Which option is right for you?

Traveller whose main priority is Fairtrade chocolate

You want to be able to check exactly what the Fairtrade statement on the packaging says about the chocolate. Anise sprinkles won’t meet that need.

Taking bread or crispbread along for a special occasion

You choose anise sprinkles for their anise flavour and the way they’re served. Bring bread or crispbread too if you want to eat them during your journey.

Traveller looking for a snack without bread

You want something you can eat straight away, without having to portion out loose sprinkles. A chocolate bar is more practical on the go than anise sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether a Fairtrade chocolate claim, a mess-free snack or the tradition of anise sprinkles matters most to you. Then check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade chocolate Read the Fairtrade statement on the packaging and any explanation of mass balance; don’t rely on the product category. If I need chocolate to meet a specific Fairtrade requirement, I want to know exactly what the claim applies to. For around 30% of consumers, this check would be the top priority.
Eating on the train Choose between a bar you can eat without bread and sprinkles that you’ll need bread, crispbread or a container for. If you don’t want to prepare bread or risk spilling loose sprinkles while travelling, you’re probably looking for a snack you can eat on its own. This would matter most to around 40% of consumers.
Anise sprinkle tradition Check that you’re choosing anise sprinkles and can bring bread or crispbread; also read the allergen information for that particular variety. For a special occasion, I want to serve anise sprinkles on bread or crispbread, even if that isn’t a chocolate option. This tradition would come first for around 30% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking anise sprinkles for Fairtrade chocolate

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe the De Ruijter anise sprinkles mentioned here as sugar-coated anise seeds. The listed ingredients show that they’re not chocolate sprinkles.

    Choose them for the anise tradition. If you want Fairtrade chocolate, check the claim on the packaging of a chocolate product.

  • Using an old product page to confirm current availability

    Albert Heijn marks its page for Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Flakes as no longer in its range. The product information on that page therefore doesn’t confirm that you can buy these flakes now.

    Check the current store page or the shelf before basing your choice on a particular variety.

  • Overlooking allergens in small sprinkles

    The De Ruijter varieties mentioned list wheat or cereals containing gluten. The information on the specific pack matters for anise sprinkles too.

    Read the label on the variety you’re taking with you, especially if anyone eating them has a relevant allergy.

  • Taking loose sprinkles without planning how to eat them

    Anise sprinkles and chocolate sprinkles are designed to be sprinkled over something. They’re less convenient on a train journey if you don’t have bread, crispbread or a container with you.

    Pack sprinkles in a sealed container with something to eat them with, or choose a bar if you want a snack you can eat straight away. NS asks passengers to put their rubbish in the bin.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

A good choice if you want to take traditional anise sprinkles to enjoy on bread or crispbread.

  • Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe the anise sprinkles mentioned here as sugar-coated anise seeds.
  • The listed ingredients contain no cocoa; the varieties mentioned also list wheat or cereals containing gluten.

Fairtrade Original

Worth considering if you’re looking for chocolate sprinkles rather than anise sprinkles.

  • Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g in its Fair Trade category.
  • Sprinkles need bread or crispbread. Albert Heijn marks a separate chocolate flakes variety as no longer in its range, so check the current variety and packaging.

AH Biologisch

An example of a chocolate bar you can eat without bread, rather than anise sprinkles.

  • Albert Heijn says that the amount needed for its AH Biologisch extra dark bar has been traded and verified as Fairtrade.
  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, ingredients may be mixed with non-certified ingredients during production under mass balance. Also read the allergen warning on the packaging.

Chocolate bars for your journey on Joybuy

These bars are suited to anyone who wants to eat chocolate on a train journey without bread or crispbread. They’re not anise sprinkles; if you need a Fairtrade product, check the exact statement on the current packaging.

Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel Chocolate Bar, 180 g

Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel Chocolate Bar, 180 g

A bar for anyone who wants to eat chocolate on the go without bringing bread or crispbread.

The product name describes milk chocolate with pecan and caramel, 180 g. The product description mentions Fairtrade; check the exact claim and allergen information on the current packaging.

View on Joybuy
Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar Caramel Sea Salt, 90 g

Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar Caramel Sea Salt, 90 g

An alternative to loose sprinkles if you don’t want to eat bread or crispbread on your train journey.

The product name describes milk chocolate with caramel and sea salt, 90 g. The product description mentions Fairtrade; check the exact claim and allergen information on the current packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are De Ruijter anise sprinkles a Fairtrade chocolate option?

No, not according to the product information mentioned here. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe the De Ruijter anise sprinkles cited as sugar-coated anise seeds; the listed ingredients contain no cocoa. Choose them if you want to serve anise sprinkles, not to meet a Fairtrade chocolate requirement.

How can I check Fairtrade claims and allergens before setting off?

Read the current packaging of the exact product you’re buying. Check what the Fairtrade statement applies to and read any explanation of mass balance. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods is shown on the label.

How should I take anise sprinkles on an NS train?

Take the anise sprinkles in a well-sealed container, along with bread or crispbread if you want to eat them on the journey. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging; the De Ruijter anise sprinkles mentioned here should be kept dry. Put packaging and other rubbish in the bin in line with NS rules.

Does Fairtrade mean the cocoa is kept physically separate?

Not for every product claim. Albert Heijn explains that, for its AH Biologisch extra dark bar, mass balance means ingredients may be mixed with non-certified ingredients during production. So if physical separation is a requirement for you, read the explanation accompanying the Fairtrade statement.