They are currently only produced by the Dutch food processing company De Ruijter [nl], a brand acquired by Heinz in 2001.

The exact origin of giving away muisjes is unknown, but likely stems from traditions dating back to the Middle Ages.

Muisjes started being produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century, and replaced sugar as the favourite topping used on beschuit to symbolise successful childbirth.

The company managed to repopularize the dish when in 1938 the Dutch royal family was given a large can of orange muisjes (orange is the color of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau) in celebration of the birth of princess Beatrix.

[1] Orange muisjes were again sold for only one week in December 2003, in honour of the birth of future crown princess Catharina-Amalia.