Party organisers planning how much to buy
You want enough flakes for your planned guests and serving occasions. The weight per box helps you work out how many packs you’ll need.
Who is this for?
Bakers and dessert decorators
You might also use flakes on cupcakes, cakes or desserts, and choose a flavour or mix to suit what you’re serving.
Hosts keeping an eye on allergens
If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, check the current label on every variety you choose. Allergens vary from product to product.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what you’ll serve the flakes with and how many occasions you need to cater for. Then choose the pack size and variety, and check the ingredients before buying and serving.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the weight per box and work out how many boxes you’ll need for your guests and serving occasions. | If I’m serving flakes on bread as well as with desserts, I don’t want to run out halfway through. Around 40% of consumers put having enough in first place. |
| Flavour and presentation | Choose between dark, milk, white or a mix; check that the product is flakes rather than chocolate sprinkles. | A particular flavour or mixed topping could make all the difference on cupcakes or a party table. Around 30% of consumers put this preference first. |
| Ingredients and storage | Check the allergen information for each variety, including ‘may contain’ warnings, and follow the storage advice on the box. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what I’m serving. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming chocolate sprinkles are the same as flakes
A 400 g box might seem like an appealing choice for a larger group, but the Venz variety we looked at is chocolate sprinkles, not flakes. The shape matters if you specifically want flakes on cakes or desserts.
Check the product name, and only choose sprinkles if that’s what works for your serving plans.
-
Choosing based on the flavour name alone
‘Dark’ doesn’t automatically mean a product is free from milk. According to Jumbo, De Ruijter Vlokken Puur may contain milk and contains soya; De Ruijter Vlokfeest lists wheat, soya and milk, among other ingredients.
Check the label on the box you’ve bought again just before serving. If guests are serving themselves, leave the packaging out so they can check the information.
-
Opening boxes too early and storing them incorrectly
The storage advice for the varieties we looked at is to keep them in a cool, dry place; some products should also be kept somewhere dark.
Follow the advice on the specific pack, seal opened boxes tightly and only open what you need for each serving occasion.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
The range we looked at includes several types of chocolate flakes and a mixed party variety.
- Albert Heijn says De Ruijter Royaal extra puur contains at least 40% cocoa solids; Vlokfeest combines chocolate and vanilla flakes.
- Check the weight and allergens for each variety. According to the Joybuy product information, Vlokfeest contains wheat, soya and milk, among other ingredients.
AH
The dark chocolate flakes we looked at from Albert Heijn’s own-label range come in a 300 g box.
- Albert Heijn says this variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- According to Albert Heijn, this particular variety contains milk and lactose; check the packaging when you buy it.
PLUS
The dark chocolate flakes from PLUS that we looked at come in 300 g packs.
- PLUS says this variety contains Fairtrade cocoa and at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The product information says it may contain milk and lactose. A product claim about dietary suitability is no substitute for checking the allergen label.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, in 300 g packs.
- The 300 g pack gives you a clear unit to use when planning how much you need.
- Check which flavour is available in your shop and read the label for that variety.
Choca
The Choca flakes from PLUS that we looked at come in a 200 g box.
- A 200 g box could work if you’re serving flakes for a smaller occasion.
- The ingredients listed by PLUS include wheat starch and soya lecithin; check the label if allergens are a concern.
Our product selection
This selection puts three 300 g boxes ahead of a 200 g party mix. It isn’t a ranking from an external publisher or the result of a quality test.
| Position | Product | Features | Why it’s included | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PLUS Dark Chocolate Flakes Fairtrade 300 g | Dark chocolate flakes, 300 g | PLUS lists a 300 g box made with Fairtrade cocoa. | PLUS |
| 2 | Kiekeboe Milk or Dark Chocolate Flakes 300 g | Milk or dark, 300 g | ALDI lists both flavours in a 300 g pack; check which variety you’re choosing. | ALDI |
| 3 | AH Dark Chocolate Flakes 300 g | Dark, 300 g | Albert Heijn lists a 300 g box; this variety contains milk and lactose. | Albert Heijn |
| 4 | De Ruijter Vlokfeest 200 g | Chocolate and vanilla flakes, 200 g | The mix described by Joybuy offers a different topping from the dark varieties; as this box is smaller, work out how many packs you’ll need. | Joybuy |
Flakes for different party occasions
This selection from Joybuy includes 300 g milk chocolate flakes and two types of flakes in 200 g packs. Choose a variety to suit what you’re serving, and work out how many boxes you’ll need based on their weight.
No image available
g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
For anyone who wants to serve milk chocolate flakes on bread or with desserts. The box contains 300 g; if any guests have allergies, check the label, particularly for information about milk and wheat.
No image available
De Ruijter Vlokfeest 200 g
For anyone who wants to use a mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes on bread or cakes. The box contains 200 g, so work out how many you’ll need for a larger group. Before serving, check the label for wheat, soya and milk.
No image available
Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
For anyone who wants to serve cocoa flakes on bread or yoghurt. The pack contains 200 g; consider your menu to decide whether one box will be enough. Check the current label for wheat, soya and any milk warnings.
Frequently asked questions
How many flakes should I buy for a birthday party?
Choose the number of boxes to suit your guests, serving occasions and menu. You’ll need to plan differently if you’re serving flakes only with bread than if you’re serving them with bread, cupcakes and desserts. Use the weight of your chosen box to work out the total amount you need.
Are dark chocolate flakes automatically milk-free?
No. Jumbo says De Ruijter Vlokken Puur may contain milk, and PLUS says its dark flakes may contain milk and lactose. Always check the label of the exact variety you’re serving.
How should I store flakes until the party?
Follow the storage advice on the pack you’ve bought. The product information we looked at recommends storing them in a cool, dry place, and some varieties should also be kept somewhere dark. Seal an opened box tightly after use.