Weekly shopper planning their stock
Uses chocolate sprinkles on several occasions and weighs up pack size against expected use and storage instructions.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shopper comparing ingredients
Wants to compare sugars per 100 g and per portion, and to check the ingredients and any warnings when considering a reduced-sugar option.
Shopper looking for seeds in the base
Wants the texture of rusks, crackers or bread with seeds, so checks the ingredients and allergen information for the base separately from the topping.
What should you look for when choosing?
Separate rusks and chocolate sprinkles
A good fit if: you want to choose your own rusks, crackers or bread and decide how much topping to add.
The trade-off: you’ll need to check the ingredients and storage instructions for both products.
Ready-made combination
A good fit if: you’re mainly looking for a combination in one pack.
The trade-off: you can’t choose the base separately, so check whether the product is available too.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Compare sugars per 100 g and per portion. For reduced-sugar chocolate sprinkles, also read which sweeteners are used and what warnings appear on the label. | If I want to choose my portion of topping based on its ingredients, I look beyond the wording on the front of the pack. For around 45% of consumers, ingredients would be the main concern. |
| Weekly stock and storage | Check the net weight and storage instructions for both the topping and the base. | If I’m buying for several occasions, I want a pack I can store properly and finish. For around 33% of consumers, weekly supplies would be the main priority. |
| Seeds and allergens | Check the base’s ingredients list for the seeds you want and read the allergen information for both products. | If I want seeds in my rusks, crackers or bread, I choose that base carefully and check both labels. Seeds and allergens would be the main concern for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the base contains seeds based on the topping’s name
Chocolate sprinkles and the base are separate products. The name of the chocolate sprinkles won’t tell you whether the rusks, crackers or bread contain seeds.
Read the ingredients list for your chosen base and check the allergen information on both products.
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Choosing a large pack without a storage plan
A larger supply needs to suit how often you use the product and how you’ll store it once opened.
Compare the pack size with your expected use and follow the separate storage instructions for the topping and rusks.
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Making ‘less sugar’ your only deciding factor
The Céréal reduced-sugar chocolate sprinkles listed by Albert Heijn contain maltitols and carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and per portion, and read the ingredients and warnings for the option you choose.
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Adding a ready-made combination to your shopping list without checking
Jumbo stated that Jumbo Beschuit met Hagelslag Melk was no longer part of its online range. So don’t count on finding this specific combination without checking first.
Check the current range before planning your shop, or choose separate rusks and chocolate sprinkles.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
A brand to consider if you’re looking for separate milk or dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Jumbo listed milk and dark chocolate options in 390 g packs; Lidl Netherlands listed a 390 g milk option as an in-store product.
- Check the current ingredients, nutrition information and availability for each option.
Venz
A brand to compare if you’re looking for milk chocolate sprinkles or a flavoured option.
- Jumbo listed Venz Melk Chocolade Hagelslag in a 400 g pack, as well as Rimboe options.
- Read the label for the option you choose; a product listing doesn’t tell you the ingredients of every Venz product.
Albert Heijn
A supermarket own brand to consider if you want to compare the ingredients in dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Hagelslag puur in a 400 g pack, with 64 g of sugars per 100 g.
- Check the label when you buy; Albert Heijn says product information may change.
Jumbo
A supermarket own brand with different pack sizes of chocolate sprinkles to compare with your expected weekly use.
- Jumbo listed chocolate sprinkles in 200 g, 380 g and 600 g packs.
- Jumbo said its ready-made Beschuit met Hagelslag Melk was no longer part of its online range.
Lidl
A supermarket option to consider if you’re looking for a larger pack of milk chocolate sprinkles.
- Lidl Netherlands listed its own 600 g pack of milk chocolate sprinkles.
- The product listing said this pack was only available in store; check the current situation at your local shop.
Separate toppings for your choice of base
These Joybuy products are separate chocolate products, not ready-made combinations with rusks. Flake Feast is made up of flakes rather than chocolate sprinkles. Choose rusks, crackers or bread with the seeds you want separately.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
For anyone who wants to pair separate dark chocolate sprinkles with their choice of base.
390 g pack. Before use, check the label for sugars per 100 g, allergens and storage instructions.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
For anyone who wants to choose separate chocolate chunks as a topping for their preferred base.
390 g pack. Read the nutrition and allergen information for this option, and follow the storage instructions.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
For anyone who wants to use flakes rather than chocolate sprinkles on their choice of base.
200 g pack. Compare the nutrition information with that for chocolate sprinkles, and check the allergen and storage information for these flakes.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
For anyone who wants to choose a dark chocolate topping separately from the base; check that it’s suitable for serving on rusks.
200 g pack. Before use, read the nutrition information, allergen information and storage instructions for this option.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘seeded’ mean the chocolate sprinkles contain seeds?
No, don’t assume that based on the name of the chocolate sprinkles. If you want seeds for added texture, check the ingredients list of the rusks, crackers or bread you choose as your base.
Should I check the allergens in both the rusks and the chocolate sprinkles?
Yes. If you have an allergy or intolerance, check both labels. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority outlines the requirement to list 14 allergens on the label; which ones are present varies by product and option.
How should I store rusks and chocolate sprinkles for the week?
Follow the instructions on each product’s packaging. Albert Heijn says to store AH Hagelslag puur in a cool, dark and dry place; for Bolletje Echte Beschuit, Jumbo says to store it in a dark, dry place in a sealed pack after opening.
Is reduced-sugar chocolate sprinkles automatically the right choice?
No. Compare the other ingredients and check the warnings for the specific option too. The Céréal reduced-sugar chocolate sprinkles listed by Albert Heijn contain maltitols and warn that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.