Who is this choice relevant to?

Those who put Fairtrade first

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles with an explicit Fairtrade label and want to know what the certification says about the physical traceability of the cocoa.

Households who eat breakfast together

You want to choose chocolate sprinkles for Sunday breakfast, but you also check which allergens are listed on the packaging and how much sugar the nutritional information gives per serving.

Those who want to tell certifications apart

You compare labels for certified cocoa without mistaking a Rainforest Alliance label for a Fairtrade one.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the certification if Fairtrade is your top priority. Then compare the specific varieties by their ingredients, nutritional information and allergens. A certification doesn’t tell you how the sprinkles are made in these respects.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade and traceability Look for the explicit Fairtrade label and read any information on the packaging about the cocoa. If I specifically want Fairtrade, another cocoa certification isn’t a substitute for me; around 50% of consumers put this certification requirement first.
Taste and product type Compare the ingredients and stated cocoa content of the varieties you’re considering. For our Sunday breakfast, the chocolate sprinkles we choose should suit everyone’s taste preferences at the table; this is the deciding factor for around 30% of consumers.
Sugars and allergens Read the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving, as well as the allergen statement on the specific packet. When others are eating too, I want to know what’s in the sprinkles and how much I’m serving; around 20% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking another cocoa certification for Fairtrade

    Albert Heijn lists the cocoa in De Ruijter Chocoladehagel puur as Rainforest Alliance certified. That’s a different label from the Fairtrade one on Fairtrade Original.

    If Fairtrade is a must-have for you, check the certification on the specific packet.

  • Assuming Fairtrade cocoa is always kept physically separate

    Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa: certified and non-certified cocoa can be physically mixed, while the volumes are tracked administratively.

    Read the information accompanying the certification if physical separation or traceability of the cocoa matters to you.

  • Checking the certification but overlooking allergens

    According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur may contain milk; De Ruijter Chocoladehagel puur lists milk and soya.

    Each time you buy, read the allergen statement on the packet of the variety you’re choosing.

  • Confusing Fairtrade with nutritional value

    The certification doesn’t relate to the amount of sugars or fats. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the calorie, saturated fat and sugar content of chocolate sprinkles.

    Assess the certification and nutritional information separately, and consider the portion you use too.

Brands to consider

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur 380 g with a Fairtrade label.

  • Jumbo states that this plain variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • The variety may contain milk. Fairtrade International also allows mass balance for cocoa, so check the packaging if physical traceability is important to your choice.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Chocoladehagel puur is an option to compare if you’re also considering a cocoa certification other than Fairtrade.

  • Albert Heijn states that the cocoa in this variety is Rainforest Alliance certified.
  • That label does not confirm Fairtrade certification. The product information lists milk and soya, and warns that lactose may be present.

Venz

Kraft Heinz’s official brand page presents Venz as a brand of chocolate sprinkles and spreads.

  • You can compare a specific Venz variety with other options if taste and product type come first.
  • If you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade, check that the chosen variety’s packaging carries the label.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fairtrade mean that the cocoa in my chocolate sprinkles can be physically traced?

Not always: Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa. Certified and non-certified cocoa can be physically mixed, while the volumes sold are tracked administratively. Check the information on the packaging if physical separation matters to your choice.

Which plain chocolate sprinkles have an explicit Fairtrade label?

Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur 380 g as Fairtrade. When buying, check the current packaging, including the ingredients and allergen information.

Is Rainforest Alliance the same as Fairtrade?

No, they’re different certifications. Albert Heijn lists the cocoa in De Ruijter Chocoladehagel puur as Rainforest Alliance certified; that label alone doesn’t confirm that the chocolate sprinkles are Fairtrade.

What should I look out for if I eat chocolate sprinkles regularly?

Check the nutritional information and how much you use each time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 9,1 g of sugar for 15 g of plain chocolate sprinkles; the figure for a specific variety may differ.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles after opening?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of your chosen variety. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo product pages recommend storing the sprinkles mentioned in a cool, dry place.