Organisers decorating baked goods themselves
If you’re making cupcakes or cake for the school fair, you can use Gestampte Muisjes as a topping. You’ll still need to prepare the treat itself; the topping isn’t a ready-made chocolate gift.
Who is this relevant to?
Organisers providing allergen information
For homemade treats, the whole recipe matters, including any topping. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that businesses offering food to consumers must inform them about any allergens present.
Buyers looking to offer chocolate
If visitors are expecting chocolates or a box of chocolates, Gestampte Muisjes won’t meet their expectations: Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe them as sugar-coated aniseed.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether you want to decorate a homemade treat or offer chocolate as the main product. If you’re decorating a treat, consider the whole recipe and how much topping you’ll actually use.
Gestampte Muisjes as a topping
When: You’re making your own baked goods and want a topping of sugar-coated aniseed.
Consider: This isn’t chocolate; the De Ruijter version described by Jumbo also contains wheat.
Chocolate as a treat
When: You want the treat or gift itself to be made of chocolate.
Consider: Choose the specific chocolate product based on its packaging, ingredients and the quantity you need; information about Gestampte Muisjes doesn’t tell you anything about those things.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the topping’s label and list the ingredients and allergens in the whole treat. | If I’m selling homemade treats, I want to be able to answer questions about allergens in the whole recipe. Around 45% of consumers consider this their top priority. |
| Using it as a decoration | Check that you’re looking for a topping for homemade baked goods, and that the aniseed flavour suits your recipe. | If you’re decorating cupcakes or cake, you’ll mainly want a topping that works with the treat you’re planning to make. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Quantity for your stall | Compare the net weight with the amount you use on one sample treat; also check the storage instructions on the packaging. | When preparing several treats, I want to know how much topping my recipe needs. This is the main consideration for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Mistaking Gestampte Muisjes for a box of chocolates
Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe Gestampte Muisjes as sugar-coated aniseed. They’re no substitute for chocolates or other chocolate treats.
Before you buy, decide whether you want to decorate an existing baked treat or offer chocolate as the main product.
-
Checking only the allergens in the topping
Other parts of a homemade treat may contain allergens too. The information on the topping’s packaging doesn’t automatically cover the whole recipe.
Record the ingredients and allergens in every component used for each treat, and take your preparation method into account.
-
Assuming the pack weight tells you how many treats it will cover
A 270 g pack won’t tell you how many cupcakes you can decorate: that depends on how much topping you use on each one.
Make a sample treat, weigh the topping you use, then plan how much you’ll need for your stall.
A relevant brand to consider
De Ruijter
Jumbo lists De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes in a 270 g pack. Albert Heijn’s product description says that Gestampte Muisjes are sugar-coated aniseed.
- The product information describes the ingredients and its use as a topping, including on baked goods.
- The ingredients listed by Jumbo include wheat starch. This product isn’t chocolate either.
Product for decorating baked goods
For homemade baked goods, De Ruijter Pink Muisjes is included here as a possible topping. If you’re specifically looking for Gestampte Muisjes, check the product name and variety: Pink Muisjes isn’t labelled as that exact variety.
No image available
De Ruijter Pink Muisjes 330 g
A topping for anyone decorating their own cupcakes, cake or other baked goods, not for anyone looking for a box of chocolates.
The pack contains 330 g. The product information lists wheat and cereals containing gluten; check the packaging and the other ingredients in your recipe too.
Weigh a sample portion before deciding how many packs you’ll need for the school fair.
Frequently asked questions
Are Gestampte Muisjes a box of chocolates?
No. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe Gestampte Muisjes as sugar-coated aniseed. You can use them as a topping for baked goods, but they’re no substitute for chocolates or a box of chocolates.
Do De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contain allergens?
Yes. Jumbo’s ingredient information for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes 270 g lists wheat starch. Check the label on the pack you’re buying, and remember to consider the other ingredients if you’re making baked goods at home.
What allergen information do I need for unpackaged treats?
Make sure you can explain which allergens are in each treat you sell, including the topping. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires businesses offering food to consumers to provide allergen information; the requirements for a particular school fair depend on how it’s organised. You should also agree on the approach with the school or organiser.
How should I store Gestampte Muisjes before the fair?
Store Gestampte Muisjes in a dry place, and check the best-before date and instructions on the packaging. For homemade baked goods, you’ll also need to consider the storage and hygiene requirements for the whole treat, not just the topping.