Filling lots of compartments
You’re making an advent calendar with 24 compartments and want to measure out the flakes for each day yourself. Check the pack weight and think about how much will fit in each compartment.
Who is this relevant for?
Making a calendar with more variety
You want to include different flavours, colours or shapes throughout the calendar. Check exactly what’s in the mix: not every item will necessarily be a chocolate flake.
Choosing a treat with the label in mind
You’re choosing treats for someone with an allergy, intolerance or vegan preference. Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the exact pack you’re considering.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many compartments you want to fill and whether you can portion out the flakes yourself. Then choose between a single variety and a mix, and check the label before filling the calendar.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough for the calendar | Compare the pack weight with the number of compartments and the amount you want to put in each one. | If I’m filling lots of compartments, I want enough flakes to go round without making the portions too large. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quantity. |
| Portions and compartments | Measure the compartments and see whether you can cover the loose flakes or wrap them individually. | I want the contents to stay neatly in small compartments, even when the calendar is moved. Portioning convenience is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the exact pack. | If I’m giving something to someone with an allergy or vegan preference, the product I choose needs to meet their requirements. Around 26% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
| Variety | Check which flavours and shapes are in the pack and whether they’ll fit in the compartments. | I don’t want to give the same thing every day, so I choose different flavours or shapes. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a vegan label means it’s suitable for a milk allergy
PLUS labels its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. The vegan label doesn’t override a warning on the pack.
If someone has a milk allergy, check the allergen information on the pack you’re actually using.
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Treating a themed mix as ordinary chocolate flakes
Venz Rimboe tiger flakes contain vanilla flakes and shapes as well as milk chocolate flakes. A mix like this may work differently from putting the same type of flake in every compartment.
Before filling the calendar, check what’s in the mix and the size of the pieces, and look at the allergen information on the label.
Brands to consider
PLUS
The PLUS own-brand range includes dark and milk chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
- The dark and milk varieties shown state that they contain Fairtrade cocoa.
- The dark variety is labelled vegan, but also states that it may contain milk and lactose. The milk variety contains milk and lactose.
Jumbo
The Jumbo own-brand range includes dark and milk chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
- You can divide a 300 g pack between several compartments yourself.
- The flakes aren’t individually wrapped for each day of the calendar.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers 300 g packs of chocolate flakes, as well as the mixed AH Strooi mini's pack, which weighs 140 g.
- The mix gives you different contents from a pack containing just one type of chocolate flake.
- AH Strooi mini's also contains chocolate sprinkles and lists milk and lactose; check that the ingredients are suitable for the recipient.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers milk, dark and white flakes, as well as Royaal varieties.
- The different varieties give you a choice of flakes.
- Check the weight and allergen information for the specific variety; this information won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Venz
Venz Rimboe tiger flakes combine milk chocolate flakes, vanilla flakes and shapes.
- The combination can add variety to compartments you fill yourself.
- The product information for Rimboe lists milk, lactose, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten. If you choose another Venz variety, check its own label.
Chocolate flakes on Joybuy
You can divide these packs of flakes between the compartments of an advent calendar you’re filling yourself. Compare the weight with your portion plan, and check the packaging of the variety you choose for ingredients and allergens.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes 300 g
For anyone who wants to divide milk chocolate flakes between calendar compartments themselves.
300 g pack. Decide how much you want to put in each compartment, and check the label for ingredients and allergens.
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Venz Jungle Flakes 200 g
For anyone considering a Venz variety for their calendar and filling the compartments themselves.
200 g pack. Check the ingredients and make sure the contents will fit in your compartments; information for Venz Rimboe doesn’t automatically apply to Jungle Flakes.
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De Ruijter Flakes Milk 200 g
For anyone who wants to divide De Ruijter milk flakes between calendar days themselves.
200 g pack. Measure out the portions you want and read the label for this variety before filling the compartments.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
For anyone who wants to divide flakes from a 200 g pack between small compartments themselves.
Adjust the amount to fit each compartment, and check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a large pack of chocolate flakes for a homemade advent calendar?
Yes, if you measure out the flakes for each compartment yourself and can cover the contents. A 300 g pack doesn’t contain individually wrapped portions for a calendar, so decide in advance how much will fit in each compartment.
Should I check the allergens if I’m giving the calendar as a gift?
Yes, check the exact pack before filling the compartments. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens in the ingredients list on prepacked foods must be clearly distinguishable; ingredients and warnings can vary between varieties.
Is a vegan label enough if someone has a milk allergy?
No, a vegan label doesn’t replace allergen information. PLUS labels its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. So check the label on the pack you plan to use.
How should I store the flakes before filling the calendar?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. The product information for the relevant flakes from PLUS and Albert Heijn says to store them in a cool, dry, dark place; also check the best-before date on your own pack.