Who is this choice relevant to?

Host serving small portions at the table

You want to display crushed aniseed sprinkles on the table without keeping one large jar open all the time. A compact jar is easier to distribute across several spots, but it will need refilling more often.

Stallholder offering unpackaged aniseed sprinkles

As well as the size of the jar, food protection and allergen information are important. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) highlights the need for good hygiene at markets and events, and for allergen information to be available for unpackaged food.

Creating a central table display

A large glass jar can make your stock visible in one place. Before setting up, also consider the space available, the weight and whether the lid is suitable for frequent opening.

Which jar size and features matter?

Around 0.5–0.6 l

Choose this if: you want to put several small jars on the table or serve a limited amount at a time.

Consider: you’ll need to refill it more often; check that the opening is wide enough for the spoon you plan to use.

Around 1 l

Choose this if: you want a table jar with more capacity, without going straight for a large storage jar.

Consider: closure types vary between models, so assess the lid separately from the capacity.

Around 1.8–2 l

Choose this if: you want to place a central jar somewhere stable and refill it less often.

Consider: a larger jar takes up more space and will need to be moved even when empty. IKEA also states that the lid on the 1.9 l VARDAGEN is not airtight.

What to consider What to check when buying Who should pay particular attention?
Hygienic serving Check how the jar closes and whether the opening is suitable for a clean serving spoon. If you’re offering the sprinkles unpackaged, also make sure information about any allergens present is available. If I’m serving aniseed sprinkles from a stall, I want to protect the contents and be able to tell customers about allergens. For around 42% of consumers, serving and providing information are the top priorities.
Capacity and refilling Compare the capacity in ml or l with the space on your table and the number of places where you’ll be serving. With several jars on the table, I want to be able to refill them without one jar taking up more space than necessary. Around 33% of consumers prioritise finding the right portion size above all else.
Eye-catching display Check the glass, closure and care instructions for the specific model. For a Christmas market display, I want the sprinkles to be clearly visible while the jar remains practical to use. For around 25% of consumers, presentation is their main concern.

What should you watch out for?

  • Assuming a glass lid is airtight

    A lid on a glass jar doesn’t necessarily mean it has an airtight seal. IKEA states that the lid on the 1.9 l VARDAGEN storage jar is not airtight.

    Check the closure on your chosen model if you want to keep the jar closed between servings.

  • Focusing only on the capacity of a large jar

    A larger capacity can mean fewer refills, but a large glass jar also needs space on the table and must be easy to move.

    Check the dimensions and the weight when empty. If you’re serving in several places, it may work well to pair a large jar kept in one spot with smaller table jars.

  • Forgetting allergen information when serving the sprinkles unpackaged

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo list wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes. The NVWA states that information about any allergens present must also be available when food is offered unpackaged.

    Check the current packaging and make sure customers can access the relevant allergen information.

  • Thinking of a Christmas market stall as just a display space

    The NVWA says that there are also requirements for handling food safely and hygienically at markets and events. Ondernemersplein also distinguishes between a market permit and a pitch permit for other public locations.

    Ask the organiser and the relevant local council which permission you need for your pitch, and set up your serving area in line with the applicable food safety rules.

Relevant brands to consider

De Ruijter

The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes pack reviewed contains 270 g. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe this product as a sprinkle mix containing ingredients such as sugar, aniseed and wheat starch.

  • The product information gives you a clear basis for listing the ingredients at your stall.
  • Wheat and cereals containing gluten are listed as allergens. Check the current packaging whenever you use a new batch.

IKEA

IKEA has glass storage jars in a range of sizes, including the 600 ml IKEA 365+ and the 1.9 l VARDAGEN.

  • IKEA describes the lid on the 600 ml IKEA 365+ as airtight and leakproof.
  • IKEA states that the lid on the 1.9 l VARDAGEN is not airtight, so you’ll need to assess the closure of each model individually.

Le Parfait

Le Parfait offers the Super jar with a metal clasp and sealing ring in a range of sizes, from 250 ml to 3 l.

  • The closure may suit a display where you want a jar with a classic shape.
  • Le Parfait does not recommend the Super jar for storage where it will be opened and closed frequently, as this can damage the closure system.

Glass jars for display and serving

These Joybuy products are glass jars for displaying crushed aniseed sprinkles. Compare the capacity, number of jars and opening with the way you plan to serve at the table. A jar is no substitute for allergen information when serving food unpackaged.

700 ml glass storage jar with sunflower design

Glass storage jar with sunflower design, 700 ml

The 700 ml capacity may suit a table display jar that you refill regularly.

The product name describes the lid as airtight. Before buying, check the opening if you plan to serve the sprinkles with a spoon.

View on Joybuy
Set of three YumiPLUS Inspired glass storage jars

YumiPLUS Inspired airtight glass jars, set of 3

Three jars may suit a table with several serving points.

The product name describes the jars as airtight. Check the capacity and opening of each jar to see whether the set suits your table and serving spoon.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can someone with a wheat or gluten allergy eat the crushed aniseed sprinkles reviewed?

According to Albert Heijn and Jumbo, the De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes reviewed contain wheat and cereals containing gluten. Check the allergen information on the current packaging before use.

Is every glass jar with a lid airtight?

No, closures vary between models. IKEA describes the 600 ml IKEA 365+ as airtight and leakproof, but states that the lid on the 1.9 l VARDAGEN is not airtight.

How can I provide allergen information when serving sprinkles from an open jar?

Make sure customers can access information about any allergens present when you offer the sprinkles unpackaged. The NVWA says this information must be provided for unpackaged food. Keep the details from the current packaging to hand and make it clear where customers can ask for them.

What permission do I need to sell from a Christmas market stall?

This depends on the location and how the event is organised. Ondernemersplein distinguishes between a market permit for a pitch at a market and a pitch permit for other public locations. Check with the organiser and local council which rules apply to your stall.

What should I consider when serving food at a Christmas market?

Protect the food and follow good hygiene practices when storing and serving it. The NVWA says food at markets and events must be prepared, sold and stored safely and hygienically. If you offer the sprinkles unpackaged, you must also provide information about any allergens present.