For dry chocolate flakes on quark, yoghurt or porridge after exercise, a squeeze bottle with a narrow nozzle is generally not a practical way to dispense them. Use the original packaging, making sure you can close it securely, and scoop out the flakes, or choose a food-safe shaker with a suitable opening. Also compare the nutritional information per portion and check the allergens on the packaging.
Do you sprinkle chocolate flakes over quark, yoghurt or porridge and want to know how much you’re using? A spoon or kitchen scales can help you measure out a portion. Then compare the nutritional information per portion on the packaging.
If you want to add a topping quickly after exercise, the way you pour or scoop it out is what matters most. Chocolate flakes are dry pieces, so if you use a separate shaker, pay attention to the size of the opening.
Choosing between dark, milk, white and mixed varieties involves more than just taste. According to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Royaal contains soya and may contain milk; PLUS lists soya, milk and lactose for De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes. Check the allergen information for the variety you buy.
First, decide whether you find the original packaging easy to use for dispensing. If you want to use a separate container, check the opening and make sure it is suitable for food contact. Then assess the flakes themselves for portion size, flavour and allergens.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dispensing without spills | Check that the packaging closes securely. If you use a separate container, choose an opening that lets dry flakes through and check that the container is intended for food use. | I want to add my topping quickly without scattering flakes next to the bowl; for around 29% of consumers, ease of dispensing comes first. |
| Portion size and nutritional information | Compare sugars and protein per portion and per 100 g; measure out the amount you actually sprinkle on. | When I put my snack together, I want to be able to include the topping in my portion calculations; around 29% of consumers give portion control the highest priority. |
| Flavour and allergens | Choose the variety you want and read the ingredients and allergen information on that specific pack, even if you’re buying it again. | I want a flavour that goes well with my snack, but I also need to know what’s in it; around 24% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Pack size and range | Choose a pack size to suit how much you use and check where your preferred variety is available. | If I use only a few flakes or like to switch flavours, the choice of pack sizes and varieties matters; for roughly 18% of consumers, this is the first thing they consider. |
A narrow nozzle won’t necessarily let loose chocolate flakes through. Pouring the flakes into a squeeze bottle won’t solve the problem of spills.
Try scooping them out of the original packaging first. If you do want to transfer them, choose a food-safe shaker with an opening large enough for the flakes to pass through.
Using an extra container means you’ll also need to fill and clean it.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists an average of 0.8 g of protein per 15 g of chocolate flakes. Jumbo lists 0.9 g of protein and 8.5 g of sugars per 15 g for De Ruijter Royaal; these figures apply to that variety and portion size.
Assess the nutritional value of your whole snack separately, and use the nutritional information for your chosen flakes to measure your topping.
Allergens vary between varieties. According to Jumbo, De Ruijter Royaal contains soya and may contain milk, while PLUS lists soya, milk and lactose for De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes.
Check the allergen information on the packaging every time you buy, even if you’ve bought the same flavour before.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list a range of De Ruijter varieties, including dark, milk and white chocolate flakes.
Jumbo lists Venz flakes in milk and vanilla, and dark chocolate and vanilla combinations.
Choca flakes are listed in 200 g packs on the ranges offered by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS.
Jumbo’s range includes its own-brand dark and milk chocolate flakes, as well as duo flakes, each in a 300 g pack.
Albert Heijn lists its own 300 g packs of mixed, milk chocolate and dark chocolate flakes.
Lidl lists milk chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
ALDI lists Kiekeboe milk or dark chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
PLUS lists its own-brand Fairtrade dark chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
A squeeze bottle with a narrow nozzle is generally not suitable for dry chocolate flakes. Scoop them out of the original packaging, or check that the opening on a shaker is wide enough.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 0.8 g of protein per 15 g of chocolate flakes. For De Ruijter Royaal, Jumbo lists 0.9 g per 15 g; check the nutritional information on the pack to compare your options.
Close the packaging carefully after use and follow the storage advice on the pack. Jumbo’s product information for De Ruijter recommends storing the flakes in a cool, dry place and gently pressing the packaging closed after use.
No, don’t assume different varieties have the same allergens. Jumbo lists soya and the possible presence of milk for De Ruijter Royaal; PLUS lists soya, milk and lactose for De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes. Always check the packaging you buy.
Choose a container intended for food contact, with an opening wide enough for dry flakes to pass through. Bear in mind that you’ll also need to fill and clean it.
