Who is this choice relevant to?

If by ‘dark’ you mean a cocoa flavour

Gestampte Muisjes are an aniseed product. If you’re looking for a chocolate topping, compare dark and extra-dark chocolate sprinkles rather than assuming there’s a dark version of muisjes.

If you want to eat something shortly before exercise

You want to fit a small snack around your training. The Voedingscentrum recommends having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise, so consider a topping in the context of what else you eat and when.

If you need to check for allergens

Wheat is listed as an ingredient in the Gestampte Muisjes described by Jumbo. Allergen information varies between types of dark chocolate sprinkles, so check the packaging of the product you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, choose between aniseed and cocoa. Then consider how the topping fits into your mealtime and check the ingredients on the exact pack.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Aniseed or cocoa Check whether you’re choosing Gestampte Muisjes or chocolate sprinkles. For chocolate sprinkles, look for the stated cocoa percentage; Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur. If I mean ‘dark’ chocolate, I don’t want to pick up an aniseed product. Around 45% of consumers prioritise their preferred flavour and type of product.
Mealtime and portion Work out how long you have until your training and how much topping you’ll use. The Voedingscentrum recommends having a meal around 2 to 3 hours beforehand. Just before training, I want to know how a small snack fits in with what I’ve already eaten. For around 33% of consumers, this is the main consideration.
Allergens Read the allergen information on the exact pack. For Gestampte Muisjes, look out for wheat; for dark chocolate sprinkles, check for mentions of milk and soya, among other things. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the label matters more than my flavour preference. This is the top priority for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means a type of muisjes

    The Gestampte Muisjes described by Jumbo contain aniseed; Albert Heijn describes extra-dark chocolate sprinkles as a separate chocolate product.

    Start by deciding which flavour you want. If you prefer cocoa, compare dark chocolate sprinkles and check the cocoa percentage of the variety.

  • Treating a topping as a complete meal

    A sprinkle topping doesn’t tell you what else is in your snack or meal. When you eat also matters.

    Plan your meal around your training; the Voedingscentrum recommends eating it around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. If you have a snack shortly beforehand, choose it based on when you last ate and the portion size.

  • Skipping the allergen check because it says ‘dark’

    The De Ruijter Chocoladehagel Puur described by Albert Heijn lists milk and soya. Wheat is listed as an ingredient in the Gestampte Muisjes described by Jumbo.

    Before eating, read the label on the exact variety you’ve bought, even if you’ve had a similar product before.

Brands compared

De Ruijter

This brand offers both Gestampte Muisjes and dark chocolate sprinkles: two different types of product to compare by flavour.

  • Jumbo describes its Gestampte Muisjes as containing aniseed; Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for Specials Intens Puur.
  • Don’t assume the extra-dark sprinkles are a dark version of Gestampte Muisjes. Check the ingredients and allergens on each pack.

Venz

A brand to compare if you’re looking for dark chocolate sprinkles rather than aniseed muisjes.

  • Jumbo lists a 400 g pack of Venz Puur Chocolade Hagelslag, with at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • Check the allergens on the pack for this type of product; ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t tell you which ingredients you can avoid.

Jumbo

A supermarket own brand to consider when comparing pack sizes and types of dark chocolate sprinkles.

  • Jumbo lists a 600 g pack of its Chocoladehagelslag Puur.
  • These are dark chocolate sprinkles, not the same product as Gestampte Muisjes. Remember to read the label on the pack you choose.

Chocolate sprinkles on Joybuy

These products are for anyone who means ‘dark’ chocolate sprinkles. They’re not Gestampte Muisjes; compare the exact variety and use a topping as part of the snack or meal you’ve chosen.

De Ruijter Intense Pure dark chocolate sprinkles, 200 g

De Ruijter Intense Pure dark chocolate sprinkles, 200 g

Worth a look if you’re after chocolate sprinkles rather than aniseed muisjes and want to compare an extra-dark variety.

Pack size: 200 g. Before choosing, check the cocoa percentage and, if you have allergies, the ingredients on this exact pack.

View on Joybuy
g'woon dark chocolate sprinkles, 400 g

g'woon dark chocolate sprinkles, 400 g

An option if you’re looking for everyday dark chocolate sprinkles as a topping, rather than a specific extra-dark variety.

Pack size: 400 g. Check the cocoa percentage and, if you have allergies, look on the label for milk and possible traces of wheat.

View on Joybuy
De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g

De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g

Another dark chocolate sprinkle option if you’re after cocoa rather than aniseed for your snack.

Pack size: 390 g. If the cocoa percentage will determine your choice, check it on the exact pack; if you have allergies, read the ingredients too.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are Gestampte Muisjes a dark chocolate snack?

No. The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes described by Jumbo contain, among other ingredients, sugar, aniseed and wheat starch. If by ‘dark’ you mean a cocoa flavour, compare dark or extra-dark chocolate sprinkles as a different type of product.

When should I plan a meal before exercise?

The Voedingscentrum recommends having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. If you want to eat something just beforehand, adjust the portion to what you’ve eaten earlier and to what feels right for you.

Which allergens should I check in muisjes and dark chocolate sprinkles?

Check for wheat in the Gestampte Muisjes described by Jumbo. The De Ruijter Chocoladehagel Puur described by Albert Heijn lists milk and soya, and may contain lactose. Always read the label on the exact pack, as allergen information can vary between products.