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The Different Types of Sprinkles

There are so many different types of our favorite ice cream topping.

You know we love sprinkles here at Besties Ice Cream! Sprinkles are a fun, colorful, and delicious ice cream topping that can brighten up anyone’s day, but when it comes to adding a dose of fun to your scoop, how can you choose which type of sprinkle to use? It may seem like a simple question, but there’s more to it than you might think. There are a ton of different types of sprinkles on the dessert market, and each comes with its own unique take on the fun topping. Here are nine different options to consider the next time you’re faced with this difficult, but delicious, decision:

Jimmies

This kind of sprinkle is probably one of the most recognizable types! Jimmies are tiny bits of sugary confectionery shaped into minuscule rods. This type of sprinkle usually comes in multi-coloured options but is also popular in chocolate flavor.

Nonpareils

Nonpareils are very small balls of sugar and starch. They are often also referred to as Hundreds and Thousands, and are typically multi-colored. Nonpareils are often seen gracing the tops of iced cupcakes, but they make an excellent ice-cream-topper, too!

Quins

Quins are fun little discs of sugar and starch that come in multiple colors and sizes. This kind of sprinkle is also known as Sequins, due to their shape, or Sugar Shapes. Quins can come in different shapes like stars or hearts that make them extra fun for topping ice cream with, especially when it comes to celebrating your favorite holiday with a delectable scoop!

Dragees

Also known as Sugar Pearls, this type of sprinkle is made of sugar and starch with a hard outer shell. Dragees are typically coated in a metallic color combination to make them look like actual pearls! Add this type of sprinkle to your ice cream for a luxe and delicious experience.

Sanding Sugar

This type of sprinkle is made from a specific type of sugar that features larger crystals than regular white sugar. The sugar is then dyed in a variety of colors. Sanding Sugar can come in a multi-colored rainbow variety, or just one color.

Crystal Sugar

Crystal sugar is similar to Sanding Sugar, but the individual crystals are even larger! This means they can be used to make your dessert pop. Some crystal sugar is coated in a metallic color combination like dragees, making it look like gold or silver.

Pixie Dust

If you think of Tinkerbell when you hear the words “pixie dust,” you’re probably not far off from this type of sprinkle! While not a sprinkle in the traditional sense, pixie dust has become very popular in recent years. It’s basically edible glitter—a super fun addition to any dessert, including ice cream.


Sprinkles are one of the most fun additions a person can add to any dessert, including ice cream! With so many types, colors, and varieties to choose from, it’s no wonder sprinkles have become a staple in ice cream shops around the world. 

If you’re interested in bringing a dose of fun to your next event, look no further. Schedule a free phone consultation today to learn more about bringing the Besties ice Cream Truck to you—complete with sprinkles.