Sugar-conscious party organiser
You want to compare the sugar content of the topping, rather than choosing based only on its colour or the wording on the front of the pack.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Fan of traditional party toppings
You’re looking for aniseed sprinkles for things like Dutch rusks or cupcakes, and value their aniseed flavour and appearance more than choosing an option with demonstrably less sugar.
Shopper mindful of allergens
You want to check the label of the variety you choose before serving it to guests who avoid wheat or gluten. The traditional varieties described list wheat or cereals containing gluten.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether lower sugar, a familiar topping or checking for allergens is your priority. Then compare the nutritional values and ingredients of products that suit your choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Lower sugar | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g for toppings you plan to use in the same way. Check the ingredients list too. | I want to choose a topping with a sugar content I can confirm is lower, even if that means switching from aniseed sprinkles. For around 50% of consumers, lower sugar would be the main requirement. |
| Appearance and flavour | Check that the variety suits what you want to decorate and how much you expect to use. Colour doesn’t indicate sugar content. | For Dutch rusks or cupcakes, I mainly want to keep the aniseed flavour and appearance of the sprinkles, even if that means I’m not choosing a lower-sugar option. For around 30% of consumers, the festive look would come first. |
| Wheat and gluten | Read the allergen information on the pack of the exact variety you’re buying, even if you previously looked at a different colour. | If a guest avoids wheat or gluten, I want to know what’s in the pack I’ve chosen before serving it. For around 20% of consumers, this check would be the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking aniseed sprinkles for low-sugar biscuits
Aniseed sprinkles are a topping, not biscuits. Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes.
For this purchase, look for aniseed sprinkles or a similar sprinkle topping, and check the nutritional values for the right type of product.
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Assuming the colour means less sugar
According to product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS, both De Ruijter Feestmuisjes and pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check the nutrition table before choosing based on colour or a festive appearance.
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Relying on the label of a different variety
The Feestmuisjes, crushed aniseed sprinkles and pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles described here list wheat or cereals containing gluten. Ingredient information can also change.
Before serving, read the allergen information on the pack you’ve actually bought.
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Treating a nutrition claim as a complete comparison
Wording on the front of the pack doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in the portion you serve.
Consider the claim alongside the nutritional values per 100 g, the ingredients and how much topping you plan to use.
A relevant brand to consider
De Ruijter
De Ruijter makes products including Feestmuisjes, crushed aniseed sprinkles and pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles, used as toppings or decorations.
- Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS provides details on the varieties described, helping you check their ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
- According to Albert Heijn and PLUS, Feestmuisjes and pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles each contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g. So don’t treat these standard varieties as an option proven to contain less sugar.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will appear soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are traditional aniseed sprinkles a lower-sugar choice?
The standard varieties described don’t support that choice: according to Albert Heijn and PLUS, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes and pink-and-white aniseed sprinkles both contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g. If lower sugar is your priority, first compare the nutritional values of another suitable topping.
How do I compare the sugar content of toppings?
Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and read the ingredients list. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises comparing products using the same quantity; also consider whether you want to serve them in a similar way.
How much sugar is in a serving of aniseed sprinkles?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 11.9 g of sugar for 15 g of aniseed sprinkles. This isn’t a fixed amount for every variety or for the portion you serve yourself. For that, use the nutritional values on the pack you’ve chosen and the quantity you serve.
What should I check if a guest avoids wheat or gluten?
Check the allergen information on the pack of the aniseed sprinkles you’ve chosen. The traditional De Ruijter varieties described list wheat or cereals containing gluten, so don’t rely on the label of a different colour or variety.
Is a lower-sugar claim enough to help me choose a topping?
No. Check the nutritional values and ingredients of the specific product too. Compare the sugar content per 100 g, then consider how much you want to serve. Another topping won’t necessarily offer the same flavour or work in the same way as aniseed sprinkles.