Which topping is right for you?

If you want to choose strictly sugar-free

You’re looking for a topping explicitly labelled ‘sugar-free’ and don’t mind if it isn’t shaped like traditional aniseed muisjes. Check the sugars per 100 g on the packaging too.

If you want to serve traditional muisjes

For crispbreads, cakes or cupcakes, you’re mainly looking for that familiar shape and aniseed flavour. De Ruijter Muisjes Blauw & Wit fit the bill, but contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g, according to Jumbo.

If you’re checking ingredients for guests

You want to know which allergens and warnings apply to a topping before serving it. According to the product information, De Ruijter Muisjes Blauw & Wit contain wheat; for PinkParadise, Super Streusel notes that it may contain traces of gluten and includes a warning about excessive consumption.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a must. Then check whether the shape, suitability for baked goods and ingredients match what you want to serve.

What to consider What to check when buying Who should pay particular attention?
Sugar-free labelling Look for the explicit ‘sugar-free’ label and check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says this label is only permitted for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. If avoiding sugar is my top priority, I don’t want to rely on the words ‘less sugar’ alone. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the sugar-free label.
Festive presentation Check that the topping suits your chosen cake or crispbread. Super Streusel advises adding its sprinkles to cream or frosting just before serving. For my birthday cake, what matters most is how the decoration looks when I serve it. Around 29% of consumers prioritise presentation.
Less sugar Compare the sugars per 100 g on the packaging; ‘less sugar’ does not mean ‘sugar-free’. Also note that chocolate sprinkles don’t have the shape or aniseed flavour of muisjes. I’m mainly looking for an alternative to regular sweet sandwich toppings, but it doesn’t have to be labelled sugar-free. That’s the main consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and warnings Check the allergen information and any warnings about sweeteners for each variety. According to the product information, the De Ruijter muisjes reviewed contain wheat, while PinkParadise may contain traces of gluten. If I’m serving several guests, I want to check first which topping suits their dietary requirements. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this check.

Common mistakes

  • Taking ‘less sugar’ to mean ‘sugar-free’

    A product labelled ‘less sugar’ can still contain sugars. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, products labelled ‘sugar-free’ must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml.

    If sugar-free is a must, check for the explicit label and the nutritional information per 100 g.

  • Using traditional muisjes as a sugar-free topping

    According to Jumbo, De Ruijter Muisjes Blauw & Wit contain 79 g of sugars per 100 g and wheat. Their festive appearance doesn’t mean they’re suitable if you’re looking for a sugar-free option.

    Even if you choose a different colour or variety, check the current label rather than assuming the ingredients are the same.

  • Assuming sugar-free means suitable for every guest

    For PinkParadise, Super Streusel lists erythritol, possible traces of gluten and a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging of the product you’re serving. Let guests with specific dietary requirements decide for themselves whether it’s suitable for them.

Brands to consider

Super Streusel

According to Super Streusel, PinkParadise is a sugar-free decorative sprinkle for treats such as celebration cakes, not a traditional aniseed muisje.

  • The product information states that PinkParadise contains 0 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The same information lists erythritol, possible traces of gluten and a warning about excessive consumption. Check the packaging for the variety you choose.

De Ruijter

An option if you want to keep the shape and aniseed flavour of traditional muisjes.

  • The De Ruijter Muisjes Blauw & Wit reviewed come in a 330 g pack; traditional muisjes can be used as a topping for baked goods or crispbread.
  • Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for this variety, and wheat appears in the ingredients list. This is not a sugar-free option.

Albert Heijn

Its reduced-sugar range offers another option: chocolate sprinkles labelled ‘less sugar’, rather than confirmed sugar-free muisjes.

  • Albert Heijn lists AH and Céréal chocolate sprinkle varieties labelled ‘less sugar’ or ‘reduced sugars’.
  • Chocolate sprinkles aren’t a substitute for traditional muisjes in shape or aniseed flavour, and ‘less sugar’ doesn’t mean ‘sugar-free’.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘sugar-free’ mean on a topping?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, products labelled ‘sugar-free’ must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. Check both the label and the nutritional information on the packaging; ‘less sugar’ isn’t the same thing.

Are De Ruijter Muisjes Blauw & Wit sugar-free?

No. Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for De Ruijter Muisjes Blauw & Wit. Choose this variety for traditional muisjes, not if you need a sugar-free topping.

Could a sugar-free sprinkle be unsuitable for a guest?

Yes. Being sugar-free doesn’t tell you anything about allergens or the sweeteners used. For PinkParadise, Super Streusel lists erythritol and possible traces of gluten; check the current packaging for every variety you choose.

When should you add sprinkles to cream or frosting?

Super Streusel advises adding the sprinkle mix reviewed to cream or frosting just before serving to help prevent the colour from running. This product advice isn’t a guarantee for other sprinkles or toppings.