For an after-school treat, start by comparing the sugars per 100 g: the Céréal varieties reviewed list lower amounts than the Albert Heijn varieties, but contain maltitols and carry a warning about excessive consumption. The AH varieties reviewed do not list sweeteners in their ingredients, but each contains 43 g of sugars per 100 g. If this snack features regularly, also consider portion size and variety: according to the Voedingscentrum, chocolate sprinkles are not included in the Wheel of Five.
When choosing a sweet treat, look beyond the sugar-reduction claim and check the stated sugars per 100 g too. With the Céréal varieties reviewed, you’ll also need to consider whether you want to use products containing maltitols.
You’re looking for lower-sugar chocolate sprinkles whose listed ingredients do not include a sweetener. The AH varieties reviewed meet this criterion, but each still contains 43 g of sugars per 100 g.
If there’s often a snack after school, variety matters too. The Voedingscentrum does not include chocolate sprinkles in the Wheel of Five; choosing a lower-sugar variety does not change that.
Start with the nutritional information per 100 g, then read the ingredients for the exact variety. Also think about how often chocolate sprinkles fit into your after-school snack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stated sugars | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check which product the sugar-reduction claim is comparing it with. | For a sweet treat, I want to know how much sugar the chocolate sprinkles contain, not just how much lower the claim says it is. For around 42% of consumers, the lowest stated sugar content is the priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any warning about excessive consumption for each variety. | If I want to avoid sweeteners or need to take allergens into account, the label plays a part in my choice. For around 25% of consumers, ingredients and tolerance are the most important factors. |
| Portion size and variety | Decide how much chocolate sprinkles you use and how often this snack comes around. | If there’s often something to eat after school, I want to be able to vary the snacks rather than choose chocolate sprinkles every time. For around 33% of consumers, snacking habits are the main consideration. |
A sugar-reduction claim compares a product with another one; it doesn’t tell you on its own how much sugar the chocolate sprinkles contain. Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for both the plain and milk varieties reviewed, despite the claim of 30% less sugar.
First check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, then look at the product used for comparison in the claim.
According to the Voedingscentrum, chocolate sprinkles are not included in the Wheel of Five. This still applies if you choose a lower-sugar variety within this product category.
Enjoy chocolate sprinkles as part of a varied diet. If you have a regular snack time, consider fruit, vegetable sticks or wholemeal bread too.
The plain and milk varieties of Céréal reviewed contain maltitols. Their product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; the allergens also differ between varieties.
Check the ingredients, allergens and warning on the packaging of the exact variety.
Jumbo’s product page for Hagelslag Melk Minder Suiker 200 g states that this product is no longer part of its online range.
Check current availability and the exact variety before buying; don’t inadvertently replace a lower-sugar variety with regular chocolate sprinkles.
The plain and milk varieties reviewed are aimed at offering a much lower stated sugar content.
The AH plain and milk chocolate sprinkles reviewed state that they contain 30% less sugar than the corresponding regular AH variety.
The Jumbo Hagelslag Melk Minder Suiker reviewed is a milk variety claiming at least 30% less sugar than regular Jumbo milk chocolate sprinkles.
A lower sugar content doesn’t change where chocolate sprinkles fit in your diet: according to the Voedingscentrum, they are not included in the Wheel of Five. If you have a regular snack time, consider portion size and variety too.
The claim compares the AH variety reviewed with the corresponding regular AH chocolate sprinkles. Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for both its lower-sugar plain and milk varieties, so check the nutrition table alongside the claim.
The plain and milk varieties of Céréal reviewed contain maltitols and state that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Also check the allergens for the exact variety: the information differs between the plain and milk versions.
The product information for the AH and Jumbo varieties reviewed recommends storing them in a cool, dark and dry place. Follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the label of the pack you buy.
