Who is this choice relevant to?

Terrace venue serving desserts and coffee

You’re looking for sprinkles to top ice cream, cakes or coffee, for example, and want to be able to explain the Fairtrade label and allergen information.

Shoppers who look for the Fairtrade mark

You want to buy Fairtrade cocoa and understand what the mark does and doesn’t tell you about the physical traceability of the cocoa.

Guests or buyers who need allergen information

Before choosing or serving a product, you need clear information about milk as an ingredient and the separate warning that a product may contain milk.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide which flavour works best with your terrace dish or drink. Then check the mark, allergen information and availability of each variety with your supplier.

What to consider What should you check? Who is it important to?
Fairtrade mark and traceability Look for the Fairtrade mark and check the packaging information on ingredients and traceability. Fairtrade International says that cocoa may be processed using mass balance, so the mark does not in itself confirm that all the cocoa in the pack has been kept physically separate. If I tell guests about where the cocoa comes from, I want to know exactly what I can substantiate. For around 33% of consumers, the meaning of the Fairtrade mark is the most important factor.
Flavour and recipe Check whether the product is made with dark or milk chocolate sprinkles, and read the ingredients for the variety you choose. The chocolate flavour needs to work with the rest of my dessert or drink. Flavour and recipe are the main considerations for around 27% of consumers.
Allergens Check the current packaging for ingredients and warnings; the Fairtrade Original dark variety states that it may contain milk. When I serve a topping, I need to distinguish between milk as an ingredient and the possibility that milk is present. Allergen information is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Availability Check the product status and packaging with your supplier before deciding on a variety for a menu or recipe. For a regular terrace dish, I want to be able to buy the same variety each time. Current availability is the main concern for around 13% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Fairtrade means the cocoa is kept completely separate

    Fairtrade International explains that Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade cocoa may be mixed during processing under mass balance. So a Fairtrade label doesn’t necessarily mean the cocoa in every individual pack has been kept physically separate.

    Check the Fairtrade mark and the information on the packaging before making a specific claim to guests about traceability.

  • Assuming dark chocolate sprinkles are milk-free

    Fairtrade Original states that its dark chocolate sprinkles may contain milk. Milk not being listed as an ingredient is not the same as there being no allergen warning.

    Use the current packaging for your allergen records, and don’t describe this variety as milk-free based only on the ingredients list.

  • Choosing a milk variety without checking availability

    Albert Heijn listed Fairtrade Original Milk Chocolate Sprinkles 400 g as discontinued. This doesn’t tell you whether the variety is available from another supplier.

    Check the product status with your own supplier before adding the milk variety to a menu or regular recipe.

  • Not being able to provide allergen information for the dish you serve

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires customers to be given allergen information for non-prepacked foods. The sprinkles you choose are therefore relevant to the information you provide about a dessert or drink.

    Keep a record of the variety used in each dish and make sure the relevant allergen information is available to guests.

Brands and suppliers to consider

Fairtrade Original

This brand’s dark chocolate sprinkles are listed by Albert Heijn and Jumbo. The product information mentions a Fairtrade label, a pack size of 380 g and at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The product information makes it easy to distinguish the dark variety from the milk variety.
  • The dark variety states that it may contain milk; Fairtrade International also allows mass balance to be used for cocoa.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g.

  • The product information helps you check the variety you’ve chosen and its allergen statement.
  • Albert Heijn listed the Fairtrade Original milk variety reviewed as discontinued; check the current product status before ordering.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g.

  • The listing makes it easy to check the Fairtrade Original dark variety by name and packaging.
  • The Fairtrade label on this variety says nothing about the certification of other sprinkles in the range.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles should I consider for a terrace dessert?

Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g is listed by Albert Heijn and Jumbo with a Fairtrade label. Before buying, check whether your supplier stocks this variety and whether the current packaging suits your recipe.

Is the cocoa in Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles always kept physically separate?

No, the Fairtrade mark doesn’t automatically guarantee this. Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa, which means Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade cocoa may be mixed during processing. Check the packaging information if physical separation is a requirement for you.

Do I need to provide allergen information if I serve sprinkles on a dessert?

Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergen information for non-prepacked foods. Make sure guests can access information about the sprinkles used in the dish.

Can I serve Fairtrade Original dark chocolate sprinkles as milk-free?

No, not just because milk isn’t listed as an ingredient: Fairtrade Original states that its dark variety may contain milk. Check the current packaging and don’t claim that it’s milk-free based only on the ingredients list.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles for use on the terrace?

The product information for the dark variety reviewed recommends storing it in a cool, dry place. Reseal the pack after use and keep it available so you can check the ingredients and allergen information.