Who is this choice relevant to?

Party organisers comparing sugar levels

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles for cupcakes or desserts and want to compare the stated sugar content per 100 g. You’re also weighing up the ingredients in an option that contains sweeteners.

Shoppers who want to avoid polyols

You’re looking for chocolate sprinkles with a stated sugar reduction, but prefer an ingredients list that doesn’t include polyols such as maltitol. In that case, a higher sugar value per 100 g may be a trade-off worth considering.

Hosts serving several guests

You want to check the allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact packaging before the party. How easy the product is to serve, and whether that particular option is available, also matter.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, compare the nutritional information per 100 g for products in the same category, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends. Then check the ingredients and allergens, and decide which flavour and serving style suit your party.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugars per 100 g Compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g; a claim on the front of the pack doesn’t replace the nutrition table. When I’m weighing up different dessert toppings, I want to be able to identify the option with the lowest stated sugar value. An estimated 33% of consumers say this is their main consideration.
Sweeteners and polyols Read the ingredients and check the stated amount of polyols. Céréal’s product information lists maltitols and warns of a laxative effect if consumed in excess. When guests are helping themselves from a bowl, I want to know whether a topping contains polyols before putting it out. For an estimated 27% of consumers, checking these ingredients is the most important factor.
Allergens Check the current packaging for allergens in the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements. If I’m serving chocolate sprinkles to several guests, I need to be able to answer their questions about the ingredients with the packaging to hand. Allergens are the top priority for an estimated 20% of consumers.
Portions and serving Decide whether a pack for sharing or individual portions would be more practical; portioning alone says nothing about sugar reduction. For a table where guests are decorating cupcakes, I want to be able to serve the chocolate sprinkles easily. An estimated 13% of consumers prioritise ease of serving.
Flavour Choose between dark and milk chocolate sprinkles, and compare the nutritional information for the exact options. If my guests’ preference for dark or milk chocolate determines the choice, I look for a suitable option in that flavour. Flavour is the main criterion for an estimated 7% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Going by ‘less sugar’ alone

    That wording doesn’t tell you how much sugar the chocolate sprinkles contain per 100 g. Céréal’s product information at Albert Heijn lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g; Albert Heijn lists 43 g for AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker.

    First compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g for products in the same category, then take the other ingredients into account.

  • Overlooking polyols when the sugar value is low

    Céréal lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Read the ingredients before buying, and keep the packaging nearby if guests will be choosing their own toppings.

  • Assuming allergens based on the flavour

    The labels we looked at differ: the AH option lists milk and lactose, the Jumbo milk chocolate option lists milk and may contain gluten and wheat, and the Céréal option lists soya and may contain milk.

    Check the current packaging for the exact option you’re serving, and place it beside the toppings.

  • Assuming a multipack is a lower-sugar option

    According to the product information at Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains eight portions. This packaging format doesn’t indicate a sugar reduction.

    Choose individual portions if they make serving easier; check the nutrition table to assess the sugar content.

Brands to consider

Céréal

The dark chocolate sprinkles we looked at use maltitols; product information at Albert Heijn lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g.

  • The nutritional information also lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product information lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g, soya as an allergen and possible traces of milk. Jumbo warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Albert Heijn

AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker is a dark chocolate option for which Albert Heijn claims 30% less sugar than AH Chocolade hagel puur.

  • The product information lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g and at least 50% cocoa.
  • The option we looked at lists milk and lactose. Check the current label before serving.

Jumbo

Jumbo Hagelslag Melk Minder Suiker is the milk chocolate option we looked at; Jumbo claims 30% less sugar than its regular milk chocolate sprinkles.

  • The product information lists 42.6 g of sugars per 100 g and at least 40% cocoa.
  • The option contains milk and may contain gluten and wheat. Jumbo says the 200 g pack we looked at is no longer part of its online range; check current availability.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean the chocolate sprinkles are sugar-free?

No: ‘less sugar’ doesn’t mean they contain no sugars. Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker and 7.7 g per 100 g for Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers; compare the exact products per 100 g.

Can I put out unlimited amounts of Céréal chocolate sprinkles as a topping?

Don’t assume they can be consumed without limit: Céréal’s product information lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Keep the packaging beside the toppings so guests can read the ingredients.

Which allergens should I check when serving chocolate sprinkles to guests?

Check the current packaging for every option you’ve chosen, including any ‘may contain’ statements. The AH option we looked at lists milk and lactose, the Jumbo option lists milk and may contain gluten and wheat, and the Céréal option lists soya and may contain milk.