People putting together a meal after exercise
You want to decide what role a sweet product will play in your meal or snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a regular meal containing both carbohydrates and protein after exercise.
Who are these products for?
People looking for a sweet topping
You already have something to eat and want to add Muisjes for flavour or decoration, rather than having them as a meal in their own right.
People buying a chocolate gift
You’re looking for something to give as a gift or share. In that case, the shape of the product, portion sizes and allergens in the chocolate box you choose matter more than whether it works as a topping.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for something to eat after exercise, a topping or a gift. Then compare the nutritional information and packaging of products that suit your purpose.
Muisjes as a topping
A good fit when: you already have a snack and want to add something sweet.
Keep in mind: Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter Feestmuisjes as sugar-coated aniseed; they’re not a substitute for a meal after exercise.
A box of chocolates as a gift
A good fit when: you mainly want to give or share a treat.
Keep in mind: Gift packaging won’t help you put together a meal after exercise; check the portions and nutritional information separately.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Its role in your meal or snack | Check the protein and sugars per 100 g and per portion, and consider what else you’ll eat. | If I still need to eat after exercise, I want to know whether my snack is part of a meal containing carbohydrates and protein. For around 46% of consumers, the role it plays in a meal is the main consideration. |
| How you’ll use it and portion size | Check whether you’re buying sprinkles or a chocolate treat to share, and look at the stated portion size. | If I just want to add something sweet or share it out, the product’s format determines how much I use. For around 27% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the variant you’ve chosen on the current packaging. | When choosing something for myself or someone else, I want to check which allergens it contains first. For around 27% of consumers, this is their top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Treating Muisjes and boxes of chocolates as the same kind of product
According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes are sprinkles made from sugar-coated aniseed. A box of chocolates is a different type of product, intended to be given as a gift or shared.
Before comparing products, decide whether you’re looking for a topping, something to eat after exercise or a gift.
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Mistaking a sweet topping for a whole meal
Albert Heijn lists 2 g of protein and 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a regular meal containing carbohydrates and protein after exercise.
First work out what else your meal or snack will include, then add Muisjes as a topping if you like.
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Relying on a product photo to check for allergens
Allergens vary between products and variants. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed foods.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product you’re choosing.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Albert Heijn and Jumbo stock De Ruijter Muisjes. The product information below relates specifically to Feestmuisjes, not every variant from the brand.
- Albert Heijn describes Feestmuisjes as sugar-coated aniseed for adding to bread, crispbread and yoghurt, among other things.
- For this variant, Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars and 2 g of protein per 100 g, as well as wheat and gluten. Check the label of the variant you buy.
Products on Joybuy
These products suit two different purposes: Muisjes as a topping for something you’re already eating, or chocolate as a gift or treat. Choose according to how you plan to use it, and check the nutritional information and allergens on the individual packaging.
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De Ruijter Muisjes blue and white 330 g
A sweet topping for when you already have something to eat, not a meal in its own right after exercise.
330 g pack. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, and check the allergens for this variant.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
An assortment of chocolates for a small gift or treat, not a substitute for a meal after exercise.
125 g pack. If you’re sharing, check how many pieces it contains and read the allergen information on the packaging.
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Milka Thank You Pralines Milk Cream 110 g
Chocolates for a gift or treat, rather than a meal after exercise.
110 g pack. Check how many chocolates it contains, the portion information and the allergens for this variant.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack 143 g
An assortment of chocolates to share as a treat, not as a meal after exercise.
143 g pack. Check how many pieces it contains and the portion information, and read the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Are Muisjes a meal after exercise in their own right?
No, don’t use Muisjes as a substitute for that meal. Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars and 2 g of protein per 100 g for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a regular meal containing carbohydrates and protein after exercise. Muisjes can, however, be used as a topping alongside whatever else you’re eating.
What’s the difference between Muisjes and a box of chocolates?
Muisjes are sprinkles, while a box of chocolates contains chocolates to give as a gift or share. Albert Heijn describes De Ruijter Feestmuisjes as sugar-coated aniseed and the separate Merci Geschenkdoos as a box of individually wrapped chocolate bars. That Geschenkdoos is not the same product as Merci Petits in the product list above.
Which allergens should I check for?
Check the allergens for the exact variant on the packaging. Albert Heijn lists wheat and gluten for De Ruijter Feestmuisjes; other Muisjes and chocolates may contain different ingredients. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed foods appears on the label.
How should I store Muisjes and chocolate?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging you buy. Albert Heijn says to store De Ruijter Feestmuisjes in a dry place and to protect the separate Merci Geschenkdoos from heat; don’t assume this is the full storage advice for every variant.