Who is this choice relevant to?

Family bakers who prefer more cocoa

The children can help with the decorating while the adults choose a topping with a higher stated cocoa content. The varieties described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo have stated minimum percentages ranging from 32% to 52%.

Parents keeping an eye on sugar and portion sizes

For them, it’s not just about which sprinkles are on the table, but also how much goes on each bake. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating sprinkles in moderation and not too often.

Households that check allergens

If you need to avoid milk, soya or other relevant ingredients, check the information on your chosen pack before baking. Ingredients and warnings vary between products.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the cocoa flavour you want from your topping. Then compare the nutritional information and allergens for the exact variety, and choose a pack size that suits how often you’ll use it for decorating.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Cocoa content Compare the minimum percentage of cocoa solids on the exact pack. Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52%; Jumbo states that its 200 g dark variety contains at least 50%. This makes a big difference if the adults want a topping with a higher cocoa content while the children decorate. For around 36% of consumers, cocoa content is thought to be their top concern.
Sugar and portion size Check the sugar per 100 g and, if given, per serving. For varieties with sweeteners, check the ingredients and warnings too. When we have an afternoon of baking, I want to be able to decide how much goes on each bake. The amount used, alongside the sugar content, is thought to be a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning on the specific pack; don’t assume a product is suitable just because it is labelled ‘dark’. If someone eating with us needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know before we start decorating. An estimated 21% of consumers are thought to consider this their main priority.
Pack size and where to shop Compare the pack size and storage instructions with how much you expect to use. Lidl states that Mister CHOC Hagelslag puur is only available in store. When we bake together more often, I want to choose a pack we’ll actually use. This practical consideration is thought to be the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘low in sugar’

    According to product information from Jumbo and Albert Heijn, the standard dark varieties reviewed contain 64 to 65 g of sugar per 100 g; Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains 43 g per 100 g. The name alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in the product.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering.

  • Focusing only on a lower sugar content

    Jumbo lists maltitols in Céréal Hagelslag Puur and includes a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients and warnings on the pack as well as the sugar content, and decide how much you’ll use for decorating.

  • Assuming you know the allergens from the type of chocolate

    Dark chocolate sprinkles can contain milk or soya; some varieties also carry warnings about the possible presence of other ingredients.

    Check the latest allergen information for the specific product before buying and using it.

  • Choosing a large pack without considering how much you’ll use

    A larger pack is most practical if you’ll use the contents for future baking sessions. Storage instructions may vary by product and can be found on the pack.

    Choose a size to suit how much you expect to use, and follow the storage instructions on the pack once it’s open.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

The dark varieties described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo have different stated minimum percentages of cocoa solids: 32%, 43% and 52%.

  • You can choose between these varieties based on their stated cocoa content.
  • Check each pack for information about milk, soya and possible traces.

Venz

Jumbo describes Venz Puur as a 400 g pack of chocolate sprinkles containing at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • A standard dark variety if this is the cocoa content you’re looking for.
  • The stated 65 g of sugar per 100 g and the allergens are worth considering.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes AH Hagelslag puur as a 600 g pack containing at least 32% cocoa solids.

  • The pack size may suit you if you use the sprinkles for decorating regularly.
  • Check the latest sugar and allergen information on the pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo states that its 200 g Chocolade Hagelslag Puur contains at least 50% cocoa solids.

  • An option to compare if a higher stated cocoa content matters to you.
  • According to Jumbo, this variety contains milk and may contain gluten and wheat.

ALDI / Kiekeboe

ALDI Nederland describes Kiekeboe Hagelslag puur as a 600 g pack.

  • The pack size may be useful if you often use sprinkles for decorating.
  • Compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack.

Lidl / Mister CHOC

Lidl lists Mister CHOC Hagelslag puur as a 600 g pack available in store only.

  • A pack size to include when comparing products in store.
  • Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack before choosing.

Dark chocolate sprinkles for decorating

These Joybuy products are two dark varieties from De Ruijter for use as a topping, including on cupcakes. Compare their stated cocoa content and pack size with how much you plan to use.

De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g

De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g

Dark chocolate sprinkles for decorating cupcakes when you’re looking for a variety with a higher stated cocoa content.

At least 52% cocoa solids; 43 g of sugar per 100 g. Contains milk and soya; also check the current label for information about the possible presence of milk proteins and lactose.

View at Joybuy
De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g

De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g

A standard dark variety for anyone looking to use sprinkles as a cupcake topping and wanting a 390 g pack.

This variety is stated to contain at least 32% cocoa solids and 64 g of sugar per 100 g. The product information lists milk and soya; check the latest label before use.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does more cocoa mean dark chocolate sprinkles contain less sugar?

No. You can’t tell the sugar content from the cocoa percentage alone. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact varieties you’re considering. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating sprinkles in moderation and not too often.

When should I add sprinkles if the children are decorating biscuits?

For a decorative finish, you can add the sprinkles after baking. In a Lidl recipe, the biscuits are baked first, then decorated with chocolate spread and sprinkles.

Which allergens should I check in dark chocolate sprinkles?

Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack. The varieties described include ingredients such as milk and soya, as well as warnings about the possible presence of other ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly stated on the label.

How should I store sprinkles after baking?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it properly after use. For the De Ruijter variety described, Joybuy recommends storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

What should I look for in a variety with less sugar?

Also check which sweeteners the product contains and what warnings appear on the pack. For Céréal Hagelslag Puur, Jumbo lists maltitols and a warning about excessive consumption. Also consider how much you plan to use for decorating.