Who is this relevant to?

Bakers with a strict sugar-free requirement

You’re looking for decoration for a cake or cupcake that itself meets the ‘sugar-free’ claim. So check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, not just how much you use as a topping.

Bakers looking to cut down on sugar

You’re looking for a decoration with less sugar, but it doesn’t have to be completely sugar-free. Check the exact claim: ‘low sugar’ and ‘no added sugars’ don’t mean the same as ‘sugar-free’.

Bakers who want to use traditional aniseed sprinkles

You choose aniseed sprinkles for their aniseed flavour and distinctive look on cakes or cupcakes. When making your choice, also consider the sugar content and allergen information for the specific variety.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the decoration itself needs to be sugar-free. Then compare the exact claims and nutritional information of products that suit your baking plans.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Strictly sugar-free Look for the ‘sugar-free’ claim and check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the limit for this claim is a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If my decoration needs to be sugar-free, using a small amount of ordinary aniseed sprinkles isn’t a substitute for a suitable product. Around 50% of consumers put this strict requirement first.
Less sugar Check the exact claim and compare the sugar content per 100 g; ‘low sugar’ and ‘no added sugars’ don’t automatically mean sugar-free. I want less sugar in the topping for my bake, but it doesn’t have to be sugar-free. This is the main priority for around 25% of consumers.
Decoration and ingredients Check that the decoration suits your cake and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. The De Ruijter varieties checked list wheat. For a party cupcake, the distinctive look and aniseed flavour of aniseed sprinkles matter most to me, as long as the ingredients suit my baking plans. This is the first consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘less sugar’ with ‘sugar-free’

    A lower sugar content or a ‘no added sugars’ claim doesn’t, by itself, mean that a decoration meets the ‘sugar-free’ limit.

    Check both the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the product you want to use.

  • Choosing ordinary aniseed sprinkles for sugar-free decoration

    According to Albert Heijn, both De Ruijter Gestampte muisjes and Roze en witte muisjes contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g. A thin layer doesn’t change the composition of the sprinkles themselves.

    Use these varieties only if sugar-free isn’t a requirement. For another type of decoration, check the claim and nutritional information for that specific product.

  • Checking allergens only after baking

    The De Ruijter varieties checked list wheat. This is a separate consideration from the sugar content.

    Read the allergen information on the packaging before using the decoration on your bake.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

The Gestampte muisjes and Roze en witte muisjes varieties checked are traditional decorations made from sugar-coated aniseed.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information suggests using them as a topping or decoration for cupcakes, cakes and other bakes.
  • Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for both varieties checked, so they aren’t suitable if you have a strict sugar-free requirement. Check the wheat information on the packaging too.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When is a cake decoration sugar-free?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product can claim to be ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or per 100 ml. For a solid cake decoration, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the packaging.

Does ‘no added sugars’ also mean sugar-free?

No. A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars. If your decoration must be sugar-free, check the nutritional information per 100 g.

Are De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles sugar-free?

The De Ruijter Gestampte muisjes and Roze en witte muisjes varieties checked aren’t: Albert Heijn lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for both. That’s above the limit the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Can I use traditional aniseed sprinkles on gluten-free bakes?

Don’t assume the De Ruijter varieties checked are suitable for gluten-free baking: their product information lists wheat. Check the current allergen information on the packaging for every decoration.