Organisers buying for a group
When you’re catering for several guests, the total quantity matters more than the number of packs. Note down how many grams you plan to serve, then compare that with the net weight of each pack.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Hosts catering for different taste preferences
For a Christmas breakfast, brunch or dessert table, you could consider plain, milk chocolate or mixed flakes. A festive mix has its own ingredients list, so don’t judge it by flavour or colour alone.
Organisers who need to check allergens
If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, the information on the exact pack is what matters. Check for warnings about the possible presence of allergens before serving the flakes, too.
What should you look for when shopping?
Start by working out how much you need, then choose your flavours. Check the ingredients on each pack you select and decide how you’ll serve the flakes: as a bread topping, a dessert topping or part of a pudding.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and pack size | Work out how many grams you plan to serve per guest and occasion, then compare this with the net weight of each pack. Jumbo and PLUS catalogues include packs of 200 g and 300 g. | When I’m buying for a large group, I want enough in stock without having to open too many packs. Around 33% of consumers put stock planning first. |
| Flavour and presentation | Choose plain, milk chocolate or a mix to suit the occasion; if you opt for a mix, check the ingredients as well. | For the dessert table, I want to choose between a simple chocolate flavour and a mixed topping. Around 27% of consumers give this choice of flavour their highest priority. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients list and warnings on each exact pack. According to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Vlokfeest Puur & Wit may contain milk and includes soya and wheat, among other ingredients. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in every pack I serve. This check comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Portions and nutritional information | Decide how many flakes you want to offer as a bread topping or dessert topping, and check the nutritional information for your chosen variety per 100 g or per portion. | When there are several sweet options on the table, I want to adjust the amount of flakes accordingly. Portion planning is the first consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘plain’ or ‘party’ is suitable for every guest
Ingredients vary from one variety to another. For De Ruijter Vlokfeest Puur & Wit, Jumbo lists soya and wheat, among other ingredients, and warns that it may contain milk. A plain variety isn’t automatically suitable for someone who needs to avoid milk, either.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen warnings on every pack before putting it on the table.
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Continuing to top up without planning portions
It’s harder to estimate how many flakes you’ll need for a buffet with several sweet options if you haven’t decided how much to serve at each occasion.
Before you shop, decide how you’ll serve the flakes and calculate the quantity based on the portions you plan to offer.
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Opening all the packs well in advance
For De Ruijter’s plain flakes, the product information says to reseal the pack securely after use and store it in a dry place.
Only open what you need, and follow the storage advice on the other packs.
Brands to consider
These brands and own-label ranges offer different flavours and pack sizes. Always compare the exact variety: a brand name alone tells you nothing about the ingredients in a particular pack.
De Ruijter
The product listings reviewed include plain, milk chocolate and mixed flakes in a range of pack sizes.
- A festive mix offers a different flavour combination from a single chocolate variety.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by variety; be sure to check the label on any mix.
Venz
The Jumbo and Albert Heijn catalogues show Venz mixed-flavour varieties in 200 g packs.
- Worth considering if you want to serve a combination of flavours or shapes.
- If you’re catering for a larger group, work out how many 200 g packs you’ll need.
Choca
Jumbo and Albert Heijn include Choca flakes in their ranges; the listings reviewed include 200 g packs.
- An option to compare with other chocolate flake brands for flavour and pack size.
- Check the ingredients for your chosen variety separately.
Jumbo
The Jumbo catalogue lists own-label plain and milk chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
- The 300 g pack size is useful when calculating how much you need for a group.
- Plain and milk chocolate are different varieties, so check the allergen information for each one.
PLUS
The PLUS product pages reviewed show 300 g packs of plain and milk chocolate flakes.
- Two flavour varieties in the same listed pack size.
- According to PLUS, the plain variety may contain milk and lactose; the milk chocolate variety contains milk and lactose.
Products for your party table
Below you’ll find flakes and mixed toppings for bread or desserts, alongside two types of chocolate sprinkles. Sprinkles aren’t flakes, so choose them only if this different type of topping suits your party table. Use the pack weight shown to work out how many packs you’ll need.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smiley faces 600 g
For anyone who wants to serve sprinkles with fun shapes on bread or desserts as well as chocolate flakes.
600 g pack; these are sprinkles, not chocolate flakes. The product information lists milk and wheat as allergens.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
For milk chocolate flakes on bread or as a dessert topping.
300 g pack. The product information lists milk; check the allergen information on the exact pack for wheat.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
For anyone looking for a plain chocolate flavour and considering sprinkles as an alternative to flakes.
390 g pack. The product name indicates that these are sprinkles; check the product type on the pack if you specifically want flakes. The product information lists milk and soya as allergens.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
For anyone who wants to serve one mixed topping of chocolate and vanilla flakes.
200 g pack; work out how many packs you’ll need for a larger group. The product information lists wheat and soya and warns that the product may contain milk.
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Venz Jungle Flakes 200 g
For anyone who wants to serve flakes in different flavours and shapes at the party table.
200 g pack. The mix described includes chocolate and vanilla flavours; the product information lists soya and wheat and warns that it may contain milk.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many packs of flakes I need?
Multiply the amount of flakes you want to serve per guest by the number of guests and serving occasions, then divide the total number of grams by the net weight of each pack. Round the number of packs up, and check that you have enough of each flavour you’ve chosen.
Are plain flakes suitable for someone who needs to avoid milk?
You can’t tell from the word ‘plain’ alone. PLUS says its plain chocolate flakes may contain milk and lactose; Jumbo says De Ruijter plain flakes may contain milk. Check the current packaging for the exact variety you’re serving.
What should I check on the label before serving chocolate flakes?
Read the ingredients list, the allergens highlighted on the label and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen labelling rules for prepacked foods. The varieties mentioned here have different declarations for ingredients including milk, soya and wheat.
How should I store opened packs during the party?
Seal an opened pack securely after use and follow the storage advice on the packaging. Keep unopened packs closed until you need them, so you don’t have to open all your supplies at once.