Who are these options for?

If Fairtrade is a must

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles that are specifically labelled Fairtrade, rather than a general statement about sustainable cocoa. PLUS states that its dark chocolate sprinkles contain Fairtrade Cocoa.

If you’re buying sprinkles for a group

You want to check whether the sprinkles are suitable for anyone who needs to avoid milk or lactose before serving them. PLUS describes its dark Fairtrade sprinkles as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information on the label.

If you’re happy with another cocoa certification

You’re looking for certified cocoa but don’t insist on Fairtrade. Jumbo and ALDI label their respective chocolate sprinkles as Rainforest Alliance certified; that does not confirm Fairtrade certification.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing sprinkles for the Sinterklaas parade, first check the certification on the specific pack, then make sure they’re suitable for everyone who’ll be eating them and come in the form you need.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade labelling Check whether the pack you’ve chosen says Fairtrade or Fairtrade Cocoa. PLUS states that its Dark Fairtrade Chocolate Sprinkles contain Fairtrade Cocoa. If I want only Fairtrade sprinkles for my treat, another cocoa certification isn’t a substitute. This Fairtrade requirement is the top priority for around 38% of consumers.
Allergens Read the allergen information on the pack. PLUS states that its dark Fairtrade sprinkles may contain milk and lactose. If I’m sharing the sprinkles with others, I want to know whether milk or lactose could be a problem for anyone. Suitability is the top priority for around 31% of consumers.
Form and availability Check whether you need sprinkles for bread or crispbread, and whether the pack you’ve chosen is available. Seasonal chocolate comes in a different form. For the parade, I want to be able to buy a pack of sprinkles in good time; chocolate in another form doesn’t fit my plans. Having a product that’s ready to use is the top priority for around 31% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming another certification means Fairtrade

    Jumbo and ALDI label the sprinkles mentioned as Rainforest Alliance certified. This doesn’t confirm that those products are also Fairtrade certified.

    If Fairtrade certification is what matters to you, look for an explicit Fairtrade label on the specific pack.

  • Relying on the vegan label alone

    PLUS describes its dark Fairtrade sprinkles as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. This distinction matters if someone needs to avoid these ingredients.

    Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the pack you’ll actually be using.

  • Treating an old product page as a buying option

    Albert Heijn states that its Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles are no longer in its range.

    Before making plans for a treat, check whether the product you want is currently available.

  • Confusing seasonal chocolate with sprinkles

    Lidl says its seasonal chocolate around Sinterklaas is Fairtrade certified, but that statement doesn’t confirm anything about Lidl chocolate sprinkles.

    Decide whether you need sprinkles as a bread topping or whether chocolate in another form would suit your plans.

Relevant brands and retailers

PLUS

PLUS lists its 300 g Dark Fairtrade Chocolate Sprinkles as containing Fairtrade Cocoa.

  • The product page mentions Fairtrade Cocoa and at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • Although PLUS describes the product as vegan, it also states that it may contain milk and lactose. So check the current pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo states that its 300 g Dark Chocolate Sprinkles are made with Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

  • An option to consider if you want a cocoa certification but don’t specifically require Fairtrade.
  • The certification mentioned does not confirm Fairtrade certification. The product page says the sprinkles may contain milk.

ALDI

ALDI lists 300 g packs of Kiekeboe milk or dark chocolate sprinkles in its shop range.

  • ALDI states that these sprinkles are Rainforest Alliance certified.
  • This isn’t a Fairtrade label. Check which variety is available in store.

Lidl

Lidl is worth considering if chocolate in a different form from sprinkles also suits your Sinterklaas celebrations.

  • According to Lidl, its seasonal chocolate around Sinterklaas is Fairtrade certified.
  • This statement refers to seasonal chocolate and doesn’t confirm Fairtrade certification for chocolate sprinkles.

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn has a product page for 300 g packs of Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles.

  • Albert Heijn states that the cocoa in this product comes from Fairtrade farmers.
  • The page marks the product as no longer in its range. Don’t count on it being available to buy unless this is confirmed again.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are Rainforest Alliance sprinkles the same as Fairtrade sprinkles?

No. If Fairtrade is a must, look for an explicit Fairtrade label on the product you choose. Jumbo and ALDI label the sprinkles mentioned as Rainforest Alliance certified, while PLUS states that its dark chocolate sprinkles contain Fairtrade Cocoa.

Can someone who needs to avoid milk or lactose eat PLUS Dark Fairtrade Chocolate Sprinkles?

Don’t assume they’re suitable. PLUS describes the product as vegan, but also states that it may contain milk and lactose. Read the warning on the pack and decide whether it meets the needs of the person you’re buying for.

Should I still read the label after buying online?

Yes. Check the pack you receive, especially if you’re taking allergens into account. Product information can change; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information on the label.

Is Lidl seasonal chocolate an alternative to Fairtrade sprinkles?

Only if chocolate in a different form will work for your Sinterklaas celebrations. According to Lidl, its seasonal chocolate around Sinterklaas is Fairtrade certified, but that statement doesn’t confirm Fairtrade certification for Lidl chocolate sprinkles.