If you want an aniseed flavour for your party treats, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes fit the bill; the variety we looked at is not a dark chocolate topping. If you want a pronounced cocoa flavour for adult guests, you could consider a separate product labelled as extra dark. Whichever you choose, check the label on the pack you’re serving, especially if guests need to avoid certain allergens.
You’re looking for a topping with a pronounced cocoa flavour to serve alongside the children’s treats. For that, look for a separate cocoa or extra-dark product, rather than regular Gestampte Muisjes.
You want to finish cupcakes, cake, crispbread or yoghurt with a topping that complements the flavour and appearance of your treats.
You want to check the ingredients and allergens listed on each pack before putting anything out for your guests.
Choose this if: you want an aniseed flavour for your treats.
Bear in mind: according to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contain no cocoa, so they’re not the right choice for a dark chocolate flavour.
Choose this if: you prefer cocoa, perhaps as a separate option for adult guests. Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Extra Puur contains at least 45% cocoa solids.
Bear in mind: this is a different type of product from Gestampte Muisjes. Also check the allergens and current availability of the variety you choose.
Choose this if: you want a mixed flake topping. Jumbo describes De Ruijter Feestvlokken as a mix of chocolate flakes and vanilla-flavoured flakes.
Bear in mind: this mix is not an extra-dark product and has a different flavour from aniseed sprinkles.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Dark cocoa flavour | Check whether cocoa is listed in the ingredients and, if you want a particular cocoa content, whether a minimum percentage is stated. | If I want to offer adults something with a pronounced cocoa flavour too, I look for a separate chocolate topping. This flavour is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients, listed allergens and any cross-contamination warnings on each pack. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in each topping before serving it. This consideration takes priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Finishing touches for treats | Choose between small aniseed sprinkles and a mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes, depending on the treat and the flavour you want. | For cupcakes or cakes, I want a topping that suits the presentation without losing sight of the flavour; around 23% of consumers prioritise the finishing touches. |
| Packaging and availability | Check the product name, pack weight and current availability just before you buy. | If I’m making several treats, I want to know which pack I can actually buy. This is the main consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, as described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo, are sugar-coated aniseed seeds; cocoa is not listed in the ingredients. So they won’t give you the chocolate flavour you’re looking for.
If you want aniseed, choose Gestampte Muisjes. If you want cocoa, look for a separate product labelled with cocoa or extra dark.
The toppings we looked at have different ingredients and allergen information. Switching from aniseed sprinkles to a chocolate topping doesn’t automatically make it suitable for every guest.
Compare the labels on the packs you buy, including any cross-contamination warnings.
The Albert Heijn listing we checked for De Ruijter Specials Extra Puur was marked as discontinued. So finding a product page previously doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to buy that variety.
Check current availability before planning your treats, and read the ingredients again if you choose an alternative.
The De Ruijter products we looked at show three different types of topping: Gestampte Muisjes, extra-dark chocolate sprinkles and Feestvlokken. Compare the specific pack rather than relying on the brand name alone.
No, not the De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes we looked at: Albert Heijn describes them as sugar-coated aniseed seeds, and Jumbo doesn’t list cocoa in the ingredients. For a chocolate flavour, look for a separate cocoa topping and check the label.
Always check the pack you’re going to serve, as the varieties we looked at differ. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists wheat in Gestampte Muisjes, milk and soya in the Extra Puur we looked at, and wheat and soya in Feestvlokken. Some varieties also carry warnings about the possible presence of other ingredients.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it after use. The product information we looked at says to store Gestampte Muisjes in a dry place, and the Extra Puur and Feestvlokken varieties in a cool, dry place.
Yes, bear such a warning in mind when choosing a topping for guests who need to avoid milk. Check the current label on every pack; an online description doesn’t replace the information on the packaging.
