Who does this matter to?

Shoppers looking for Fairtrade cocoa

For you, cocoa with a verifiable Fairtrade claim matters more than aniseed flavour. Fairtrade International recommends checking the mark and the accompanying wording on the packaging of the specific product.

Fans of aniseed sprinkles

You’re looking for a topping of sugar-coated aniseed seeds to sprinkle on bread or crispbread, for example. Chocolate sprinkles won’t satisfy that particular flavour craving.

Sweet-toothed shoppers who check ingredients

You want to check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens before choosing your snack. This is especially important when switching between aniseed sprinkles and chocolate.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want aniseed or cocoa. If you choose cocoa, check the mark on the product you’re actually buying.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa Check that the product contains cocoa and that the packaging displays the FAIRTRADE mark and accompanying claim. If I mainly want certified cocoa, a sweet aniseed topping won’t meet my needs. Around 43% of consumers would choose Fairtrade cocoa as their main consideration.
Aniseed flavour Look for crushed, sugar-coated aniseed seeds if you want aniseed sprinkles rather than chocolate sprinkles. For my crispbread or bread, it’s the aniseed flavour I want, even if the chocolate carries a certification mark. Around 29% of consumers would put that aniseed flavour first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information. Compare sugar levels using the same measure, such as per 100 g. When choosing between these different types of topping, I want to know which ingredients and allergens are listed on my pack. This would be the top priority for around 28% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking crushed aniseed sprinkles for chocolate

    Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes as sugar-coated aniseed seeds; the ingredients listed by Jumbo contain no cocoa. So this product won’t meet your need for Fairtrade chocolate.

    Choose these sprinkles for an aniseed flavour. If you want chocolate, look for a chocolate product and check its own packaging.

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    Milieu Centraal mentions both certification marks in relation to cocoa, but a Rainforest Alliance label doesn’t confirm Fairtrade certification. For example, ALDI lists Rainforest Alliance cocoa in Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur.

    If Fairtrade is a must for you, check specifically for the FAIRTRADE mark and accompanying claim on the pack.

  • Overlooking the allergen information

    Jumbo’s ingredients list for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes includes wheat starch. Fairtrade Original says its Hagelslag Puur may contain milk. Information for one product doesn’t automatically apply to another.

    Before eating, read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, even if you already know the product.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

A good option if you’re looking for crushed aniseed sprinkles.

  • Albert Heijn describes Gestampte Muisjes as sugar-coated aniseed seeds.
  • The ingredients list Jumbo provides for this product contains no cocoa, so don’t choose it to meet a need for Fairtrade chocolate.

Fairtrade Original

A good option if you’re looking for chocolate sprinkles rather than aniseed sprinkles.

  • The brand’s product information states that Hagelslag Puur comes in a 380 g pack and contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • The product information says the sprinkles may contain milk. Their chocolate flavour also won’t replace aniseed flavour.

Kiekeboe

A chocolate sprinkles option if you don’t specifically require Fairtrade certification.

  • ALDI lists Rainforest Alliance cocoa in Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur, in a 600 g pack.
  • The Rainforest Alliance label doesn’t confirm that these sprinkles are Fairtrade-certified.

Moser Roth

A good option if you’d rather have a chocolate bar than a sprinkle-on topping for a late-night snack.

  • A bar is a good choice if you want to eat chocolate without bread or crispbread.
  • A chocolate bar isn’t a substitute for crushed aniseed sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles as a topping. Check the packaging of your chosen product for any Fairtrade claim you require.

A Joybuy product for a chocolate snack

This bar is a good fit if you want chocolate for a late-night snack rather than aniseed sprinkles or a sprinkle-on chocolate topping. If Fairtrade is essential, check the mark and accompanying claim on the current packaging.

Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel chocolate bar, 180 g

Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel chocolate bar, 180 g

A chocolate bar for a late-night snack when you don’t need a sprinkle-on topping. Check the current packaging for any Fairtrade claim you require, as well as the ingredients and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contain chocolate?

No. The ingredients Jumbo lists for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes contain no cocoa. Albert Heijn describes them as crushed, sugar-coated aniseed seeds. So if you want chocolate, choose a different product and check its certification mark if you’re looking for Fairtrade cocoa.

How do I check a Fairtrade claim on chocolate?

Look for the FAIRTRADE mark and accompanying claim on the packaging of the specific product. Fairtrade International says the arrow version of the mark is used on products with multiple ingredients, such as chocolate products.

Is Rainforest Alliance the same as Fairtrade?

No, they’re different certification marks used on products including cocoa. Milieu Centraal mentions both in relation to chocolate, but a Rainforest Alliance label on chocolate sprinkles doesn’t prove that they’re Fairtrade-certified.

Which allergens should I check in these products?

Always check the allergen information for the product you choose. Jumbo lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes; Fairtrade Original says its Hagelslag Puur may contain milk. Read the current packaging before eating.

When should I choose a chocolate bar rather than sprinkles?

Choose a bar if you want to eat chocolate without bread or crispbread; choose sprinkles if you’re looking for a chocolate topping you can sprinkle on. Neither gives you the aniseed flavour of crushed aniseed sprinkles, and you should check each product individually for any Fairtrade claim you require.