If sugar-free is a strict requirement, only choose a topping whose claim matches its nutritional information: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. The regular flakes, reduced-sugar chocolate sprinkles and chunks with no added sugar discussed here do not meet that threshold. If your aim is to choose less sugar or avoid added sugar, compare the sugars per 100 g, ingredients, allergens and type of topping.
You’re looking for a topping that can carry the ‘sugar-free’ claim. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Regular flakes, ‘reduced sugar’ and ‘no added sugar’ are not equivalent claims.
You want to compare the sugars per 100 g, but sugar-free isn’t a strict requirement. Chocolate sprinkles rather than flakes could be an option, as long as the ingredients, sweeteners and allergens suit you.
You check the ingredients and accept that a product may still contain naturally occurring sugars, for example from dates. That’s why you should read the nutritional information too, not just the wording on the front of the pack.
If chocolate flakes are on your shopping list when you’re picking up chips, first decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement. Then you can weigh up reduced sugar, no added sugar and the type of topping you prefer.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Check for the ‘sugar-free’ claim and no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g in the nutritional information, the threshold given by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. | If sugar-free is a strict requirement for me, I don’t want to rely on a similar-sounding product name. This strict requirement comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Less sugar | Compare the sugars per 100 g on the same basis and check whether the alternative contains sweeteners or polyols. Also make sure you’re buying chocolate sprinkles rather than flakes. | I want less sugar than in my usual topping, but I don’t need to choose something strictly sugar-free. This reduction is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and type | Read the ingredients, allergens and sugars per 100 g; consider whether chunks or chocolate sprinkles would work for you as an alternative to flakes. | What matters most to me is what’s in the topping and whether I want to use that particular type. For around 20% of consumers, this combination of label information and format comes first. |
A product can be sold with no added sugar and still contain sugars. For No Sugar Daddies Extra Puur Chunks, retailer Puur Mieke lists 34 g of sugars per 100 g.
If sugar-free is what you’re looking for, check the exact claim and the sugars per 100 g. Treat ‘no added sugar’ as a different option.
Albert Heijn says Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains 88% less sugar than standard dark chocolate sprinkles. Even so, the sprinkles contain 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
Always check the absolute amount per 100 g as well as the comparison, so you can decide whether the product meets your requirements.
For De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Melk, Joybuy lists 70 g of sugars per 100 g; for g'woon Melk Chocolade Vlokjes, Joybuy lists 67.1 g per 100 g. The product category alone doesn’t tell you whether a variety is suitable if you’re limiting sugar.
Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the specific pack, even when you’re buying a familiar variety.
Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains maltitols. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
If a product contains polyols, read the ingredients and warnings on the pack before choosing it as a substitute.
These examples show why the claims on chocolate-style bread toppings aren’t interchangeable; the nutritional values given apply to the specific varieties.
Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers is an option for anyone looking to cut down on sugar who doesn’t need traditional flakes.
Extra Puur Chunks are a chunkier chocolate-style topping for anyone looking for an option with no added sugar.
A classic chocolate flake option, rather than a sugar-free choice.
Melk Chocolade Vlokjes are an example of a regular milk chocolate variety.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product can contain up to 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g and still carry the ‘sugar-free’ claim. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutritional information.
Not necessarily. Retailer Puur Mieke describes No Sugar Daddies Extra Puur Chunks as made with no added sugar, but lists 34 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the total sugars too, even if you’re mainly looking to avoid added sugar.
It can if chocolate sprinkles suit you and your aim is to cut down on sugar, but not if you’re looking for a strictly sugar-free option. Albert Heijn lists 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g for this Céréal variety.
Read the ingredients and warnings on the pack. Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains maltitols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
It varies by variety: Céréal Hagelslag puur minder suikers contains soya and may contain milk; the De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Melk variety reviewed contains milk and soya; g'woon Melk Chocolade Vlokjes contains milk and may contain traces of wheat. Always check the current packaging of the product you’re buying.
