Hotel guests looking to reduce their sugar intake
They need to know whether the chocolate sprinkles contain less sugar, have no added sugar or are actually labelled as sugar-free. These descriptions do not mean the same thing.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Those responsible for the breakfast buffet
They need to make information about the allergens present in each product available to guests. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority outlines this information requirement for businesses that serve food.
Guests who want to avoid sweeteners
For these guests, the ingredients list matters: chocolate sprinkles containing maltitol are a different choice from a product offered with no added sugar. Even for the latter, the amount of sugars shown on the label is still relevant.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, compare the exact sugar claim and the sugars per 100 g. Then check that the ingredients, allergens and portion format suit the information and serving arrangements on the buffet.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Compare the claim on the packaging with the sugars per 100 g shown on the label; do not treat ‘less sugar’ or ‘no added sugar’ as meaning ‘sugar-free’. | I want to choose chocolate sprinkles with less sugar for my rusk, without relying on an incorrect sugar-free claim. For around 36% of consumers, reducing sugar is the top priority. |
| Allergen information | Check the current allergen information for each product and make sure guests can access it at the buffet. | When putting together the buffet, I want to be able to tell guests which allergens are present in the chocolate sprinkles on offer. Useful allergen information is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and presentation | Compare loose chocolate sprinkles with individual portions, and check the portion size in grams. | If I serve chocolate sprinkles at the buffet, I want to be able to portion them out and present the product clearly. Around 21% of consumers say this is their priority. |
| Sweeteners | Check the ingredients for maltitol or other sweeteners, and compare the sugars per 100 g even for products with no added sugar. | I want to choose chocolate sprinkles without maltitol and accept that an alternative may still contain sugars. Avoiding sweeteners matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Describing ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’
Céréal states that its dark chocolate sprinkles contain 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g. Puur Mieke states that No Sugar Daddies Choco Chunks Extra Puur contains 34 g of sugars per 100 g, despite being labelled as having no added sugar. The buffet label should therefore distinguish clearly between these descriptions.
Use the exact claim from the current label and, if you wish, include the sugars per 100 g. Do not use ‘sugar-free’ as a catch-all term for these products.
-
Checking only the sugars and overlooking sweeteners
According to Céréal, its dark chocolate variety contains 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that large amounts of polyols can cause intestinal discomfort, so the ingredients are also relevant to guests who want to avoid sweeteners.
Make the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging available to guests. If you are comparing an alternative with no added sugar, check its stated sugars separately.
-
Separating allergen information from the product on the buffet
The Céréal varieties reviewed contain soya; the milk chocolate variety contains milk, while the dark chocolate variety may contain milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that businesses must inform customers about allergens present in their products.
Make sure the information relates to the chocolate sprinkles actually being served, and update it if the packaging, recipe or supplier changes.
-
Assuming rusks or bread contain iodine
A comment about baker’s salt says nothing about the chocolate sprinkles, and does not confirm that the chosen rusks or bread contain iodine from baker’s salt. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt.
Check the label on the rusks you have chosen or ask the supplier about the ingredients before making an iodine claim.
Brands to consider
Céréal
Offers dark and milk chocolate sprinkles with less sugar and maltitol.
- According to Céréal, its dark chocolate variety contains 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g; the brand states that it has 88% less sugar than a comparable standard product.
- The dark chocolate variety contains soya and may contain milk. The milk chocolate variety contains milk and soya. Neither ‘less sugar’ claim means ‘sugar-free’.
Albert Heijn
Offers dark and milk chocolate sprinkles under its own brand, labelled ‘less sugar’.
- The varieties offer a choice of dark or milk chocolate within the same product range.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging you receive before putting either variety on the buffet.
No Sugar Daddies
Extra Puur Choco Chunks are offered with no added sugar; their larger pieces are different from fine chocolate sprinkles.
- Puur Mieke lists cocoa and dates as ingredients in this product, offering a different ingredient choice from chocolate sprinkles containing maltitol.
- Puur Mieke states that the product contains 34 g of sugars per 100 g. Here, ‘no added sugar’ does not mean ‘sugar-free’.
De Ruijter
The dark chocolate sprinkles reviewed come in individual portions for serving at the buffet.
- Albert Heijn lists a pack containing 120 portions of 20 g.
- Individual portions do not in themselves indicate a lower sugar content; check the nutritional information separately.
Venz
The dark chocolate sprinkles reviewed are a standard chocolate sprinkle option for guests who prefer the classic variety.
- Albert Heijn’s nutritional information for this variety can be compared with that of other products on offer.
- Albert Heijn states that Venz Hagelslag puur contains 65 g of sugars per 100 g. Do not present this variety as a lower-sugar or sugar-free option.
Related Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are chocolate sprinkles with less sugar also sugar-free?
No. A claim that a product contains less sugar does not mean that it contains no sugars. Céréal states that its dark chocolate variety contains 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g, so use the exact wording from the packaging on the buffet.
Can chocolate sprinkles with no added sugar still contain sugars?
Yes, they can. Puur Mieke states that No Sugar Daddies Choco Chunks Extra Puur contains 34 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the nutritional values per 100 g as well as the claim.
What allergen information should be available for chocolate sprinkles on a hotel buffet?
Guests must be able to access information about the allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority outlines this requirement for businesses that serve food. Keep the information for every product on offer up to date and make sure it relates to the correct product.
What should you look for in chocolate sprinkles containing maltitol?
Check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging, as well as the amount of sugars. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that large amounts of polyols can cause intestinal discomfort; Céréal states that its dark chocolate sprinkles contain maltitol.
Does baker’s salt mean that rusks contain iodine?
Not without checking the product you have chosen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. Check the label on the rusks or ask the supplier; the ingredients in the chocolate sprinkles do not provide an answer.