Who is this choice for?

People keeping an eye on sugar

You’re looking for a snack to serve with drinks whose sugar content you can compare. Aniseed sprinkles aren’t automatically a suitable alternative to a snack.

Hosts who want to serve aniseed sprinkles

You want to add their familiar flavour and festive look, but would rather use a measured amount as decoration than serve them as a snack on their own.

People checking for wheat and gluten

You need to check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose. Albert Heijn’s product information lists wheat and gluten-containing cereals for the De Ruijter varieties reviewed.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to use the sprinkles for a festive presentation or whether less sugar is your main priority. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing the nutritional values of similar products per 100 g; the serving size shown on the pack isn’t a substitute for that comparison.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Less sugar Compare similar products using the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and check the ingredients list. If I want less sugar with drinks, I want to be able to choose a snack with a demonstrably lower figure. This is the priority for around 50% of consumers.
Flavour and presentation Decide whether the sprinkles are a measured topping or are meant to be eaten on their own. I want to keep the aniseed flavour and festive look, but not put the sprinkles out as a snack to eat without thinking. This is the deciding factor for around 30% of consumers.
Wheat and gluten Check the current label for the chosen variety’s ingredients, allergens and any warnings. If I’m serving someone who needs to avoid wheat or gluten, I want to check what the pack says first. For around 20% of consumers, this check is essential.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming aniseed means the sprinkles are low in sugar

    For De Ruijter crushed aniseed sprinkles and party sprinkles, Albert Heijn lists sugar as the first ingredient and 79 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Assess the variety you choose using its ingredients list and nutritional information, not its colour, flavour or packaging.

  • Comparing only the figures per serving

    Different serving sizes make it harder to compare products clearly.

    Start by comparing similar products per 100 g using the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Then use the serving information to decide how much you want to serve.

  • Skipping the allergen check because you’re using the sprinkles as a topping

    Even a small amount of sprinkles could matter to someone who needs to avoid wheat or gluten. The product information for both De Ruijter varieties reviewed lists these allergens.

    Check the current packaging for the exact variety you’re serving, and keep a suitable alternative separate.

Brands and shops to consider

De Ruijter

Albert Heijn lists several De Ruijter varieties, including crushed aniseed sprinkles and party sprinkles.

  • There are several aniseed varieties to create a festive look.
  • Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for both the crushed aniseed sprinkles and party sprinkles. Check other varieties individually.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists several De Ruijter varieties in its online sprinkles category.

  • The product pages provide ingredients, allergen and nutritional information to help you compare varieties.
  • Product information can change, so check the packaging you buy as well.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles in its online sprinkles category.

  • The category shows a range of standard varieties.
  • Check the nutritional information for the specific variety before comparing its sugar content.

PLUS

PLUS lists De Ruijter crushed aniseed sprinkles and party sprinkles in its online product results.

  • The listings distinguish between 270 g and 330 g packs.
  • Pack weight doesn’t tell you how much sugar there is per 100 g; check the nutritional information for the variety you choose.

Products for two different choices

These products suit different plans for drinks: pecans as a snack from a different category, and blue and white aniseed sprinkles for anyone who mainly wants a festive topping. Compare the nutritional information for the product you choose; a different category or smaller serving isn’t, by itself, a claim that it contains less sugar.

g'woon unroasted pecans, 200 g

g'woon unroasted pecans, 200 g

An alternative snack category if you’re not looking for the traditional aniseed flavour. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g with other snacks you’re considering.

Unroasted pecans; 200 g pack. If you have a nut allergy, check the current label.

View at Joybuy
De Ruijter blue and white aniseed sprinkles, 330 g

De Ruijter blue and white aniseed sprinkles, 330 g

A choice for anyone who values the sprinkles’ festive look as a small topping more than a low-sugar snack. Check the current label for the sugar content of this variety before serving it.

Blue and white aniseed sprinkles; 330 g pack. Check the ingredients and allergens for this variety too, especially if wheat or gluten is a concern.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles a low-sugar choice to serve with drinks?

The crushed aniseed sprinkles and party sprinkles reviewed aren’t supported as a low-sugar choice: Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for both. If you still want to serve them, use a small amount as a festive topping rather than serving them as a snack on their own.

How do I compare the sugar content of snacks for drinks?

Compare similar products using the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses this basis to compare nutritional values; only then should you consider the serving size you want to offer.

Are De Ruijter crushed aniseed sprinkles and party sprinkles gluten-free?

No. Albert Heijn’s product information lists wheat and gluten-containing cereals for both varieties. Don’t assume this applies to every variety of aniseed sprinkles, and check the current packaging for the product you choose.

Where can I find allergen information on a pack of aniseed sprinkles?

Check the current packaging, including the ingredients list and allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens which must be declared on prepacked foods need to be clearly identifiable; always check the specific variety you’re serving.