Parents who want to take small portions with them
For a day out with children, a compact pack or a portion you measure out yourself can be useful. The word ‘mini’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything about nutritional value.
Which option is right for you?
Shoppers looking for aniseed sprinkles
If the aniseed flavour and the aniseed sprinkles product are important to you, choose by product type. The De Ruijter packs we looked at don’t contain individual mini portions.
Organisers planning a Sinterklaas-themed event
If you want the treat to fit in with the parade, a product from the Sinterklaas range may be a better choice than aniseed sprinkles.
What should you look for when choosing?
Aniseed sprinkles
Choose this if: you specifically want an aniseed sprinkles product. At 270 g, De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes is the smaller of the two aniseed sprinkles products we looked at from Albert Heijn.
The trade-off: this pack doesn’t contain individual mini portions either; the 6 g serving size on the label doesn’t mean that it does.
Smaller pack of sprinkles
Choose this if: portability and a smaller overall quantity matter more to you than aniseed sprinkles. Albert Heijn describes its 140 g AH Strooi mini’s as a small pack for taking with you.
The trade-off: it’s a mix of chocolate strands, chocolate flakes and fruit sprinkles, not aniseed sprinkles.
Sinterklaas sweets
Choose this if: the Sinterklaas theme is the deciding factor. Albert Heijn’s Sinterklaas range includes spiced biscuits, speculaas and chocolate letters.
The trade-off: check the size, ingredients and allergens for each product separately.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and portability | Compare the net weight and check whether the pack actually contains individual portions. | I want to take a limited amount to the parade without opening more than I need; around 50% of consumers prioritise portion control and portability. |
| Ingredients, sugars and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging; compare sugar content on the same basis, per 100 g. | If ingredients or allergens determine what I can offer, I want to check them before buying. This is the most important consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| How well it fits the Sinterklaas theme | Decide whether you’re looking for aniseed sprinkles or sweets that are clearly associated with the parade. | I’m mainly looking for a treat with a clear Sinterklaas theme, even if it isn’t aniseed sprinkles; around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘mini’ means aniseed sprinkles
AH Strooi mini’s comes in a smaller pack, but according to Albert Heijn it contains chocolate strands, chocolate flakes and fruit sprinkles rather than aniseed sprinkles.
If aniseed sprinkles are a must, check both the product name and the ingredients.
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Assuming a smaller pack contains less sugar
Albert Heijn’s product information lists 73 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Strooi mini’s and 79 g per 100 g for the De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles we looked at. The total pack size doesn’t change those per-100 g figures.
Choose a pack size to suit the amount you want to take with you, and compare the nutritional values separately per 100 g.
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Comparing only the serving sizes on the labels
The stated 6 g serving of De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes isn’t an individual mini pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing nutritional values per 100 g, as serving sizes can vary.
Compare products per 100 g first, then decide how much you want to serve.
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Guessing allergens from the size or appearance
The De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles we looked at list wheat and gluten; the product information for AH Strooi mini’s lists milk and lactose.
Before buying, check the current allergen information on the packaging of the specific product.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Worth considering if you’re looking for aniseed sprinkles: the variants we looked at are Gestampte Muisjes (270 g) and Feestmuisjes (330 g).
- According to the product information, these variants are aniseed sprinkles.
- The packs we looked at aren’t individually portioned mini packs; also check the listed wheat and gluten.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand AH Strooi mini’s is worth considering if a small pack of sprinkles that you can take with you is your priority.
- The pack contains 140 g and Albert Heijn describes it as small and suitable for taking with you.
- It isn’t aniseed sprinkles, but a mix of sprinkles; the product information lists milk and lactose.
Products on this topic at Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are AH Strooi mini’s the same as aniseed sprinkles?
No. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Strooi mini’s contains chocolate strands, chocolate flakes and fruit sprinkles, among other things; the De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles we looked at are sugar-coated aniseed seeds.
Can I compare products using the serving size on the label?
Don’t use the labelled serving size as your only basis for comparison. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, then use the serving size to work out how much you want to serve. The 6 g serving size for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes doesn’t mean that the pack contains individual portions.
Which allergens should I check in these sprinkles?
The De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles we looked at list wheat and gluten; AH Strooi mini’s lists milk and lactose. Check the current allergen information on the packaging of the product you’re buying.
How should I store the sprinkles around parade day?
Follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. The product information recommends storing De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles in a dry place, and AH Strooi mini’s in a cool, dark, dry place. Seal an opened pack securely.