Which option is right for you?

Gift-givers who want a ready-made option

Want to give someone a finished gift without putting together a dessert or wrapping it yourself? Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer chocolate gifts as a separate category from flakes.

Home bakers and dessert decorators

Are you making cupcakes, desserts or a breakfast table for Christmas? De Ruijter and Jumbo product information lists flakes as a topping for these kinds of treats.

Hosts who need to check allergens

If you’re buying chocolate for guests with different dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens for each product you choose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights that allergens must be listed on the label.

What should you look for when choosing?

Chocolate gift box

Best for: a ready-made gift you can give without preparing anything yourself.

Things to consider: with an assortment, flavours and allergens may vary between chocolates; check the packaging you choose.

Chocolate flakes

Best for: homemade cupcakes, desserts or a breakfast table you want to finish with chocolate.

Things to consider: flakes aren’t a ready-made gift on their own; you’ll need something to use them on and a way to present it.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Ready to give Check whether it’s gift packaging and how many pieces the box contains. I want to give guests something without putting treats together first. For around 42% of consumers, a ready-to-give gift is the top priority.
Allergens and ingredients Read the label for the product you’ve chosen, including any cross-contamination warnings. When I’m buying for several guests, I want to check what each product contains before handing it out. Checking allergens is the most important requirement for around 33% of consumers.
Decorating it yourself Choose flakes for the planned use and compare the net weight of the packs. For my Christmas table, I’d rather finish cupcakes or desserts myself than put out a sealed gift box. For around 25% of consumers, this desire to decorate comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming flakes are a ready-made gift

    Flakes are sold as a topping and bread spread, among other uses. Without something to use them on or a way to present them, they don’t serve the same purpose as a chocolate gift box.

    Before you buy, decide whether you want to give a gift or finish treats yourself. If you choose flakes, plan what you’ll serve them on, too.

  • Choosing based on the brand or colour of the chocolate

    Allergens vary by product. Product information for De Ruijter flakes, Jumbo milk chocolate flakes and a Merci assortment lists different ingredients and allergens.

    Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the packaging of the exact product you’re buying.

  • Treating an online description as the product label

    Product information can change. Albert Heijn therefore recommends checking the current packaging, especially when ingredients or allergens are important.

    Use online descriptions to compare products, then check the packaging itself before giving them to guests.

  • Assuming a festive product will be available straight away

    A product may only be sold in store, or may be unavailable at certain times. For example, Lidl says that the milk chocolate flakes pack reviewed is sold in store.

    Check which shopping or delivery options are available shortly before Christmas, and have an alternative ready if needed.

Brands and retailers to explore

De Ruijter

A brand to explore if you’re looking for chocolate flakes for a homemade dessert or breakfast table, rather than a ready-made chocolate gift box.

  • For its dark flakes, Albert Heijn lists uses including yoghurt, porridge and cupcakes.
  • Check the allergens for each flavour; don’t assume dark and milk varieties have the same ingredients.

Albert Heijn

A retailer where you can explore chocolate gifts and flakes as separate product types.

  • The chocolate gifts category is a good place to start if you’re looking for a ready-made present.
  • Check the current packaging of the product you choose for ingredients and allergens.

Jumbo

A retailer with separate categories for chocolate gifts and flakes.

  • Jumbo lists its own-brand flakes in 300 g packs for anyone looking for a topping.
  • The milk flakes reviewed contain milk; always check the specific product when you buy.

PLUS

A retailer to explore if you’re looking for a pack of dark chocolate flakes to use as a topping.

  • PLUS lists a 300 g own-brand pack of dark chocolate flakes.
  • This product may contain milk and lactose; check the current packaging if that matters for your guests.

Lidl

A retailer to explore for a 300 g pack of milk chocolate flakes.

  • Lidl says the product reviewed is available in store.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack in store before choosing these flakes for your guests.

Chocolate flakes on Joybuy

These products are a good choice if you’re planning to finish something with flakes for Christmas. If you’re looking for a gift you can give straight away, choose a chocolate gift box instead of a pack of flakes.

De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes, 390 g

De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes, 390 g

For anyone who wants to finish treats with flakes themselves rather than give a ready-made gift.

Pack weight: 390 g. Check the allergens on the current packaging before giving them to anyone.

View on Joybuy
Sprinkles Choca Flakes, 200 g

Sprinkles Choca Flakes, 200 g

For anyone putting together a breakfast table with flakes, rather than looking for a ready-made chocolate gift box.

Pack weight: 200 g. Check the allergens on the current packaging before serving.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can chocolate flakes replace a chocolate gift box as a Christmas present?

Only if you put together a treat or gift yourself. De Ruijter and Jumbo product information mainly lists flakes as a bread spread or topping; a chocolate gift box is designed to be a ready-made present.

Do I need to check allergens in pre-packed chocolate?

Yes. Check the label of the specific product you’re giving out. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on labels for pre-packed food; ingredients can vary between chocolate products.

How should I store the chocolate until Christmas?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you choose. The Jumbo milk flakes reviewed are labelled to be stored in a cool, dry place; also check the use-by date on the packaging.