Choose Fairtrade Original Pure Chocolate Sprinkles if an explicit Fairtrade claim on the front of the pack is your priority. Delicata Dark Chocolate Sprinkles state a higher minimum cocoa solids content, but the Fairtrade claim on the product page relates specifically to the cocoa. Before serving, check the allergen information too: Fairtrade Original warns that its product may contain milk, while Delicata contains milk and lactose.
You want to choose chocolate sprinkles with a Fairtrade claim for your afternoon coffee, and find out whether that claim applies to the product or specifically to the cocoa. Albert Heijn’s product information makes this distinction for Fairtrade Original and Delicata.
You compare the stated cocoa content and sugars per 100 g, but also consider how much you’ll serve with your coffee. A higher cocoa content alone doesn’t tell you how sweet a portion will taste.
You’re choosing for yourself or a guest who needs to avoid milk or lactose. In that case, the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current packaging matter more than the words ‘dark’ and ‘Fairtrade’ on the front.
First decide which Fairtrade claim you’re looking for. Then compare the nutritional information and check the allergens on the packaging just before serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| What Fairtrade means | Check whether Fairtrade is listed as a product claim or whether the claim relates specifically to the cocoa. Look for any explanation of the logo on the packaging. | I want to choose Fairtrade consciously for my afternoon coffee, rather than relying on a different sustainability certification. For around 42% of consumers, the meaning of the certification is the top priority. |
| Cocoa and sugars | Compare cocoa solids and sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn states that Fairtrade Original dark sprinkles contain at least 32% cocoa and 66 g of sugars, while Delicata dark sprinkles contain at least 43% cocoa and 54 g of sugars. | For a small treat with my coffee, I want to be able to choose based on cocoa content and sweetness, without assuming this means one is healthier. Around 25% of consumers give this comparison the highest priority. |
| Milk and lactose | Read the current ingredients and allergen warnings. Fairtrade Original dark sprinkles state that they may contain milk; Delicata dark sprinkles contain milk and lactose. | If I’m serving sprinkles to a guest who needs to avoid milk or lactose, I want to know what the pack says before they eat. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
The AH, De Ruijter and Venz varieties listed by Albert Heijn state that they contain Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. This is a different certification and doesn’t substantiate a Fairtrade claim for those sprinkles.
If Fairtrade is a requirement for you, look for the exact Fairtrade claim and read the explanation on the packaging.
Delicata dark sprinkles state that they contain at least 43% cocoa solids, while Fairtrade Original dark sprinkles contain at least 32%. That difference alone doesn’t tell you which portion is right for someone’s diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies chocolate sprinkles as outside the Dutch Wheel of Five, partly because of their sugars and saturated fat.
Use the cocoa content to distinguish between the products, and also check the nutritional information per 100 g and the portion you plan to serve.
‘Dark’ doesn’t mean that milk is ruled out: Delicata dark sprinkles contain milk and lactose, while Fairtrade Original dark sprinkles carry a warning that they may contain milk.
Check the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the packaging every time you buy, especially if you’re serving someone else.
The 380 g Pure Chocolate Sprinkles listed by Albert Heijn carry a Fairtrade product claim.
The Dark Chocolate Sprinkles listed by Albert Heijn state that they contain Fairtrade-certified cocoa.
AH Dark Chocolate Sprinkles are an option to compare if Fairtrade isn’t a deciding factor.
De Ruijter Kleintjes is worth considering if you’re looking for individually portioned packs to serve with coffee.
Venz Mini's is another variety of chocolate sprinkles to consider if Fairtrade isn’t a firm requirement.
No, that doesn’t automatically follow from the certification. Fairtrade allows ‘mass balance’ for cocoa: Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade cocoa can be mixed in the supply chain, with quantities tracked administratively. If there’s an arrow on the Fairtrade logo, read the explanation on the back of the packaging too.
The Fairtrade certification isn’t nutritional advice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies chocolate sprinkles as outside the Dutch Wheel of Five, partly because of their sugars, saturated fat and calories. For your coffee break, compare the nutritional information and portion size. For individual dietary advice, follow the guidance of your healthcare professional or dietitian.
Don’t rely on the word ‘dark’; check the current packaging and why milk needs to be avoided. Fairtrade Original Pure Chocolate Sprinkles don’t list milk as an ingredient, but carry a warning that they may contain milk. Delicata Dark Chocolate Sprinkles contain milk and lactose.
Store the sprinkles according to the instructions on the packaging. Albert Heijn’s product information recommends storing them in a cool, dry place; for Delicata, it also says to keep them away from light. Reseal the pack after use and check the best-before date.
