to check the number and size of the rusks, as well as the ingredients in both products, in advance. That way, you can plan portions and check for potential allergens before serving.
First decide how you want to serve the combination. Then compare the chocolate sprinkles, the size of the rusks and the ingredients in both packs.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa content | Compare the stated percentage of cocoa solids and check whether you’re looking at dark chocolate sprinkles, milk chocolate sprinkles or a mix. Albert Heijn states at least 52% for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur and at least 32% for the chocolate sprinkles in Hagelfeest; Jumbo states at least 20% for its milk chocolate sprinkles. | I want to know which cocoa content I’m choosing for a small sweet treat, rather than relying on the word ‘premium’. Around 33% of consumers say this is their main priority. |
| Presentation | Check whether the chocolate sprinkles are also described as a topping, and prepare the rusks shortly before serving. | For a buffet, I want to use the chocolate sprinkles on more than just rusks. Presentation options are the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current labels on both the rusks and the chocolate sprinkles, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If guests with food allergies are joining us, I want to be able to check both parts of the combination. Ingredients and allergens are the biggest consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity and size | Compare the amount in the pack of chocolate sprinkles with the number and size of the rusks you need. | When catering for a larger group, I want to be able to prepare enough individual portions. Around 20% of consumers give this planning the highest priority. |
The stated cocoa percentages vary between types of chocolate sprinkles, but a higher percentage alone doesn’t prove that everyone will prefer the taste.
Compare the ingredients, net weight and cocoa percentage of the specific varieties you’re considering.
Rusks can contain allergens too. For Bolletje Beschuit Echte per stuk verpakt, Albert Heijn lists wheat, rye and egg, among other ingredients, and states that it may contain sesame.
Check the labels on both products separately just before serving.
A ready-made combination you looked at previously may no longer be available when you’re preparing for the barbecue.
Check current availability before counting on it, or choose separate packs of rusks and chocolate sprinkles.
Among the chocolate sprinkle varieties reviewed, the range includes both an intensely dark variety and a chocolate and vanilla mix.
The Venz Beer milk and vanilla chocolate sprinkles reviewed combine chocolate sprinkles with a vanilla variety.
The own-brand variety reviewed is milk chocolate sprinkles for anyone looking for a standard option with a stated cocoa percentage.
Check the allergens in the rusks and the chocolate sprinkles separately. The product varieties reviewed list milk, soya, wheat and other cereals containing gluten, among other allergens. Always check both current packs for the combination you’re serving.
Prepare the rusks shortly before serving if you want to keep them crisp. Until then, store the chocolate sprinkles according to the instructions on the pack, and seal any opened pack securely.