The golden rule: sprinkles only stick to a fresh and sticky surface. Three techniques:

1. Still wet icing: sprinkle the sprinkles within 2 minutes after icing, before crystallization
2. Freshly applied ganache: the residual heat of the ganache makes the vermicelli stick instantly
3. Brush and edible gel: to decorate an already set surface, locally brush with clear edible gel then apply the vermicelli with tweezers or by sprinkling

For the sides of the cake, present the cake over a large shallow dish: sprinkle generously, the excess falls and can be reused. You can also gently press the vermicelli with the palm of your hand (gloved) to densify the coverage.

The Dutch chocolate vermicelli (typically from the brand De Ruijter) is made from real chocolate with cocoa, unlike commercial "chocolate-style" vermicelli which are sugar flavored with cocoa. Taste difference: the Dutch melts slightly with heat and delivers a true chocolate note, the standard remains pure sugar without melting.

That is why Dutch sprinkles are preferred on buttered bread in the Netherlands and increasingly in high-end French pastry to decorate donuts, coconut balls, and chocolate cupcakes.

Store in a dry and cool place (15 to 25°C), away from direct moisture and strong odors. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container or reseal with a tight clip. Avoid the refrigerator (condensation when removed) and direct light (colorants degrade). Properly stored, vermicelli keep for several years without loss of quality or color.

Indicative estimates:

• Individual cupcake: 1 teaspoon, 5 g
• Donuts: 1 tablespoon, 10 g
• Layer cake Ø 18-20 cm fully covered: 100 to 150 g
• Layer cake Ø 25 cm fully covered: 200 to 300 g
• Funfetti cake mixed into batter: 80 to 100 g for 500 g of batter

Always buy 20 to 30% more than estimated to manage inevitable sprinkle losses.

No fundamental difference. "Sprinkles" is the English term for all small sweet decorations to sprinkle: vermicelli, mini beads, pearls, stars, sweet confetti. Vermicelli are a specific category of sprinkles: small elongated sticks. If you are looking for other shapes (beads, pearls, decorative shapes), explore our full collection of Sprinkles & Sweet Decorations.

Not always. Classic colored sugar sprinkles may contain shellac (an animal-derived resin) or colorants like carmine (from cochineal insects). For a 100% plant-based product, check the label which should say "vegan" or list the ingredients in detail. Dutch chocolate sprinkles are generally vegan but should be checked product by product.

Yes, that’s actually the idea behind the funfetti cake. But be careful with your choice: always use sugar-based sprinkles (flat discs or sugar sticks) that withstand baking. Avoid chocolate sprinkles which melt and bleed into the batter, giving an unpleasant grayish color. Add them last into the batter, just before baking, to preserve the colors.

Chocolate sprinkles from supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc, Lidl) are often sugar sprinkles flavored with cocoa, not real chocolate. To get the look and flavor of professional pastries (especially in the style of Dutch sprinkles), you should turn to specialized pastry equipment distributors like Patissland who offer professional quality products made with real chocolate.

Professional packaging (250 g and up) is much more economical per gram than the small supermarket tubes. For event pastry chefs who regularly make decorated cupcakes or layer cakes, the 1 kg option is the most cost-effective. For shops with regular turnover, the 500 g offers a good balance of quality and freshness.

Yes, the metallic sprinkles sold at Patissland are 100% food-grade, compliant with European standards. They use food colorants E171 (titanium dioxide) and other authorized pigments. They must be absolutely distinguished from non-food metallic decorations from some supermarkets labeled "for decorative purposes only" which should not be consumed.

To discover the full range of sweet decorations, see our complementary collections Sprinkles Mix, Pearls, Star & Heart Sprinkles, and the main collection Sprinkles & Sweet Decorations with the entire range.