Bakers with a strict sugar-free requirement
For you, the sugar-free claim matters more than the traditional shape or crunchy texture. So check both the claim and the nutritional information for the product you want to use.
Who is this distinction important for?
Christmas bakers looking for traditional sprinkles
You want crunchy aniseed sprinkles to decorate cupcakes, biscuits or a cake. PLUS recommends De Ruijter Feestmuisjes for these uses; according to PS in foodservice, this variety also contains sugar.
Bakers checking ingredients for their guests
Wheat starch in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes or gelatine in the Joris mouse-shaped sweets described by Snoepman could affect your choice. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether sugar-free is an absolute requirement or whether you’re mainly looking for a crunchy topping. The points below are for people considering sprinkles or mouse-shaped decorations for Christmas bakes; each row shows which need matters most to them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free | Check the exact claim and the sugar content per 100 g on the packaging; don’t confuse sugar-free with no added sugar. | If sugar-free is essential for my Christmas bake, I don’t want to rely on the product name alone. For around 50% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Decorative use | Check whether the product is described as a topping or decoration for baked goods, and whether the texture is crunchy or soft. | I want the look and texture of traditional aniseed sprinkles for my biscuits or cupcakes. This decorative use is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Compare the latest ingredients and allergen information; for the varieties mentioned, look out for ingredients such as wheat starch or gelatine. | When I bake for guests, I need to know what’s in the decoration. For around 17% of consumers, checking this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all sprinkles are the same kind of decoration
PLUS describes De Ruijter Feestmuisjes as a decoration for baked goods, while Snoepman describes the Joris variety as soft mouse-shaped sweets. Sharing a name doesn’t mean they have the same texture or use.
Decide whether you need sprinkles to scatter over your bake or sweets for decoration, and check the product description to make sure it suits your purpose.
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Taking ‘no added sugar’ to mean sugar-free
These claims don’t mean the same thing. What’s written on the front of the pack also doesn’t tell you on its own how much sugar the product contains per 100 g.
Check the exact claim alongside the nutritional information on the packaging.
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Checking the ingredients only after buying
According to PS in foodservice, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes contain wheat starch; Snoepman lists maltitol syrup and gelatine for the Joris sweets. Choosing based on your preference for sugar-free products alone could mean overlooking other ingredients.
Before buying, read the latest ingredients list and allergen information, even if you’ve used the product before.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Traditional aniseed sprinkles, including Feestmuisjes and Gestampte Muisjes.
- PLUS describes Feestmuisjes as a decoration for cupcakes, cakes and biscuits.
- The ingredient information from PS in foodservice lists sugar, glucose syrup and wheat starch in Feestmuisjes. This variety isn’t suitable if you have a strict sugar-free requirement.
Joris
Snoepman sells Joris mouse-shaped sweets under the sugar-free label.
- The product description lists maltitol syrup and edible gelatine, so you can take these ingredients into account.
- These are soft sweets, so check whether their texture and use are right for the decoration you want to make.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether sprinkles are sugar-free?
Check the exact claim and the sugar content per 100 g on the latest packaging. Don’t rely solely on terms such as ‘no added sugar’ or on the word ‘sprinkles’ in the product name.
Are De Ruijter Feestmuisjes sugar-free?
No. The ingredient information from PS in foodservice lists sugar and glucose syrup in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes. PLUS does describe them as a decoration for cupcakes, cakes and biscuits.
Can I use Joris mouse-shaped sweets instead on a Christmas cake?
Don’t assume they’ll give the same result as traditional aniseed sprinkles: Snoepman describes the Joris sweets as soft. Before using them, check that their texture and the product instructions are suitable for decorating your cake.
Which ingredients should I pay particular attention to?
According to PS in foodservice, De Ruijter Feestmuisjes contain wheat starch, sugar and glucose syrup, among other ingredients. For the Joris sweets, Snoepman lists maltitol syrup and gelatine. For your final decision, check the latest ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging.