Planning a small Christmas breakfast
You want enough chocolate flakes for a small breakfast or brunch, without ending up with lots left in an opened pack.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Putting together a brunch or dessert buffet
You want to serve flakes on bread and use them as a topping, too. Factor in each occasion before choosing a pack size.
Anyone who wants to sprinkle with control
You want to serve flakes neatly at the table or buffet. If you’re using a separate dispenser, check that it’s suitable for food contact and that the flakes can pass through it.
What should you look for when buying?
If you’re considering chocolate flakes for Christmas breakfast, brunch or dessert, your choice will mainly depend on the quantity you need, whether you’ll use them on several dishes, and how easily you can dispense them. Decide whether you want to sprinkle solid flakes or dispense a smooth sauce instead: a squeeze bottle for sauce won’t necessarily work as a dispenser for flakes.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for a small breakfast | Compare the net weight, for example 200 g, with how you plan to serve the flakes. | For a small Christmas breakfast, I don’t want lots of opened product left over; around 45% of consumers prioritise a suitable quantity. |
| Enough for brunch and dessert | Compare larger packs with the dishes you plan to use the flakes on, and read the storage instructions. | If I’m serving both bread and desserts, I don’t want to run short; having enough in stock is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Sprinkling with control | If you’re using a separate container, check that it’s suitable for food contact and that the opening and lid let the flakes through. | At a buffet, I want to be able to serve flakes neatly without relying on an unsuitable bottle; around 22% of consumers prioritise controlled serving. |
Common mistakes
-
Choosing a sauce bottle for solid flakes
Squeeze bottles sold for sauces or oils aren’t necessarily suitable for dispensing chocolate flakes through their opening.
Use the original packaging, or test a shaker that’s suitable for food contact with the flakes you plan to serve before the buffet.
-
Reusing any old plastic bottle
If the flakes will come into contact with a container, its intended use and any restrictions are important.
Choose a container that’s suitable for food contact and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Only allowing for bread toppings
If you’re also adding flakes to yoghurt or desserts, you’ll use them on more occasions than just breakfast.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to serve them with, then compare pack sizes.
-
Relying on outdated allergen information online
Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.
Before serving, read the label on the pack you’re actually using.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Jumbo lists several De Ruijter flakes, including 200 g, 240 g and 300 g packs.
- You can compare the flavours and pack sizes with how you plan to use them, whether as a bread topping or a dessert topping.
- Check the label when you buy; Albert Heijn points out that product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own-brand dark and milk chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
- The pack size gives you a useful benchmark if you plan to serve flakes on several occasions.
- Check the current range at the shop you’re buying from; a product being listed in the range doesn’t mean it’s in stock at every individual shop.
Choca
PLUS lists Choca flakes in a 200 g box.
- This size is worth comparing if you’re looking for a smaller quantity.
- Check the packaging for the latest ingredients and allergen information; PLUS warns that product information can change.
Chocolate flakes and sprinkles on Joybuy
These products are flakes or chocolate sprinkles for bread, breakfast bowls or desserts, and come in a range of pack sizes. Choose a pack to suit how you plan to use it; assess any separate dispenser on its own merits.
Image unavailable
g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
An option if you’d also like to sprinkle flakes over yoghurt or desserts at brunch.
Pack size: 300 g. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the label before serving.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Intense Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
The smaller pack is a good fit for a small breakfast or a dessert topped with sprinkles.
Pack size: 200 g. Read the latest information on the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
Venz chocolate and vanilla-flavoured sprinkles 400 g
For anyone planning to use sprinkles on several brunch or dessert dishes and make good use of the larger quantity.
Pack size: 400 g. This is more than the 240–300 g packs, so choose a size that suits your serving plans.
Image unavailable
Sprinkles Choca chocolate flakes 200 g
A quantity to consider for a small Christmas breakfast with bread or yoghurt.
Pack size: 200 g. Check the label if you need to take allergens into account.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Hail Chocolate dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g
Choose these chocolate sprinkles if you plan to serve them on several occasions and 390 g suits your needs.
Pack size: 390 g. Chocolate sprinkles are not the same product as chocolate flakes, so also consider which shape you want to sprinkle.
Frequently asked questions
Is a squeeze bottle suitable for chocolate flakes at a Christmas buffet?
Don’t assume it is without checking: the squeeze bottles Amazon.nl describes for sauces and oils aren’t necessarily suitable for solid flakes. If you’re using a separate dispenser, check that it’s suitable for food contact and test whether the flakes fit through the opening and lid.
Should I choose 200 g or a larger pack?
A 200 g pack is more likely to suit a small breakfast; compare larger packs if you’re also planning to serve flakes with brunch dishes or desserts. The number of dishes and occasions matters more than sticking to a set portion size.
Can I store chocolate flakes in a different container?
Choose a container that’s suitable for food contact and follow the instructions for use. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that packaging and articles intended to come into contact with food must comply with the relevant regulations.
How should I store chocolate flakes once opened?
Follow the instructions on your own pack. Jumbo says certain De Ruijter flakes should be stored in a cool, dry place; the packaging also tells you where to find the best-before date.
Which label should I check for allergen information?
Read the label on the product you’re actually serving. Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that online information, including details about ingredients and allergens, can change.