Who is this choice relevant to?

Couples who specifically want Fairtrade

You want to see the Fairtrade mark on the chocolate sprinkles served at the buffet. A certification on another product from the same shop or brand says nothing about the sprinkles you have chosen.

Buffet planners arranging allergen information

You’re serving chocolate sprinkles in bowls or on desserts and want to keep the packaging information available for guests. Professional sellers of non-prepacked food must also provide allergen information, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

Caterers and dessert-table creators

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles that suit how you plan to serve them, for example as a cupcake topping. Pack size and somewhere cool and dry to store them are practical considerations.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the certification on the exact chocolate sprinkles variant. Then decide how you’ll provide allergen information and how much you’ll need for the way you plan to serve them.

What to consider What to check when buying Who does this matter most to?
Fairtrade certification for each product Look for the Fairtrade mark on the exact variant and check it again on the packaging you buy. Rainforest Alliance certification is not a substitute for an explicit Fairtrade requirement. If I list Fairtrade on the menu, I want to be able to back that up with the chocolate sprinkles’ label. Around 42% of consumers prioritise verifiable Fairtrade status.
Allergens when serving from an open buffet Read the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging, and make sure guests can check the allergen information. According to Albert Heijn and Jumbo, Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk. When serving from bowls, I want to answer guests’ questions without relying on the word ‘dark’. Clear allergen information is the main concern for around 33% of consumers.
Use and storage Choose a pack size that suits the way you’ll serve the sprinkles and the number of guests, and check the storage instructions. The Fairtrade Original variant listed by Albert Heijn and Jumbo contains 380 g. For my dessert table, I want to know in advance how much I’ll need and where to store the spare packs. Practical considerations matter most to around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking another certification for Fairtrade

    ALDI lists Rainforest Alliance certification for the De Ruijter and Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles shown. This means you can’t describe those variants as Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles.

    If Fairtrade is on your buying list or menu, check the mark on the product you’ve chosen and keep the packaging information.

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘dairy-free’

    According to Albert Heijn and Jumbo, Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles carry a warning that the product may contain milk.

    Check the packaging of the variant you buy. If a guest has a milk allergy, don’t assume the sprinkles are suitable just because of the flavour name.

  • Throwing away the packaging before the buffet

    When chocolate sprinkles are served in open bowls, the original product information is no longer immediately visible. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, professional sellers of non-prepacked food must provide guests with allergen information.

    Before serving, make a note of which topping is in each bowl, keep the packaging available and use separate serving spoons to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Relevant brands to compare

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles, 380 g, as Fairtrade.

  • The product pages state that they contain at least 32% cocoa solids; Albert Heijn also suggests using them on cupcakes.
  • The dark chocolate variety may contain milk. Check the allergen information on the packaging you buy.

De Ruijter

ALDI lists De Ruijter milk and dark chocolate sprinkles in 390 g packs.

  • The product page shown lists Rainforest Alliance certification.
  • That certification does not support a Fairtrade claim for these chocolate sprinkles.

Kiekeboe

ALDI lists Kiekeboe dark chocolate sprinkles in a 600 g pack.

  • The product page lists Rainforest Alliance cocoa and a pack size of 600 g.
  • Don’t use this variant to meet an explicit Fairtrade requirement on the basis of this other certification.

Joybuy products

Related products will appear here soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether chocolate sprinkles are Fairtrade?

Check for the Fairtrade mark on the exact variant you’re buying, not just on other products from the brand. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles, 380 g, as Fairtrade. Compare the product information with the packaging before serving them at the buffet.

Are Fairtrade dark chocolate sprinkles suitable for someone with a milk allergy?

Don’t assume they are: according to Albert Heijn and Jumbo, Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk. Check the current packaging, and for a guest with a milk allergy, choose only an alternative whose suitability has been specifically confirmed.

What allergen information is needed for chocolate sprinkles served in open bowls?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, professional sellers of non-prepacked food must provide guests with information about 14 allergens. This can be provided in writing or electronically. Verbal information is only permitted under certain conditions and must be readily available before guests make their choice.

How should I store the chocolate sprinkles until the wedding buffet?

Store the Fairtrade Original chocolate sprinkles shown in a cool, dry place, following the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo. Before the buffet, check the best-before date and the condition of any packs that have already been opened.