Chocolate flakes make a sprinkle-on topping or sweet bread spread for a late-night snack. If you’re looking for a box of individual chocolates to give as a gift or share, choose boxed chocolates instead. When choosing flakes, compare the flavours and check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the amount you plan to use.
Want to sprinkle flakes over yoghurt or porridge, or use them as a bread spread? Check the nutritional information for the amount you’ll actually use. If you’re after individual chocolates to share, you’ll need a different type of product.
Compare the flavour description, stated cocoa content and ingredients of the exact variety. Dark chocolate flakes, milk chocolate flakes and cocoa-based flakes don’t necessarily have the same ingredients.
Before buying, read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that prepacked products must display allergen information on the label.
First, decide whether you want flakes to sprinkle or individual chocolates. If you choose flakes, compare the flavour, the nutritional information for your portion and the ingredients of the variety you’ve selected.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and cocoa | Compare dark, milk and cocoa-based varieties using the ingredients and stated cocoa content of the exact product. | If I’m sprinkling flakes over my dessert, I mainly want to know whether the flavour suits my preference for milk or dark chocolate. Around 40% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Portion and nutritional value | Check the sugars and energy per 100 g and, where listed, per portion; consider how much you’ll use. | For a late-night snack, I want to compare my own portion with the nutritional information on the packaging. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this portion information. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the full ingredients list and any warnings that the product may contain allergens. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to know what’s in these particular flakes and what warnings are shown. Around 30% of consumers put this check first. |
Flakes are intended for sprinkling or using as a spread. They’re not a substitute for a box of individual chocolates if you’re looking for something to give as a gift or share.
Before comparing products, decide whether you want a topping for something like yoghurt or bread, or individual chocolates in a box.
Jumbo says its dark chocolate flakes may contain milk. PLUS describes its dark flakes as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose.
Check the allergen information and warnings on the exact packaging every time you buy. Don’t rely on the flavour name or a vegan label alone.
Worth considering if you want to compare milk chocolate flakes with the Royaal variety from the same brand.
Worth considering if you want to compare 300 g packs of milk and dark chocolate flakes.
Worth considering if you want to assess a dark own-brand variety by its ingredients and labelling.
Worth considering if you specifically want to compare cocoa-based flakes with chocolate flakes.
No. Chocolate flakes are used as a sprinkle-on spread or topping, while a box of chocolates contains individual chocolates. If you’re looking for something to give as a gift or share, compare the range and presentation of boxed chocolates rather than the sprinkling qualities of flakes.
No. A higher stated cocoa content doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much sugar or energy is in your portion. Compare the nutritional information on the exact packaging and consider how many flakes you plan to use.
No. PLUS labels its dark flakes as vegan, but also warns that they may contain milk and lactose. If you have a milk allergy, always check the current allergen information on the exact packaging.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen. For De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes 200 g, Joybuy recommends resealing the pack tightly after opening and storing it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat and moisture.
