Guests who want to avoid sugar
If avoiding sugar is your priority, you’ll want to be able to check the sugar content of every ingredient. Traditional crushed anise sprinkles and a homemade anise mix aren’t interchangeable options.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts who want to serve something familiar
You want to serve crushed anise sprinkles straight from the pack on bread or crispbread, and the familiar treat matters more to you than choosing a sugar-free option. Keep the packaging to hand so guests can check the ingredients.
Guests with questions about ingredients
If wheat, gluten, milk or particular sweeteners matter to you, ask to see the packaging of the exact product being served. Product details can vary between products and sellers.
What should you look for when choosing?
Ready-made crushed anise sprinkles
When: Choose the traditional version if you want to serve a familiar treat straight away and avoiding sugar isn’t essential.
The trade-off: The De Ruijter version examined contains sugar and glucose syrup, so it isn’t a sugar-free option.
Making your own anise sprinkle mix
When: This gives you the option to choose aniseed and a separate sweetener, and check both labels.
The trade-off: You’ll need to make and taste the mix yourself; it may not taste or feel like crushed anise sprinkles.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar content | Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and the ingredients list for each product you choose. | If I want to avoid sugar, that needs to be true of the products that actually end up on the table. For an estimated 46% of consumers, sugar content is the most important factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the packaging of the version you buy for allergens, sweeteners and usage warnings. | If a guest asks about wheat or a particular sweetener, I want to be able to show them exactly what has been used. For an estimated 36% of consumers, checking the ingredients takes priority. |
| Convenience and tradition | Decide whether you want to serve something straight away or have time to make and taste an anise mix in advance. | For a coffee break, sometimes I mainly want to put out the familiar treat quickly, even if it contains sugar. Convenience and tradition are likely to come first for around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming aniseed flavour means a product is sugar-free
According to Jumbo, the De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes product examined contains sugar and glucose syrup. The flavour doesn’t tell you anything about its sugar content.
Before buying, check the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information.
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Thinking a standalone sweetener is the same as ready-made crushed anise sprinkles
A table-top sweetener doesn’t provide the aniseed flavour or texture of crushed anise sprinkles.
Make a small test portion in advance if you want to combine ground aniseed with a sweetener.
You’ll need two separate ingredients for this alternative.
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Relying on the product name when checking allergens
Jumbo lists wheat and cereals containing gluten for the De Ruijter version examined. Another seller’s listing also mentions milk; sweeteners may have separate warnings too.
Check the packaging of the exact products you’ve bought and keep it available for guests.
Brands and ingredients to consider
De Ruijter
The Gestampte Muisjes product examined is a ready-made anise sprinkle for use on bread, crispbread and more.
- You can serve it straight away as a traditional treat.
- According to Jumbo, this version contains sugar, glucose syrup and wheat starch, so don’t choose it if avoiding sugar is your main priority.
Verstegen
Ground aniseed is an ingredient for a homemade sprinkle mix, not a pack of crushed anise sprinkles.
- Jumbo’s product listing names 100% aniseed as the ingredient.
- You’ll need another ingredient to make a sweet mix, and you decide on the final flavour and texture.
Pure Via
Alternatief voor Kristalsuiker is a separate table-top sweetener you could consider using with ground aniseed.
- Jumbo’s product information states that this sweetener contains 0 g sugars per 100 g.
- The product contains polyols; check the ingredients and the warning about excessive consumption on the packaging. It isn’t a ready-made anise sprinkle.
Canderel
Sugarly is a granulated sweetener that can be used as a separate ingredient in an anise mix.
- Albert Heijn’s product information mentions a source of phenylalanine, which you can take into account when checking the ingredients.
- The listing warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Check the label before serving this sweetener.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will appear here soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes sugar-free?
No, not the version examined here. According to Jumbo’s product information, it contains sugar and glucose syrup. Check the packaging you buy for the precise nutritional information.
Can I make my own anise sprinkle mix for coffee with friends?
Yes, you can combine ground aniseed with a separate sweetener. Jumbo lists Verstegen Ground Aniseed as containing 100% aniseed, and the Pure Via sweetener examined as containing 0 g sugars per 100 g. Check both packs and try a small amount first; the mix won’t automatically have the flavour or texture of crushed anise sprinkles.
Which allergens should I check in regular crushed anise sprinkles?
Always check the allergen information on the packaging you’ve bought. For the De Ruijter version examined, Jumbo lists wheat and cereals containing gluten, while another seller’s listing also mentions milk. Don’t rely on a general product description alone when informing guests.
Is a sugar-free sweetener suitable for every guest?
You can’t tell from the sugar content alone. Sweeteners vary in their ingredients and warnings: Albert Heijn lists a source of phenylalanine for Canderel Sugarly and warns against excessive consumption. Ask guests to check the label of the sweetener you’ve chosen.