Who is this choice relevant to?

Buffet planner looking to limit sugar

You want to serve chocolate sprinkles, so you’re comparing the sugars per 100 g and per serving. Also check what a claim such as ‘less sugar’ is being compared with.

Host catering for a range of dietary preferences

You want guests to be able to see which versions contain milk, lactose, soya or sweeteners. Keep the packaging to hand or place the product information next to each bowl.

Brunch or dessert buffet host

You’re looking for sprinkles to serve with bread, yoghurt or desserts, and chocolate flavour matters to you. A more intense cocoa profile doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much sugar a product contains.

What should you look for when choosing?

First compare the sugars per 100 g and check what any sugar-reduction claim is based on. Then look at the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the exact pack you plan to put out on the buffet.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar content Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check which product a ‘less sugar’ claim is compared with. If I want to limit sugar, I need to know how much sugar the sprinkles contain, not just what the front of the pack says. Sugar reduction is a top priority for around 46% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check the exact pack for any warning about polyols. When guests have different dietary preferences, I want everyone to be able to identify a suitable option and check the label for themselves. Checking ingredients is the main priority for around 36% of consumers.
Flavour and presentation If the sprinkles are also being used as a topping, compare the chocolate flavour profile with the nutritional information. For bread and desserts, I’m mainly looking for a chocolate flavour that suits the buffet, without assuming that dark chocolate means less sugar. Around 18% of consumers give this flavour choice the most weight.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘less sugar’ means ‘low in sugar’

    According to Albert Heijn, both AH Hagelslag puur minder suiker and the milk version contain 43 g of sugars per 100 g. The stated 30% reduction is compared with the corresponding standard AH version.

    Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and check which sprinkles are being used as the reference product.

  • Looking only at the lowest sugar figure

    According to the product information at Jumbo, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The label states that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients and keep the warning visible when serving this version.

  • Serving chocolate sprinkles in open bowls without product information

    The versions discussed differ in whether they contain milk, lactose and soya. Without the packaging, it can be difficult for guests to check these differences.

    Put the product name and allergen information next to each bowl, or keep the packaging beside it. Use separate serving spoons for each version.

  • Assuming intensely dark chocolate means less sugar

    According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids, but also 43 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Choose this version for the chocolate profile you want. If you’re looking to limit sugar, assess that separately using the nutritional information.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers dark and milk chocolate sprinkles with a claim of 30% less sugar than its own standard versions.

  • According to Albert Heijn, both versions contain 43 g of sugars per 100 g and have a serving size of 20 g.
  • The reduction claim is a comparison within the AH range. Both the dark and milk versions list milk and lactose.

Céréal

Céréal Hagelslag Puur is a chocolate sprinkle product where the sugar content is a key point of difference on the label.

  • The product information at Jumbo lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The product also lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g, contains soya, may contain milk and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Jumbo

Jumbo provides product information for milk chocolate sprinkles with 30% less sugar than its standard milk version.

  • The 200 g pack described lists 42.6 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • This version contains milk. Check the current range and the label before choosing it for your buffet.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter is worth considering for a buffet where flavour or smaller portion packs matter more than a less-sugar claim.

  • According to Albert Heijn, Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids; the Kleintjes pack has eight portions with different types of sprinkles and flakes.
  • Specials Intens Puur lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g. For Kleintjes, check the ingredients for each type, including milk, lactose and soya.

Venz

Venz is a brand to look at if you’re also considering standard chocolate sprinkles for your buffet.

  • The range shown by Jumbo includes Venz milk chocolate sprinkles and flavoured versions.
  • If you’re specifically looking for less sugar, compare the nutritional information and any reduction claim for the exact Venz version with your other options.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘less sugar’ mean chocolate sprinkles contain little or no sugar?

No. ‘Less sugar’ compares one product with another; it doesn’t tell you how much sugar the product contains on its own. Albert Heijn lists 43 g of sugars per 100 g for each of its lower-sugar dark and milk versions. According to the product information at Jumbo, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g per 100 g.

Why do polyols matter in Céréal Hagelslag Puur?

Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains maltitols and lists 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The product label warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect, so keep the packaging available for guests who want to check the ingredients.

Which allergens should I make clear when serving chocolate sprinkles?

Use the allergen information on each specific pack. The AH versions discussed list milk and lactose; Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains soya and may contain milk; and De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur lists milk and soya and may contain lactose.

How should I store chocolate sprinkles before and during the buffet?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack for the version you choose. The AH versions discussed say to store in a cool, dark and dry place; Céréal says to store in a dry place at room temperature. Seal any opened pack carefully between servings.