If you’re catering for a group
If you’re topping several slices of bread, desserts or cupcakes, the main thing to consider is whether the pack contains enough flakes for what you’re planning to make.
Which option is right for you?
If you want a striking topping
Appearance can matter on cupcakes, cakes and desserts. A mix of dark and white flakes, or a variety with shapes, looks different from a single type of chocolate flake.
If you’re serving guests with allergies
When sharing a treat, check the exact pack: ingredients and allergens can vary between flavours.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many treats you want to make and whether the flakes will be visible. Then check the ingredients of the variety you’ll actually be serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the pack weight with the number of slices of bread or treats you want to top. | If I’m serving a group, I want enough topping without having to open several small packs. For around 40% of consumers, having enough is the top priority. |
| Decoration | Check whether the variety contains white flakes, a mix or shapes. | For cupcakes or desserts, I want the topping to look right with the treat. Around 30% of consumers give appearance the highest priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’re using. | When guests are sharing the same treat, I want to know what’s in it before serving. For around 30% of consumers, this check matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Taking ‘dark’ or ‘white’ as allergen information
The colour or flavour name doesn’t tell you which allergens the specific flakes contain or may contain.
Read the label on the pack you’ve chosen before serving the flakes to guests.
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Choosing a festive mix without considering how you’ll use it
Shapes and colour contrasts matter most when the flakes will be clearly visible on cakes, cupcakes or desserts.
If the topping won’t be very noticeable, choose based on the flavour you want, the quantity you need and the ingredients.
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Treating chocolate flakes as a frozen product
For the chocolate flakes described here, Albert Heijn and Jumbo recommend storing them in a cool, dry place, and possibly somewhere dark.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you buy.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists products including Mix flakes and Dark chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Mix variety is made up of 50% dark chocolate flakes and 50% white flakes.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety separately; the word ‘dark’ is no substitute for checking.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists dark and milk chocolate flakes, as well as a 300 g Duo Flakes Mix.
- The varieties let you choose between a single type of chocolate flake and a mix.
- Jumbo says its Duo Flakes Mix may contain gluten, milk and wheat; check the pack label.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers white and dark chocolate flakes, among other varieties. Choose based on how you plan to use them and check the label.
- The white variety adds a different colour to your topping than dark chocolate flakes.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter White Flakes contain milk, lactose and soya.
Venz
Venz Tiger Flakes combine milk chocolate flakes with vanilla-flavoured flakes.
- Albert Heijn also lists 2.5% shapes in this variety, which is worth considering if the topping will be on show.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for this specific variety before serving it to guests.
Choca
According to Albert Heijn, Choca Flakes are cocoa-based novelty flakes in a 200 g pack.
- The pack may suit you if you need a smaller amount of topping.
- Albert Heijn lists cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat as allergens present; the product may contain milk.
Products on Joybuy
This selection includes both chocolate flakes and chocolate sprinkles for birthday treats. Sprinkles and flakes are different types of product, so check the name and pack weight if you’re specifically looking for flakes.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Sprinkles with Smileys 600 g
An option if you need chocolate sprinkles with shapes for several treats, rather than flakes. The pack contains 600 g; check the label for ingredients and allergens before serving to guests.
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De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 390 g
For anyone who wants to use dark chocolate sprinkles on bread or as a cupcake topping, rather than looking specifically for flakes. The pack contains 390 g; if you have allergies, don’t rely on the word ‘dark’ alone.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
The mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes works well as a visible topping for cupcakes or desserts. The pack contains 200 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the label before serving.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes 300 g
Milk chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack for bread or desserts. Check the label if you need to consider ingredients or allergens for your guests.
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Choca Cocoa Flakes 200 g
Cocoa-based novelty flakes in a 200 g pack, for example to use on bread or yoghurt. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ve chosen before sharing them with guests.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark or white flakes automatically suitable for someone with a milk allergy?
No. Those names alone don’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. For example, Albert Heijn lists milk and lactose in De Ruijter White Flakes. Always read the allergen information on the exact pack you plan to serve.
What should I check when choosing flakes for a shared treat?
Check the ingredients and allergens for every variety you’ve chosen before serving the treat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label; products may contain milk, soya, wheat or cereals containing gluten, among other things.
Do chocolate flakes need to be kept in the freezer for the party?
No. Follow the storage instructions on the pack rather than assuming they need to be frozen. For the flakes described here, Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product instructions recommend storing them in a cool, dry place, and possibly somewhere dark.