Who is this for?

Stallholders choosing by cocoa content

Want to choose a plain topping based on more than just the word ‘plain’. Albert Heijn lists at least 52% cocoa solids for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur; Jumbo lists at least 50% for its 200 g plain variant.

Stallholders with high turnover

Are looking for a pack that suits the pace of service, without assuming that a larger pack contains more cocoa. Lidl lists Mister Choc Hagelslag Puur at 600 g, and ALDI lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur at 600 g.

Stallholders organising allergen information

Sell topped oliebollen unpackaged and need to be able to tell customers about any allergens before they buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the Commodities Act Regulation on Non-prepacked Foods set requirements for the information that must be available and how customers are directed to it at the point of sale.

What should you look for?

First decide what matters most for your stall: a stated cocoa content, pack size, a product-specific sugar comparison or organising allergen information. Then check the current label on the variant you want to use.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Cocoa content Compare the stated minimum percentage of cocoa solids; don’t rely on the word ‘plain’ alone. I want to choose a topping with a demonstrably higher cocoa content, even if the pack is smaller. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Pack size Compare the weight in grams and check the storage instructions on the pack. At a busy stall, I mainly want a pack size that suits the pace of service. Around 27% of consumers prioritise pack size.
Sugar comparison Check the sugars per 100 g and see which product a reduced-sugar claim is compared with. I want to assess a specific sugar comparison without turning it into a general nutritional claim. This is the most important consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Allergen information Check the current ingredients and allergens for each topping, and make sure information about the topped oliebol is available before purchase. When I sell unpackaged oliebollen, I need to be able to answer customers’ questions about allergens promptly and accurately. Around 20% of consumers put this process first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘plain’ means a set cocoa percentage

    Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists minimum cocoa solids levels of 32%, 50% and 52% for the plain variants reviewed. So the category name doesn’t tell you which minimum applies to your pack.

    Note down the minimum percentage for the exact variant before choosing it for your range. The percentage alone won’t predict how every customer will find the flavour.

  • Choosing a large pack without reading the label

    The stated pack weight tells you nothing about the ingredients, allergens or minimum cocoa content of that variant.

    Check the current label before adding a product to your recipe and allergen information.

  • Relying only on the sealed pack

    For unpackaged sales, customers must be able to get information about any allergens before buying. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this covers the 14 allergens specified by law.

    Keep the information for each topped oliebol up to date, and make it clear at the point of sale where customers can find it. If you provide information verbally, there are also requirements for answering questions directly and having documentation available.

Brands compared

These examples show which product features you can compare for each variant; a brand name alone doesn’t determine the cocoa content or allergens in the pack you use.

De Ruijter

Albert Heijn lists plain Chocoladehagel in a 390 g pack and Specials Intens Puur in a separate 200 g variant.

  • Specials Intens Puur is listed as containing at least 52% cocoa solids.
  • The information for Specials Intens Puur lists milk and soya; check the current pack for the full allergen information.

Venz

Albert Heijn lists Venz Hagelslag Puur in a 400 g pack.

  • The stated minimum of 32% cocoa solids makes it possible to compare this feature.
  • This percentage isn’t as high as the stated minimums of 50% and 52% for the variants mentioned; check the allergens on the pack too.

Albert Heijn

AH Hagelslag Puur is a 400 g own-brand variant.

  • The product information lists at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • The information for this variant lists milk and lactose; don’t assume the same applies to other AH products.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists plain chocolate sprinkles in a 380 g pack and a separate plain 200 g variant.

  • The 200 g variant is listed as containing at least 50% cocoa solids. Jumbo compares the sugar content of this particular variant with its own plain chocolate sprinkles.
  • Jumbo lists at least 32% cocoa solids for the 380 g variant; don’t confuse the product information for the two packs.

Lidl

Lidl lists Mister Choc Hagelslag Puur at 600 g and a separate XXL variant at 550 g.

  • The stated weights are a useful starting point if pack size matters for your stall.
  • Check the physical label for cocoa content, ingredients and allergens before using either variant as a topping.

Aldi

ALDI lists Kiekeboe Hagelslag Puur in a 600 g pack.

  • The stated weight is useful when comparing pack sizes.
  • Check the current pack for cocoa content, ingredients and allergens before drawing conclusions about this variant.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘plain’ mean that chocolate sprinkles have a high cocoa content?

No. Check the minimum percentage for the exact variant. According to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, the Venz and AH variants reviewed, as well as Jumbo’s 380 g variant, contain at least 32% cocoa solids. That compares with 52% for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur and 50% for Jumbo 200 g.

Do I need to provide allergen information for an unpackaged oliebol with chocolate sprinkles?

Yes. For unpackaged sales in the Netherlands, information about any allergens must be available before purchase. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the Commodities Act Regulation on Non-prepacked Foods set out the requirements: written or electronic information must be accessible at the point of sale; staff can provide information verbally only if they can answer questions accurately and immediately, the information is also recorded for staff and the regulator, and customers are given a clear sign directing them to it.

Can I offer De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur as a milk- or soya-free topping?

No. The product information for De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur lists milk and soya. Check the current label and include information about the complete topped oliebol in your allergen information.

How should I store an opened pack of chocolate sprinkles at my stall?

Follow the storage instructions and use-by or best-before information on the current pack. The product information reviewed recommends storing the sprinkles in a cool, dry place; Albert Heijn also says to store its own plain chocolate sprinkles away from light. Reseal the pack between uses.