Who is this choice relevant to?

Coffee drinkers looking for Fairtrade

You want to choose chocolate sprinkles for your rusk that are specifically labelled Fairtrade. A statement that the cocoa is certified under another scheme does not automatically meet that preference.

Fans of dark chocolate sprinkles

You compare dark varieties to enjoy with coffee, looking at their cocoa percentage and pack size. The Fairtrade Original, Venz and De Ruijter varieties listed by Albert Heijn have different cocoa percentages; the percentage doesn’t tell you which certification a product carries.

Consumers checking allergens

You want to know whether your chosen chocolate sprinkles contain or may contain milk, lactose or soya. Even when ‘dark’ appears in a product’s name, it’s important to check the allergen information on the current packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether Fairtrade certification on the chocolate sprinkles themselves is a must. Then compare the allergen information and product details of the varieties that meet your needs.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade certification Look for a Fairtrade statement on the specific product. A Rainforest Alliance statement does not confirm that the chocolate sprinkles are Fairtrade. I want chocolate sprinkles on my coffee-time rusk that are specifically labelled Fairtrade. For an estimated 50% of consumers, that certification preference is the deciding factor.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen variety, including warnings such as ‘may contain milk’. If I need to avoid milk or soya, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘dark’. An estimated 30% of consumers put checking allergens first.
Taste and pack size Compare the stated cocoa percentage and pack weight; on their own, these details say nothing about Fairtrade certification. I’m looking for dark chocolate sprinkles to suit my taste and go well with coffee, without buying more than I need. An estimated 20% of consumers prioritise taste and pack size.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur as Fairtrade. The Rainforest Alliance cocoa statements for the AH, Venz, De Ruijter and Kiekeboe varieties reviewed do not confirm that those products are Fairtrade.

    If Fairtrade is a must, check the certification statement on the pack you want to buy.

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means it’s free from milk or soya

    According to the product information, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur may contain milk. The dark varieties from Venz and De Ruijter listed by Albert Heijn contain milk and soya.

    Check the current allergen information for each variety individually.

  • Relying on an old product range listing

    Albert Heijn marked the Fairtrade Original milk variety as discontinued. A product listing doesn’t tell you whether it’s still available to buy, so check before you shop.

    Check your chosen variety again before planning to serve chocolate sprinkles on rusks at coffee time.

  • Assuming all rusks contain iodised baker’s salt

    Information from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority about iodine in bakery products doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in the rusks you choose.

    Check the ingredients list for those rusks if iodine is relevant to your choice.

Brands compared

These product examples show why you should check the certification and ingredients for each variety. The brand name alone won’t make the choice for you.

Fairtrade Original

For anyone specifically looking for Fairtrade: Albert Heijn lists its 380 g Hagelslag puur as Fairtrade. Fairtrade Original says this variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The Fairtrade statement applies to the product named here.
  • This dark variety may contain milk.

Albert Heijn

AH Hagelslag puur, 250 g, is made with Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa and contains at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The product information states that this variety is vegetarian and gluten-free.
  • This variety contains milk and lactose; the Rainforest Alliance statement does not confirm Fairtrade certification.

Venz

The 400 g Hagelslag puur listed by Albert Heijn contains at least 32% cocoa solids and is made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.

  • The product information gives a 20 g serving size.
  • This variety contains milk and soya, may contain lactose and is not confirmed as Fairtrade by the certification statement shown.

De Ruijter

For Specials hagelslag intens puur, Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids and Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

  • The stated cocoa percentage gives you a useful point of comparison with the varieties listed as containing at least 32%.
  • This variety contains milk and soya, may contain lactose and does not automatically carry Fairtrade certification.

Kiekeboe (ALDI)

ALDI lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag puur in a 600 g pack, made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa.

  • The stated pack weight can help you choose a size that suits your needs.
  • The Rainforest Alliance cocoa statement does not confirm Fairtrade certification; check the current packaging.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles for rusks?

Check whether the specific chocolate sprinkles are labelled Fairtrade. Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur as Fairtrade; a Rainforest Alliance statement on another product does not confirm that certification.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles milk-free?

No, you can’t tell from the word ‘dark’. According to the product information, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur may contain milk, while the dark varieties from Venz and De Ruijter listed by Albert Heijn contain milk and soya. Check the current label every time you buy.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles after buying them?

Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the packaging. The product information for the chocolate sprinkles reviewed says to store them in a cool, dry place.

Do rusks with chocolate sprinkles always contain iodine from baker’s salt?

You can’t assume this is the case for every rusk. Information from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority about iodine in bakery products doesn’t establish what’s in the rusks you choose. So, if iodine is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list for the rusks.