Who should consider the type of sprinkles?

Families looking for sugar-free snacks

For an autumn half-term outing, you’re looking for a standalone snack with an explicit sugar-free claim, not the traditional aniseed bread topping that’s also known as ‘muisjes’.

Fans of rusks with sprinkles

You’re after the crunchy aniseed flavour to enjoy on a rusk, bread or yoghurt, and are happy with the fact that the traditional variety discussed here contains sugar.

Shoppers who check ingredients

Alongside the sugar-free claim, you want to know whether a sweets variety contains gelatine and whether the pack carries a warning about polyols.

What should you look for when choosing?

Aniseed sprinkles as a bread topping

Choose these if: you’re looking for crunchy sprinkles for a rusk, bread or as a topping.

Bear in mind: according to PLUS, De Ruijter Blauwe & Witte Muisjes contain sugar and 79 g of sugars per 100 g, so this variety doesn’t meet a sugar-free requirement.

Sugar-free mouse-shaped sweets

Choose these if: you’re looking for a soft sweet to snack on, rather than an aniseed bread topping.

Bear in mind: Snoepman’s product information lists edible gelatine in the sugar-free Joris mouse-shaped sweets, so they’re not suitable if you avoid gelatine.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Bread topping or sweets Check whether the product is sold as a bread topping or as sweets, and read the ingredients too. If you want sprinkles for a rusk, you’ll need something different from a soft sweet to enjoy on the go. Product type is the main priority for around 50% of consumers.
Sugar-free claim Check that the specific variety carries an explicit claim, and read the nutritional information. If a snack needs to be sugar-free, I wouldn’t rely on its name or packaging alone. This requirement takes priority for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and warnings Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check the pack for any warnings about polyols. Before going on a day out, I want to know whether gelatine and any usage warnings on the pack matter to me. Around 17% of consumers put these checks first.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing traditional sprinkles with sweets shaped like mice

    De Ruijter sprinkles are an aniseed bread topping; the sugar-free Joris mouse-shaped sweets discussed here are soft sweets. The same name doesn’t mean they’re used in the same way or have the same texture.

    First decide whether you want a topping for a rusk or a snack to enjoy on its own, then check the product category.

  • Assuming festive packaging means a product is sugar-free

    According to PLUS, De Ruijter Blauwe & Witte Muisjes contain sugar and 79 g of sugars per 100 g. The look of the packaging doesn’t change the ingredients in this variety.

    Look for an explicit sugar-free claim on the exact pack and compare the nutritional information.

  • Only checking the sugar content of sugar-free sweets

    Snoepman’s product information lists edible gelatine in the Joris mouse-shaped sweets. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also notes that foods containing more than 10% added polyols must carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Before packing sweets for an outing, check the ingredients and any warnings on the pack you’ve chosen.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

De Ruijter makes traditional aniseed sprinkles for use as a bread topping.

  • An option if you’re looking for crunchy aniseed sprinkles for a rusk or bread.
  • According to PLUS, De Ruijter Blauwe & Witte Muisjes contain sugar, glucose syrup and 79 g of sugars per 100 g. This variety isn’t sugar-free.

Joris

The Joris variety discussed here consists of soft, sugar-free sweets shaped like mice, rather than aniseed sprinkles for bread.

  • A different type of product to consider if you’re looking for sweets to snack on.
  • According to Snoepman’s product information, this variety contains maltitol syrup and edible gelatine; check whether the ingredients suit your needs.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are De Ruijter sprinkles sugar-free?

De Ruijter Blauwe & Witte Muisjes aren’t sugar-free. According to PLUS’s product information, they contain sugar and glucose syrup, with 79 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the pack if you choose a different variety.

Does ‘sugar-free’ tell you enough about a snack’s nutritional value?

No. A sugar-free claim doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s nutritional value or ingredients. Check the nutritional information and ingredients list for your chosen snack rather than relying on the claim alone.

What should I check before taking sugar-free mouse-shaped sweets on a day out?

Check the ingredients and warnings on the pack you’re taking with you. According to Snoepman’s product information, the Joris mouse-shaped sweets discussed here contain edible gelatine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that foods containing more than 10% added polyols carry a warning about the possible laxative effect of excessive consumption.

How can I check whether sprinkles are sold as sugar-free?

Check that the sugar-free claim appears on the packaging or product page for the exact variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that nutrition claims must be accurate; you should also check the current ingredients and nutritional information.