A shared glass jar works well for a conference breakfast if the buffet is checked and topped up regularly. Choose a jar intended for contact with food. Individual portions are a better fit for quick service without decanting, while the original packaging is an alternative if you don’t want to use a jar. If you serve loose flakes in a jar, make sure guests can access allergen information at the buffet.
Wants to serve flakes in a central glass jar and can top it up during breakfast. If you serve loose flakes, allergen information must also be available to guests, as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains.
Wants attendees to be able to grab their own portion without using a shared buffet jar. Check that the portioned product you choose actually contains the flakes you want; small variety packs may also include other types of bread topping.
Needs to plan enough flakes for the number of guests and breakfast sittings. Jumbo lists packs in various sizes, but the quantity you need also depends on how you plan to serve them.
Choose this if: someone can manage the conference buffet and top up the jar in small quantities.
Bear in mind: the jar is a separate part of the presentation; if you serve loose flakes, allergen information must be available to guests.
Choose this if: attendees need to be able to pick up a pre-portioned product themselves during a short break.
Bear in mind: not every portion pack contains only flakes; check the contents and allergen information for each product you choose.
Choose this if: you want to serve flakes without a separate glass jar and keep the label to hand.
Bear in mind: the presentation will be less uniform; decide how guests can check the product information if they’re serving themselves.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet presentation | Choose a jar intended for contact with food and decide where guests can access the allergen information. | I want to serve flakes in a central location, but I can only use a jar if someone manages refills and makes the information available. This buffet presentation would be the main priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Self-service | Check that the portioned product contains flakes, how many portions it includes and what the label says about allergens. | During a short break, I want attendees to be able to grab their own portion without decanting the flakes. This easy way to serve them would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Quantity | Compare the pack size with the number of guests and breakfast sittings; only then work out how many refills you’ll need. | For a large gathering, I want to have enough flakes ready without assuming that the jar’s capacity equals the number of portions. Stock planning would be the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
The pack size shown doesn’t tell you whether a glass jar is included. For a buffet with jars, you’ll need to choose the flakes and the way you present them separately.
Before use, check that the jar is intended for contact with food and that the opening and lid suit the way you plan to refill it.
Allergens vary by variety. According to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Royaal Puur contains soya and may contain milk; for the white flakes mentioned, Jumbo lists milk, soya and lactose.
Use the label for the variety you’re actually serving for each jar. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says guests must be able to access allergen information where unpackaged food is offered.
For anyone looking to compare different varieties of flakes; Albert Heijn and Jumbo list product information for several varieties.
Own-brand option for flakes in a 300 g pack, as shown in the Jumbo range.
An option if you’re considering a mix of flake flavours; the Jumbo range includes dark chocolate and vanilla, or milk chocolate and vanilla varieties.
An option in the Jumbo range shown if you want to compare regular flakes with a mixed variety.
If you serve loose flakes in the Netherlands, guests must be able to access allergen information where the product is offered. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information can be provided in writing or electronically, or verbally if the relevant conditions are met. Use the label for the variety you’re serving as your starting point.
No, the listed allergens vary by variety. For De Ruijter Vlokfeest, Albert Heijn lists cereals containing gluten, wheat and soya, with possible traces of milk. For Royaal Puur, Jumbo lists soya and possible traces of milk; for the white flakes mentioned, it lists milk, soya and lactose. Check the label on the pack you’re actually serving.
Choose a jar intended for contact with food. The European Commission explains that materials and articles which come into contact with food are covered by the applicable EU rules on food contact materials. Also check that you can fill and use the jar in the way you’ve planned for the buffet.
