Who is this relevant to?

Students who put Fairtrade first

You want the chocolate sprinkles you buy to carry the FAIRTRADE mark. Before treating another cocoa certification as an alternative, check the exact variety on the packaging or product page.

Housemates keeping an eye on pack size

You may share a kitchen cupboard and chocolate sprinkles with others. In that case, the pack size, the space available and how quickly you’ll get through it all matter.

Students checking flavour and allergens

You might be looking for dark or extra-dark chocolate sprinkles, but you’ll also want to know what the label says for that variety. Cocoa content and allergen information can vary between products.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide whether Fairtrade is a must for you. Then compare the exact varieties by pack size, cocoa content and the information on the current label.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important to?
FAIRTRADE mark Look for the mark on the exact packaging, or an explicit Fairtrade statement for that variety. Another cocoa claim is not a substitute. I want my first food shop to include chocolate sprinkles that are demonstrably Fairtrade. The mark is a priority for around 46% of consumers.
Pack size Compare the weight in grams with your cupboard space and how much you expect to use, especially if you’ll be sharing the pack. I share a kitchen cupboard with housemates and don’t want a pack that’s too large for how much we’ll use. Pack size matters most to around 27% of consumers.
Dark or extra-dark Read the variety name and stated cocoa content; don’t assume the information for a dark variety also applies to an extra-dark one. After moving, I want chocolate sprinkles that match my preference for dark or extra-dark chocolate. This flavour choice is the deciding factor for around 18% of consumers.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety. If I need to take allergens into account for myself or a housemate, I want to know what the label says for this pack. This check takes priority for around 9% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    The product information for the dark varieties mentioned from De Ruijter, Venz and Kiekeboe refers to Rainforest Alliance cocoa. That is not the same proof of certification as the FAIRTRADE mark listed by Albert Heijn for Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles.

    If Fairtrade is a must for you, check the mark on the exact chocolate sprinkles variety you want to buy.

  • Choosing a large pack without thinking about how much you’ll use

    A 600 g pack takes up more cupboard space than a 380 g pack, and may be inconvenient if you don’t use chocolate sprinkles very often.

    Think about whether you’ll be sharing the pack and how much space you have for it. Separately, check that the certification meets your needs.

  • Guessing allergen information from the flavour name

    Seeing “dark” on the front doesn’t tell you which allergens the chocolate sprinkles contain or may contain. For example, Albert Heijn says that Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles may contain milk.

    When you buy them, read the allergen information on the packaging for the exact variety, especially if you or a housemate has an allergy to consider.

Brands and certification claims

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn lists the FAIRTRADE mark for Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 380 g, which contains at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • A specific dark variety that is stated to carry the Fairtrade mark.
  • The extra-dark variety is a different product: the corresponding Albert Heijn page lists it as 220 g with 50% cocoa. Check its availability separately.

De Ruijter

Jumbo lists De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 390 g, as containing Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

  • Ingredients and allergen information are provided for this dark variety.
  • The Rainforest Alliance statement does not prove that this variety carries the FAIRTRADE mark. According to Jumbo, it contains milk and soya and may contain lactose.

Venz

Albert Heijn describes Venz Dark Chocolate Sprinkles as a 400 g pack containing Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

  • The product information identifies the dark variety and lists the allergens.
  • The Rainforest Alliance statement is not proof of Fairtrade certification. Albert Heijn lists milk and soya and says the variety may contain lactose.

Kiekeboe

ALDI Nederland lists Kiekeboe Dark Chocolate Sprinkles as a 600 g pack containing Rainforest Alliance cocoa.

  • The pack size may be worth considering if several housemates use the same chocolate sprinkles.
  • The cocoa claim is not proof of the FAIRTRADE mark; also check that the pack size suits your needs.

Chocolate sprinkles on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles?

Check for the FAIRTRADE mark on the packaging of the exact variety and read the accompanying product information. Fairtrade International explains that products carrying the mark meet the applicable Fairtrade Standards; for products with multiple ingredients, the packaging may provide further information. Albert Heijn lists the mark for Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 380 g.

Is Rainforest Alliance cocoa the same as Fairtrade?

No. A Rainforest Alliance cocoa statement on its own is not proof of the FAIRTRADE mark. The product information for the dark varieties mentioned from De Ruijter, Venz and Kiekeboe includes this type of cocoa claim; if Fairtrade is a must for you, check the mark on the exact variety.

What pack size is right for student accommodation?

Choose a pack that suits the cupboard space available and how quickly you and your housemates will use it. The Fairtrade Original Dark variety mentioned comes in a 380 g pack, while the Kiekeboe Dark variety mentioned comes in a 600 g pack. The difference in weight does not mean they carry the same certification.

Do I need to check allergens in dark chocolate sprinkles?

Yes. Read the allergen information for the exact variety; the word “dark” doesn’t tell you whether allergens are present. According to the product information mentioned, Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles may contain milk, while milk and soya are listed for Venz Dark and De Ruijter Dark, and lactose may also be present. Check the current label when you buy.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles after moving?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The product information for the Fairtrade Original, Venz and De Ruijter varieties mentioned recommends storing them in a cool, dry place. Also check the best-before date on the pack you buy.