Snack shoppers who want to check a Fairtrade claim
You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles for something like toast or yoghurt, and want to know whether the packaging says Fairtrade or specifically refers to Fairtrade-certified cocoa.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People who use chocolate sprinkles regularly
You want to compare pack sizes and see which option suits the way you use chocolate sprinkles.
People for whom allergens are a deciding factor
Before use, you need to check the current ingredients list and allergen warnings. Even dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk or include it as an ingredient.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the exact Fairtrade claim. Then compare the dark chocolate options and check the packaging of the product you’re actually choosing before you buy.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade claim | Check whether Fairtrade is mentioned in relation to the chocolate sprinkles or specifically the cocoa. If physical separation matters to you, also look for an explanation on the packaging. | If Fairtrade matters to me, I want to know exactly what the claim refers to. Around 36% of consumers put this claim first. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack sizes of the different options. The packs listed for Fairtrade Original and Delicata contain 380 g and 200 g respectively. | If I use them regularly, I want to know how long a pack will last. That’s why pack size is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Dark chocolate option and cocoa | Compare the stated cocoa content of the same product type, and also read the ingredients and nutritional information. | For my afternoon snack, I’m looking for dark chocolate sprinkles whose stated cocoa content I can compare. That’s the first consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Check the current label for milk, lactose and any warnings. Look at the sugar content per 100 g if it’s relevant to your choice. | I can only choose once I’ve checked what’s in the chocolate sprinkles and what warnings are shown. Around 14% of consumers give this check priority. |
Common misconceptions
-
Assuming Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade mean the same thing
Jumbo says its Chocolade Hagelslag Puur uses Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa, while Albert Heijn states that Fairtrade applies to Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur. These are different claims.
Decide which claim you’re looking for and check the wording on the specific product packaging, rather than relying only on the brand’s general information.
-
Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘dairy-free’
According to the product information, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur may contain milk. Delicata Chocolade hagelslag puur contains milk and lactose; Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Puur contains milk and may contain gluten and wheat.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, always check the ingredients and warnings on the current label.
-
Assuming different packs are the same size
Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur is listed in a 380 g pack, while Delicata Chocolade hagelslag puur comes in a 200 g pack. Comparing the packs alone won’t tell you how much chocolate sprinkles you’re getting.
Check the size of the product you’re buying and choose an amount that suits how you use it.
-
Assuming Fairtrade means complete physical separation
Fairtrade International allows a mass balance system for cocoa: Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade cocoa can be mixed during processing, while the Fairtrade volumes are tracked.
If physical separation is essential for you, look for product-specific information on the packaging or ask the manufacturer for clarification.
Brands worth comparing
Fairtrade Original
A relevant option if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles with an explicit Fairtrade claim.
- Albert Heijn says Fairtrade applies to Hagelslag puur 380 g; the product information states that it contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- This dark chocolate option may contain milk. Check the current label for each product type.
Delicata
Worth comparing if a claim about Fairtrade-certified cocoa is enough for you.
- Albert Heijn states that Chocolade hagelslag puur contains Fairtrade-certified cocoa and at least 43% cocoa solids.
- This option contains milk and lactose. The cocoa claim alone says nothing about ingredients that aren’t mentioned.
Jumbo
An alternative to consider if a specific Fairtrade claim isn’t your top priority.
- Jumbo states that Chocolade Hagelslag Puur 200 g contains Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa, at least 50% cocoa solids and at least 30% less sugar than Jumbo hagelslag puur.
- This is not a Fairtrade claim. The product contains milk and may contain gluten and wheat.
De Ruijter
A traditional dark chocolate sprinkle option to compare with products carrying a Fairtrade claim.
- The Joybuy product page for Chocoladehagelslag Puur 390 g states that it contains Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa.
- Don’t treat this as a Fairtrade claim. The product information lists milk and soya as allergens.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles mean the cocoa has been kept physically separate?
No, the label doesn’t automatically mean that. Fairtrade International allows a mass balance system for cocoa: it can be mixed during processing, while Fairtrade volumes are tracked through the supply chain. If physical separation matters to you, look for product-specific information.
Are dark chocolate sprinkles with a Fairtrade claim automatically dairy-free?
No. According to the product information, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur may contain milk, while Delicata Chocolade hagelslag puur contains milk and lactose. If you have an allergy or intolerance, always read the current label for the product you’ve chosen.
How can I compare the amount of chocolate sprinkles in each pack?
Check the stated net weight of each product. The Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur pack listed contains 380 g, while the Delicata Chocolade hagelslag puur pack contains 200 g. Check the pack size again when you choose.
Where can I find allergen information on a pack of chocolate sprinkles?
Read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens which must be declared have to be clearly distinguishable from other ingredients on the label. Check the packaging of the product you’re actually using.