Who is this choice important for?

Organisers with a strict sugar-free requirement

You’re arranging spreads for colleagues who need the sugar-free claim to be accurate. So compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g with the legal threshold, rather than relying on ‘less sugar’.

Organisers who want to offer less sugar

You want to offer an alternative alongside regular chocolate sprinkles without calling it sugar-free. If a product contains polyols, it’s important to check the usage warning and allergen information too.

Buyers arranging refreshments for a shared meeting

You’re ordering for several colleagues. As well as the pack size, check the product’s current availability and the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you receive.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a firm requirement or whether less sugar will do. Then check that the exact product is suitable to share with the group and is still available to order.

What to check What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free or less sugar Check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the sugar-free claim allows a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If sugar-free has to mean exactly that for the meeting, I don’t want to put out a pack that only promises less sugar. For around 42% of consumers, this strict sugar-free requirement comes first.
Allergens and warnings Check the ingredients, allergens, ‘may contain’ statements and any usage warnings on the current pack. When several colleagues are sharing the spreads, I want everyone to be able to check the information on the pack. For around 33% of consumers, checking this for the group matters most.
Availability and pack size Check the product’s current availability and pack size. If you choose a replacement, check the label again. If I’m ordering for a group, I want to know whether the chosen pack is available and whether a replacement meets the same requirements. Around 25% of consumers give this practical purchasing consideration top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘less sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g. This means it doesn’t meet the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g for the sugar-free claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

    Only call a product sugar-free after checking the nutritional information for that exact product. Otherwise, describe it as a lower-sugar option only if the product information supports that description.

  • Overlooking the warning about polyols

    Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 40 g of polyols per 100 g and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    If you’re sharing these chocolate sprinkles, leave the pack visible so people can read the warning for themselves.

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means free from milk or soya

    Albert Heijn’s product information lists milk and soya for De Ruijter Royaal extra puur. According to Jumbo, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains soya and may contain milk.

    Ask about any relevant allergies where necessary, and check the allergen information on the exact pack before putting it out.

  • Using an old product page as confirmation that you can order

    For Hagelslag Melk Minder suiker 380 g, Jumbo says the product is no longer part of its online range.

    Check the product’s availability just before ordering. If you choose a replacement, compare the sugar content and allergen information again.

Brands to consider

Céréal

Céréal Hagelslag Puur is an option if you’re looking for less sugar, but not if you have a strict sugar-free requirement.

  • Céréal states that this variant contains 88% less sugars than a comparable standard product.
  • Jumbo lists 7.7 g of sugars and 40 g of polyols per 100 g. The product contains soya, may contain milk and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s Hagelslag Melk Minder suiker 380 g shows why you should check both a less-sugar claim and the product’s current availability.

  • Jumbo stated that this variant contained 30% less sugar than Jumbo Hagelslag Melk.
  • The stated value is 43 g of sugars per 100 g. Jumbo also says this variant is no longer part of its online range.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Royaal extra puur is a regular chocolate sprinkle product; ‘extra dark’ alone says nothing about whether it’s suitable for a sugar-free requirement.

  • Albert Heijn states that this variant contains at least 43% cocoa solids.
  • Albert Heijn lists 54 g of sugars per 100 g and names milk and soya in the allergen information.

Joybuy products

Related products will appear here soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is Céréal Hagelslag Puur sugar-free?

No. Jumbo states that Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains 7.7 g of sugars per 100 g, while Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 allows a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for the sugar-free claim. Céréal’s stated comparison of 88% less sugars doesn’t make the product sugar-free.

Are dark chocolate sprinkles automatically suitable for someone with a milk or soya allergy?

No, the word ‘dark’ doesn’t tell you that. Albert Heijn lists milk and soya for De Ruijter Royaal extra puur; according to Jumbo, Céréal Hagelslag Puur contains soya and may contain milk. If you have an allergy, always read the information on the exact pack.

Is the information in an online shop enough when ordering for a meeting?

Use the online nutritional information to make your initial choice, but also read the label on the pack you receive before putting the chocolate sprinkles out. Ondernemersplein says that mandatory label information must also be available online; Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.

Why is the warning on Céréal Hagelslag Puur relevant?

Because Jumbo states that excessive consumption of Céréal Hagelslag Puur may have a laxative effect. If you’re putting the product out for several colleagues, leave the pack somewhere visible so they can read the warning.