Bakers making small batches
If you’re decorating one small batch of pepernoten, individual portions let you open a limited amount of topping at a time. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list eight portions in a 140 g pack of their mini mixes.
Who are small portions useful for?
Bakers who like to mix things up
Want to use different types of chocolate sprinkles and flakes without opening a large pack of each? According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes combines several types in eight small portions.
Bakers who often use the same topping
If you use a lot of one type of chocolate sprinkles across several baking sessions, a larger pack may be a good fit. You’ll need to measure out the topping yourself and store what’s left; alongside its mini mix, Jumbo also lists 600 g packs of chocolate sprinkles.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much topping you use each time you bake and whether you want one type or a mix. Then check the pack size and the instructions for your intended use.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and leftovers | Check the total weight, the number of individual portions and the amount in each portion. | If you’re decorating just one small batch, you won’t want to open more topping than you need. Portion control is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Variety | Check which types of chocolate sprinkles and flakes are actually included in the mix. | When decorating a plate of pepernoten in different ways, I want to be able to mix things up without opening several large packs. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this variety. |
| Amount for repeated use | Compare the pack size with how much you expect to use across several baking sessions. | If I use the same topping each time, I want to have enough in the cupboard but also be able to store any opened leftovers. This need is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘mini’ means mini rusks or oven-safe decoration
The small packs from De Ruijter and AH contain chocolate sprinkles and flakes, not rusks. A mention of bakes or cakes doesn’t, by itself, mean that the topping is suitable for adding to pepernoten before baking.
Check what’s in the pack and follow specific instructions if you want to use the topping in the oven. If there are no such instructions, you can decorate the pepernoten after baking.
-
Assuming all mini mixes are the same
The ingredients vary between mixes and sometimes between individual portions. Albert Heijn lists milk and lactose in AH Strooi mini’s; according to the product information, De Ruijter Kleintjes includes milk, lactose and soya, among other ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack, especially if you’re baking for others or need a particular type of topping.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Kleintjes combines different types of chocolate sprinkles and flakes in eight portions of 15 g or 20 g.
- Having several types in one pack can be handy when you’re decorating a small batch.
- Check the ingredients in each portion; a mention of bakes doesn’t give specific oven instructions.
AH
According to Albert Heijn, AH Strooi mini’s is a 140 g mix of chocolate sprinkles and flakes with eight portions; the stated portion size is 18 g.
- Individual portions make it easier to choose how much to use each time you decorate.
- According to Albert Heijn, the mix contains milk and lactose. Check the current label and the instructions for use.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists eight portions in 140 g for Strooi Mini’s, as well as larger packs of chocolate sprinkles for when you want to use one type.
- You can weigh up the portion size against a larger pack that you measure out yourself.
- Milk is listed as an allergen in the mini mix; check the pack for the ingredients and storage instructions.
Venz
Jumbo described Venz Mini’s as a small pack of chocolate sprinkles and flakes for uses including bread toppings and bakes.
- The small pack size may be useful if you only use a little topping at a time.
- Jumbo says Venz Mini’s is no longer in its online range, so don’t assume it’s available without checking a current product listing.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are mini portions automatically more convenient for a small batch?
They can make it easier to open a limited amount of topping at a time, but they don’t determine how much you use overall. Check the weight per portion and the pack size; Albert Heijn lists eight 18 g portions in a 140 g pack of AH Strooi mini’s.
Can you put chocolate sprinkles on pepernoten before baking?
Don’t assume you can with these mini mixes unless there are specific instructions. De Ruijter mentions bakes and Albert Heijn mentions cakes as possible uses, but those descriptions don’t give an oven temperature or say that the topping can be used before baking. Check the pack and the recipe; decorating after baking avoids having to assume how the topping will behave in the oven.
Which allergens should I check in a mini mix?
Check the exact pack and, where relevant, each portion of the mix. Milk is listed in the AH and Jumbo mini mixes described here; AH also lists lactose. De Ruijter Kleintjes lists milk, lactose and soya, among other ingredients, in its individual portions.
Does baker’s salt for homemade pepernoten always contain iodine?
That isn’t guaranteed by the Dutch rules on baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present through the use of baker’s salt in bread, bread substitutes and other bakery products, up to a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. Check the label on the salt you actually use rather than assuming it has a fixed composition.