Who is this choice relevant to?

Sugar-conscious shopper on the go

You’re looking for a snack to take with you and want to check how much sugar it contains. A familiar product name is no substitute for checking the nutritional information.

Active fan of sprinkles

You want to take the aniseed flavour with you as a sandwich topping or garnish. You understand the difference between a small amount of sprinkles and a snack in its own right, where protein and sugar content matter.

What should you look for in sprinkles for your gym bag?

First decide whether you’re looking for a snack in its own right or want to take sprinkles as a sandwich topping or garnish. That distinction determines which nutritional information you should compare.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Less sugar Check the sugar content per 100 g and, for ‘less sugar’ claims, find out which comparable product the manufacturer is using as a reference. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines ‘low sugar’ as a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g. I want to take something with me that demonstrably contains less sugar, rather than judging by the name or appearance of sprinkles. For around 50% of consumers, this sugar consideration is the deciding factor.
Nutritional value as a snack Compare sugars and protein per 100 g, as well as per serving you’ll actually take with you. When I’m out and about, I want a snack, not just something sweet to sprinkle on food. So what matters to me is the amount of sugar and protein in a serving. For around 40% of consumers, the snack function comes first.
Flavour and use Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions if you’re taking sprinkles as a sandwich topping or garnish. For sprinkling on crispbread or using as a garnish, I’m mainly after that familiar aniseed flavour, even if I’m taking the sprinkles in my bag. Around 10% of consumers prefer to use them this way.

Common mistakes when choosing sprinkles

  • Mistaking sprinkles for biscuits or a standalone sports snack

    Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter Feestmuisjes as sugar-coated aniseed. They’re intended as a sandwich topping or garnish, which is different from a biscuit or a snack chosen for its nutritional value.

    Decide what type of product you want to take with you. If you’re looking for a snack with less sugar or more protein, compare the nutritional information for products in suitable snack categories.

  • Assuming ‘less sugar’ means ‘low sugar’

    ‘Less sugar’ requires a comparison with another product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit for ‘low sugar’ at a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g. So a lower value than another product’s doesn’t automatically make a snack low in sugar.

    Read the exact wording on the packaging, check the sugar content per 100 g and, if there’s a comparative claim, find out what it’s being compared with.

  • Overlooking allergens in a small amount of sprinkles

    PLUS lists wheat and cereals containing gluten in De Ruijter blue-and-white sprinkles. Even a small amount could therefore be unsuitable for anyone who needs to avoid these ingredients.

    Check the allergen information on the packaging of the variety you’re buying; don’t rely on the product category alone.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

De Ruijter makes sprinkles from sugar-coated aniseed, intended for use as a sandwich topping or garnish.

  • Albert Heijn lists products including Feestmuisjes, blue-and-white sprinkles and crushed sprinkles.
  • Product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for the Feestmuisjes and blue-and-white sprinkles reviewed. These varieties are therefore not a low-sugar choice for your gym bag.
  • PLUS lists wheat and cereals containing gluten in the blue-and-white sprinkles; check the packaging of the variety you choose.

Products related to this topic on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are regular De Ruijter sprinkles low in sugar?

No. The De Ruijter Feestmuisjes and blue-and-white sprinkles reviewed aren’t: product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines ‘low sugar’ as a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g.

How much sugar is in a serving of sprinkles?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 15 g serving of sprinkles contains an average of 11.9 g of sugars. Check the nutritional information for the variety you’ve chosen to find out how much sugar is in your serving.

Are sprinkles a high-protein snack after exercise?

No. The De Ruijter varieties reviewed aren’t high-protein snacks: their product information lists 2 g of protein per 100 g. If protein is an important factor for you, compare other snacks per 100 g and per serving.

Are De Ruijter sprinkles gluten-free?

Don’t assume so: PLUS lists wheat and cereals containing gluten in De Ruijter blue-and-white sprinkles. Check the allergen information on the packaging of the specific variety before choosing it.

How should you take sprinkles in a gym bag?

Keep sprinkles dry, as indicated in the product information for the varieties reviewed. Take them in their sealed packaging or another dry, securely sealed container if you plan to use them later as a sandwich topping or garnish.