Which choice is right for you?

For those who put Fairtrade first

You want to be able to rely on a specific Fairtrade label for your chocolate sprinkles, and only then compare the other product features. For this choice, Rainforest Alliance is not an equivalent label.

For fans of dark chocolate sprinkles

You’re looking for a dark variant and want to compare the stated cocoa content and sugars per 100 g, without assuming from the word ‘dark’ that the product is dairy-free.

For anyone who needs to check ingredients carefully

If milk, soya or the possible presence of gluten or wheat matters to your household, the ingredients list and warnings on the current packaging should guide your choice.

What should you look for?

First decide whether Fairtrade is a must-have for you. Then compare dark variants using the label, while always prioritising suitable ingredients and allergen information if your household needs it.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa Look for a specific Fairtrade label on the product; treat Rainforest Alliance as a separate certification. If I want to make a conscious Fairtrade choice, a general sustainability logo isn’t enough. This specific choice of certification comes first for around 36% of consumers.
Dark variant Compare the stated minimum percentage of cocoa solids and the sugars per 100 g. When choosing dark chocolate sprinkles, I want to compare the product’s composition rather than rely on the name alone. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this comparison.
Sugars Read the nutritional information per 100 g and, if there’s a less-sugar claim, check which chocolate sprinkles it’s compared with. If I want to keep an eye on sugars, it needs to be clear what the value is and what a claim is being compared with. This is the first consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the current ingredients list and any warnings about possible presence on the packaging. If an ingredient or allergen isn’t suitable for my household, the word ‘dark’ can’t determine my choice. This check comes first for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    Rainforest Alliance describes its programmes as addressing some similar themes, but taking a different approach. So one certification doesn’t confirm that a product carries the other.

    If Fairtrade is a condition of your purchase, look for a clear Fairtrade label on the chocolate sprinkles themselves.

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means less sugar

    Jumbo states that Fairtrade Original Chocoladehagelslag Puur 380 g contains 65.8 g of sugars per 100 g, while Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Puur 200 g contains 43.1 g per 100 g. The product information gives a minimum of 32% and 50% cocoa solids respectively; the word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t show these differences.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and the cocoa content of the variants you’re considering.

  • Assuming dark chocolate sprinkles are dairy-free or vegan

    Fairtrade Original states that its dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Chocoladehagel Puur contains milk and soya; Jumbo lists milk and E904, a glaze of animal origin, for its dark 200 g variant.

    Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging you choose before deciding whether it meets your requirements.

  • Relying on old online product information

    Albert Heijn says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. This is particularly important if you need to avoid an ingredient.

    Use a product page to help you shortlist options, then check the physical packaging before using the chocolate sprinkles.

Brands compared

Fairtrade Original

Fairtrade Original Hagelslag Puur 380 g is worth considering if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles with an explicit Fairtrade positioning.

  • Fairtrade Original states a minimum of 32% cocoa solids. Jumbo lists 65.8 g of sugars per 100 g for this variant.
  • The product information says the chocolate sprinkles may contain milk. Also check the Fairtrade label on the current packaging.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Chocoladehagel Puur 390 g is a dark variant made with Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, for anyone who doesn’t require Fairtrade.

  • Albert Heijn lists 64 g of sugars per 100 g and Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa for this variant.
  • According to Albert Heijn, the variant contains milk and soya and may contain lactose. Rainforest Alliance is not a Fairtrade label.

Jumbo

Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Puur 200 g is another useful option to compare if you’re mainly looking at the stated sugar and cocoa content.

  • Jumbo states a minimum of 50% cocoa solids, 43.1 g of sugars per 100 g, and at least 30% less sugar than Jumbo hagelslag puur.
  • The variant contains milk, may contain gluten and wheat, and lists E904 as a glaze of animal origin. Jumbo mentions Rainforest Alliance cocoa; this is not a Fairtrade label.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is chocolate sprinkles made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa also Fairtrade?

No. A Rainforest Alliance label doesn’t confirm Fairtrade status. Rainforest Alliance explains that its certification programmes take different approaches, so if Fairtrade is essential to you, check for a specific Fairtrade label on the chocolate sprinkles.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically dairy-free?

No. Fairtrade Original states that its dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk, while the product information for De Ruijter Chocoladehagel Puur and Jumbo Chocolade Hagelslag Puur 200 g says these variants contain milk. If you need to avoid milk, check the current packaging.

How do I check allergens on a pack of chocolate sprinkles?

Read the ingredients list and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that 14 allergens must be declared on the label. Always check the packaging of the variant you intend to use.

What should I look for if I want chocolate sprinkles with less sugar?

Compare the sugars per 100 g and check which variant a less-sugar claim is compared with. Jumbo states that its Chocolade Hagelslag Puur 200 g contains 43.1 g of sugars per 100 g and has at least 30% less sugar than Jumbo hagelslag puur. This comparison says nothing about Fairtrade status or whether the product is suitable for people with allergies.