Who is this relevant to?

Parents for whom sugar-free is a must

You’re looking for a treat with a sugar-free claim you can check on the packaging. Soft mouse-shaped sweets may be a different option from traditional rusks with aniseed sprinkles.

Parents who want Muisjes on rusks

You’re looking for the familiar crunchy aniseed sprinkles for rusks or party decorations. The De Ruijter varieties checked contain sugar, so they aren’t suitable if you need a strictly sugar-free option.

Parents who want to hand out mouse-shaped sweets

You want to hand out small portions and check the ingredients and any warnings about polyols beforehand.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a must and whether you want to hand out sweets or use Muisjes as a topping. Then compare the packaging for the exact variety.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar-free claim Check the claim and the amount of sugars per 100 g on the packaging for the exact variety. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘sugar-free’ may only be used if a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If avoiding sugar is my main priority, I want to be able to check the claim before handing anything out. This is the top priority for around 46% of consumers.
Portion size and polyols Check the ingredients for polyols such as maltitol and look for any warning about excessive consumption. Decide in advance how many sweets you want to give each child. When choosing mouse-shaped sweets containing polyols, I want to avoid children unknowingly having several portions; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large quantities can cause digestive problems. Portion size is a key consideration for around 36% of consumers.
Sweets or topping Choose between soft mouse-shaped sweets to hand out and crunchy aniseed sprinkles for rusks or decorations. If you choose traditional Muisjes, check the ingredients of that particular variety too. If I mainly want to serve rusks with Muisjes, the product format determines my choice, even if it conflicts with avoiding sugar. Party presentation matters most to around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all Muisjes are sugar-free

    The name tells you nothing about the sugar content. Albert Heijn lists sugar as the first ingredient in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes; Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for the blue-and-white De Ruijter Muisjes.

    Check the nutritional information for the exact variety before choosing it for a sugar-free treat.

  • Assuming sugar-free means you can hand out unlimited amounts

    According to Snoepman, Joris Sugar-Free Mouse Sweets contain maltitol syrup. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that large quantities of polyols can cause digestive problems.

    Check the ingredients and any warning on the packaging, and hand out portions you’ve decided on in advance.

  • Buying soft mouse-shaped sweets to put on rusks

    The Joris mouse-shaped sweets described by Snoepman are soft gummies; traditional De Ruijter Muisjes are sugared aniseed. They’re different types of product.

    Before buying, decide whether you want sweets to hand out or crunchy Muisjes as a topping or decoration.

Relevant brands to consider

Joris

Snoepman sells Joris Sugar-Free Mouse Sweets as soft, mouse-shaped sweets. They’re intended as sweets, not as traditional aniseed sprinkles.

  • Snoepman lists maltitol syrup and gelatine among this product’s ingredients.
  • If you need a strictly sugar-free option, check the sugar-free claim and the amount of sugars per 100 g on the latest packaging before choosing this product.

De Ruijter

The Muisjes varieties checked are sugared aniseed sprinkles for rusks and party decorations, among other uses.

  • This traditional product format suits anyone looking for crunchy Muisjes as a topping.
  • The varieties checked contain sugar and wheat. Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for the blue-and-white Muisjes; don’t choose this variety if sugar-free is a must.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will appear here soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are regular De Ruijter Muisjes sugar-free?

No, the varieties checked aren’t sugar-free. Albert Heijn lists sugar as the first ingredient in De Ruijter Feestmuisjes, while Jumbo lists 79 g of sugars per 100 g for the blue-and-white Muisjes.

What does ‘sugar-free’ mean on packaging?

Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘sugar-free’ may be used if a food contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. Check the nutritional information on the exact packaging; a product name alone doesn’t confirm its sugar content.

Why do some sweets carry a warning about a laxative effect?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large quantities of polyols can cause digestive problems. If mouse-shaped sweets contain polyols, read the warning on the packaging before handing out portions.

How should I hand out sugar-free mouse sweets at a children’s party?

Divide the sweets into small portions in advance, and check the ingredients and any polyol warning first. For children aged 4 to 12, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends fruit and snack vegetables as between-meal options.