Who is this relevant to?

Sugar-conscious pepernoten bakers

You want a topping with a clear comparison against a standard version. So don’t just look at the wording on the front of the pack; check the sugars per 100 g too.

Bakers looking for a classic flake finish

You want coarse chocolate flakes as a visible topping on your pepernoten. The size may matter more to you than a less-sugar claim.

Label-conscious households

When choosing, you also take ingredients, allergens and any polyols into account. For your household, this information can be just as important as the sugar content.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the sugar claim or the size of the flakes matters most for your pepernoten. Then check the ingredients of the topping you want to use.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Verifiably less sugar Check what the sugar content is being compared with, and look at the sugars per 100 g in your chosen topping. I want to understand exactly what the less-sugar claim means, without mistaking it for a sugar-free claim. For around 42% of consumers, this verifiable sugar reduction is the top priority.
Size and decoration Choose deliberately between fine chocolate sprinkles and coarse flakes; check whether the product is described as a topping for cakes and bakes. Above all, I want my pepernoten to have the finish I’m looking for, even if the two toppings make different sugar claims. Size is the deciding factor for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any warning about polyols on the current packaging. If soya, milk or polyols matter to my household, the topping needs to meet those requirements before I look at the sugar content. For around 25% of consumers, checking the ingredients comes first.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A comparison with standard chocolate sprinkles doesn’t mean the topping contains no sugar at all. For example, Albert Heijn lists 7,7 g of sugars per 100 g for Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers.

    As well as checking the claim, look at the nutritional information per 100 g and see which product it is compared with.

  • Looking only at the sugar content

    Albert Heijn also lists maltitols and soya in the Céréal sprinkles, says the product may contain milk and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging before choosing these sprinkles.

  • Relying on a supermarket version being available

    Jumbo says that Hagelslag Melk Minder Suiker 200 g is no longer part of its online range. Ingredients and nutritional values on product packaging can also change.

    Check which version is available when you buy, and read the label on the product you actually use.

Brands to consider

These brands refer to specific toppings, not to a sugar claim for the whole brand. Pay particular attention to the difference between chocolate sprinkles and chocolate flakes.

Céréal

Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers is a dark chocolate sprinkle topping that Albert Heijn also describes as suitable for cakes and bakes.

  • According to Albert Heijn, this 200 g version contains 88% less sugar than standard dark chocolate sprinkles, and 7,7 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • These are sprinkles, not coarse flakes. The product information lists maltitols and soya, says it may contain milk, and warns of a laxative effect if consumed in excess.

Jumbo

Jumbo Hagelslag Melk Minder Suiker 200 g is a milk chocolate sprinkle topping for anyone wanting to assess a less-sugar claim for this type of product.

  • Jumbo states that it contains 30% less sugar than Jumbo hagelslag melk, and 42,6 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • Jumbo says this version is no longer part of its online range. The product contains milk and may contain gluten and wheat.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Vlokkenfeest 200 g is an option if you’re looking for chocolate flakes as a visible topping for cakes and bakes.

  • The product information describes it as a sweet topping for items including cakes and bakes.
  • If you want less sugar, assess this separately by checking for an explicit claim and the nutritional information on the pack you choose.

Joybuy products for this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean the topping is sugar-free?

No. According to Albert Heijn, Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains 7,7 g of sugars per 100 g, despite claiming 88% less sugar than standard dark chocolate sprinkles. So check both the comparison and the nutritional information for the version you choose.

Can I use less-sugar chocolate sprinkles on homemade pepernoten?

Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers is an option as a topping: Albert Heijn says it can be used on cakes and bakes. Sprinkle it over baked pepernoten as a decoration; this doesn’t mean the same sprinkles are suitable for baking into the dough.

What should I look out for when chocolate sprinkles contain maltitols?

Read the ingredients and the warning on the packaging. For Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers, Albert Heijn lists maltitols and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Also check the allergens in the version you buy.