Families who use flakes regularly
If flakes are served with bread on several occasions, pack size matters. Choose a size you expect to use up.
Who might find this choice useful?
Parents looking to use flakes as a topping
For an after-school snack, first decide what the main part will be and how much sweet topping to add. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists fruit and a slice of wholemeal bread, among other options, as snacks for children aged 4 to 12.
Households that need to check ingredients
If someone has an allergy or dietary requirement, the exact variety matters. Milk, soya and wheat are listed in the information for the flakes reviewed; also check the chosen pack for warnings about possible traces.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether the flakes will be a small topping on a snack. Then compare the pack size, nutritional information and ingredients of the variety you want to buy.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the number of grams per pack with how often you use flakes. | If flakes are eaten with bread at several mealtimes at home, I want a pack that suits how often we use them. For around 42% of consumers, regular use is the main consideration. |
| The snack as a whole | Check the sugars per 100 g and per serving; decide whether the flakes will be a topping or make up most of the snack. | After school, I want to offer something where flakes are just a small addition. Around 33% of consumers give this consideration top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and warnings on the specific variety. | If someone at home needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what the chosen pack says before buying. For around 25% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Treating flakes as a complete snack
Chocolate flakes are a sweet bread topping. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists vegetables, fruit and wholemeal bread, among other options, as snacks for children aged 4 to 12.
First choose what you want to serve as a snack, then use flakes as a small flavour boost if you like.
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Assuming that dark or vegan means allergen-free
PLUS labels its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. Other varieties list soya or wheat, among other ingredients.
If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the specific pack.
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Relying on an old product description
Ingredients and nutritional information can vary between varieties and may change over time.
When you buy, check the label for the flavour and pack you have actually chosen.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Mix flakes come in a 300 g pack containing dark and white chocolate flakes.
- A mix for anyone looking for both types of flakes in one pack.
- According to the product information, AH Mix contains 72 g of sugars per 100 g, as well as milk and lactose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers own-brand flakes in dark and milk chocolate varieties, as well as a duo mix.
- You can choose an individual flavour or a mix from the range.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; they are not interchangeable.
PLUS
PLUS Chocoladevlokken puur Fairtrade is a 300 g dark chocolate variety.
- The product information states that it contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- PLUS states that it contains 63.8 g of sugars per 100 g and has a Nutri-Score of E. The vegan label does not rule out the possible presence of milk and lactose.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
According to ALDI, Kiekeboe chocolate flakes are available in milk and dark varieties, both in 300 g packs.
- ALDI states that these flakes are Rainforest Alliance certified.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack for the variety you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists 300 g packs of dark chocolate flakes as an in-store product.
- A dark chocolate variety for anyone looking for that flavour.
- Check the label in store for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter has several varieties of flakes, including milk chocolate flakes.
- If you’re looking for a specific variety from this brand, you can assess its flavour and pack size individually.
- According to the product information on Joybuy, De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes in a 200 g pack contain 70 g of sugars per 100 g; milk, lactose and soya are listed.
Chocolate flakes and mixes at Joybuy
These products are flakes or mixes for adding to bread or using as a topping. When choosing, check the flavour and pack size; a mix is not the same as chocolate flakes on their own.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
An option if you want to use flakes with bread on several occasions and are looking for a 390 g pack.
If you have an allergy, check the current label for milk and soya.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes 300 g
For anyone looking to add milk chocolate flakes to bread and wanting a 300 g pack.
The information about wheat in the ingredients and allergen details is inconsistent; if you have a wheat allergy, check the current packaging.
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Venz Jungle Flakes 200 g
For anyone looking for a mixed topping rather than chocolate flakes on their own; this comes in a 200 g pack.
Check the allergen information for soya and wheat, as well as the warning about possible traces of milk.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
For anyone looking for cocoa-flavoured flakes as a bread topping, in a 200 g pack.
The ingredients information lists wheat starch and soya lecithin; also check the current allergen warnings.
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De Ruijter Flakes Milk 200 g
For anyone specifically looking for De Ruijter’s milk chocolate variety as a bread topping, in a 200 g pack.
According to the product information on Joybuy, this variety contains 70 g of sugars per 100 g, and milk, lactose and soya are listed.
Frequently asked questions
Are chocolate flakes on their own a suitable after-school snack?
It’s best to use chocolate flakes as a small addition rather than as a snack on their own. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists fruit and a slice of wholemeal bread, among other options, as snacks for children aged 4 to 12. So decide first what the main part of the snack will be.
Can a child with a milk allergy eat vegan chocolate flakes?
Don’t rely on the vegan label alone. PLUS calls its dark chocolate flakes vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. If you have an allergy, always check the specific pack.
Which allergens should you look out for in chocolate flakes?
It varies by product. The De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes reviewed list milk, lactose and soya; the Choca mix reviewed lists wheat and soya, among other ingredients. Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the product you choose.
How should you store chocolate flakes after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. The product information reviewed advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place; seal the pack well after use.