If the sprinkles themselves must be Fairtrade, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur 380 g is one option: Albert Heijn lists this variety as Fairtrade. The De Ruijter varieties reviewed are listed as Rainforest Alliance certified, but that’s a different certification. Also compare the pack size, flavour and allergens of the product you want to buy.
You’re looking for a small topping for your rusks and want to be able to check that the chosen sprinkles carry the Fairtrade mark. Another certification for cocoa won’t automatically meet this requirement.
You want to top up your chocolate sprinkles without choosing a bigger pack than you’re likely to use. Check which size suits your needs and look at the best-before date on the packaging.
You’re choosing between milk, dark and extra dark chocolate, or need to know which allergens are listed for the exact variety. The word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t mean it’s free from milk.
For a small top-up, first decide whether Fairtrade is a must. Then choose a suitable product based on pack size, flavour and the allergen information for the exact variety.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade mark | Check the mark on the specific pack; a Rainforest Alliance label isn’t the same as Fairtrade. | If I specifically want Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles, the mark needs to apply to the variety I choose. For around 42% of consumers, this assurance about certification comes first. |
| Practical pack size | Compare the pack size and best-before date with the amount you expect to use. | For a small top-up, I don’t want to choose a pack that will sit around for longer than intended. Ease of use is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Flavour and allergens | Check the variety, the stated cocoa percentage and the allergen information, including any warnings about milk and soya. | I want a flavour that goes well with my rusks, and if I have an allergy I need to be able to check the exact packaging. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Jumbo lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa for De Ruijter Hagelslag Puur. This doesn’t confirm that this variety carries the Fairtrade mark.
If Fairtrade is a must, look for that mark on the pack you’re actually buying. Treat any other certification as a separate consideration.
According to Albert Heijn, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur may contain milk. For the De Ruijter varieties reviewed, Albert Heijn and Jumbo list milk and soya.
Read the allergen information for the exact flavour and pack; don’t rely on the word ‘dark’ alone.
The Dutch Covenant on the Use of Baker’s Salt, published in 2008, describes the promotion of iodised salt in bread and bread substitutes. This doesn’t mean that every pack of rusks will contain iodised baker’s salt.
To find out what’s in your rusks, check the ingredients list on the packaging.
For anyone looking for an explicit Fairtrade label: Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur 380 g as Fairtrade, with at least 32% cocoa solids.
Jumbo lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa for De Ruijter Hagelslag Puur 390 g. Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur.
Jumbo lists a range of Venz products, including milk and dark chocolate sprinkles in 400 g packs.
These two De Ruijter products are options if you’re looking for milk chocolate flakes or dark chocolate sprinkles for your rusks and aren’t treating Fairtrade as a confirmed product feature. Check the packaging for any certification you require and for allergen information.
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An option if you’re looking for milk chocolate flakes in a 200 g pack rather than dark chocolate sprinkles.
If Fairtrade is a requirement, check whether the mark appears on this exact variety. If you have an allergy, also read the current information about milk and soya.
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An option if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles for your rusks and a 390 g pack suits your needs.
If Fairtrade is a requirement, check the mark on this exact variety. If you have an allergy, check the current milk and soya information on the packaging.
No. Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade are different certification programmes. Jumbo lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa for De Ruijter Hagelslag Puur, while Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade for Fairtrade Original Hagelslag puur. If Fairtrade is a requirement, check the mark on the product you choose.
Don’t assume this dark variety is milk-free: Albert Heijn says it may contain milk. Read the allergen information on the packaging you buy.
No, don’t assume this applies to every pack of rusks. The Dutch Covenant on the Use of Baker’s Salt, published in 2008, describes the promotion of iodised salt in bread and bread substitutes. Check the ingredients list on your rusks to see what’s listed for that product.
Store these chocolate sprinkles in a cool, dry place. Also check the best-before date and follow the instructions on your packaging.
