Who is this distinction important to?

Shoppers looking for aniseed sprinkles

You want sugar-coated aniseed for things like Dutch rusks, bread, yoghurt or baking. Chocolate sprinkles don’t have the same flavour or come in the same product form.

Shoppers looking for Fairtrade chocolate

You want a chocolate topping with a verifiable Fairtrade mark, and you’re happy with the fact that chocolate sprinkles are different from Gestampte Muisjes.

Shoppers checking for allergens

You compare the current labels before choosing an aniseed product or chocolate topping. The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes reviewed list wheat; the Fairtrade Original sprinkles reviewed may contain milk.

What should you look for when choosing?

Gestampte Muisjes

Choose these if: you’re looking for the distinctive aniseed flavour and the traditional use of Gestampte Muisjes.

Bear in mind: according to the product information, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contain no cocoa, so they aren’t a Fairtrade chocolate option.

Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles

Choose these if: chocolate topping and a verifiable Fairtrade mark matter more to you than aniseed flavour.

Bear in mind: chocolate sprinkles aren’t the same as Gestampte Muisjes; check the packaging to see exactly what the certification applies to.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Product type and flavour Check whether you’re picking up crushed aniseed or chocolate sprinkles; compare the ingredients. I want aniseed flavour on my Dutch rusk and don’t want to accidentally pick up a chocolate topping. The product type comes first for around 42% of consumers.
Fairtrade mark Check the certification and accompanying wording on the specific pack; Rainforest Alliance is a different certification. If I choose chocolate, I want to be able to see what the Fairtrade mark applies to. This check is the main concern for around 42% of consumers.
Packaging and allergens Compare the pack weight and read the current ingredients and allergen information. I want to know how much I’m buying and whether the label meets my needs around allergens. This check takes priority for around 16% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Gestampte Muisjes with chocolate sprinkles

    According to the product information, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes are sugar-coated aniseed with no cocoa. Chocolate sprinkles therefore change both the flavour and the type of product.

    First decide what kind of topping you want, then check the information on the packaging.

  • Mistaking another certification for Fairtrade

    Jumbo’s dark chocolate sprinkles carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa mark. This is not a Fairtrade mark.

    If Fairtrade is a condition of your purchase, look for the specific Fairtrade mark and check what it applies to. Fairtrade has its own rules for using its mark.

  • Relying on an allergen list you read earlier

    Wheat is listed for the De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes reviewed; the Fairtrade Original Chocoladehagelslag Puur reviewed may contain milk. These are different products with different labels.

    Check the allergen information on the current pack when you buy it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly shown on the label.

Brands compared

De Ruijter

The Gestampte Muisjes reviewed come in a 270 g pack of sugar-coated aniseed, intended as a topping.

  • A familiar option if you’re specifically looking for Gestampte Muisjes.
  • This product’s ingredients list does not mention cocoa. If you’re looking for Fairtrade chocolate, you’ll need to consider a different type of product.

Fairtrade Original

Chocoladehagelslag Puur comes in a 380 g pack and contains cocoa ingredients, including cocoa powder and cocoa mass.

  • A chocolate topping to consider if a Fairtrade mark is part of your choice; check the specific claim on the pack.
  • It isn’t Gestampte Muisjes. The retailer information reviewed says the product may contain milk.

Jumbo

The dark chocolate sprinkles reviewed carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa mark.

  • A specific product you can use to see the difference between certification marks on chocolate sprinkles.
  • Rainforest Alliance is not the same as Fairtrade; these sprinkles are also not aniseed sprinkles.

Aniseed sprinkles from Joybuy

If you’re looking for aniseed sprinkles for bread or Dutch rusks, you could take a look at these pink sprinkles. They aren’t Gestampte Muisjes and they’re not part of the Fairtrade chocolate option.

De Ruijter Pink Muisjes, 330 g

De Ruijter Pink Muisjes, 330 g

An option if you’re looking for pink sprinkles rather than Gestampte Muisjes or chocolate sprinkles. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before buying.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are Gestampte Muisjes chocolate with a Fairtrade cocoa option?

The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes reviewed are not chocolate: their ingredients list includes aniseed but no cocoa. If you’re looking for Fairtrade chocolate topping, look for a chocolate product and check the mark on the packaging.

Can I use Fairtrade Original Chocoladehagelslag Puur instead of Gestampte Muisjes?

You can if you’re choosing chocolate topping, but not if you expect the same aniseed flavour and type of product. Gestampte Muisjes are sugar-coated aniseed; these sprinkles contain cocoa.

Is Rainforest Alliance Certified the same as Fairtrade?

No, they are different certification programmes. The Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa mark that Jumbo lists for its sprinkles reviewed is not, by itself, a Fairtrade mark.

Which allergen information should I check for these products?

Read the label on the pack you’re buying: wheat is listed for the De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes reviewed, while the Fairtrade Original Chocoladehagelslag Puur reviewed may contain milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly shown on the label.