If you’re buying for a group
You want to put out enough chocolate flakes for several guests. The pack size and price per kilo can help you decide whether one pack will be enough for what you plan to serve.
Who are these choices relevant to?
If you want to offer a choice of flavours
You’re looking for a topping for bread, yoghurt or a dessert, for example. Alongside milk, dark and white varieties, Albert Heijn lists a mix of 50% dark chocolate flakes and 50% white flakes.
If you need to consider allergens
If a guest has a relevant allergy or intolerance, check the label of the exact variety. Albert Heijn lists milk and lactose in its milk chocolate flakes; the De Ruijter milk flakes reviewed also list soya and the other allergens mentioned.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which flavours your guests would like and how much you want to put out. Then compare the price per kilo of suitable varieties and check the label before serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and value | Compare the price per kilo of similar chocolate flakes and check how many grams are in the pack. | If I’m buying for several friends, I don’t want to need a second pack halfway through; around 45% of consumers would prioritise enough in the pack at a suitable price per kilo. |
| Flavour and variety | Choose between milk, dark, white or a mix; if you choose a mix, check which varieties it contains. | If I want to put different flavours on the table, one mix could be handy, unless someone has a particular variety in mind; around 33% of consumers would make flavour choice their main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack of the exact variety, and compare the nutrition information per 100 g or per portion if needed. | If someone has an allergy or intolerance, I want to know in advance what I can safely serve; around 22% of consumers would make checking ingredients and allergens their top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the price of the pack
A smaller pack may not be enough for your group. Albert Heijn, ALDI Nederland and PLUS list 300 g own-brand varieties, while Albert Heijn’s range also includes De Ruijter varieties in 200 g and 240 g packs.
Compare the price per kilo of the flavours you’re considering and work out how much you’ll need.
For a group, a small pack could mean you need a second one.
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Assuming every variety contains the same allergens
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the AH milk flakes reviewed contain milk and lactose; soya is also listed for the De Ruijter milk flakes reviewed. The exact variety determines what you can serve.
Read the label before buying and again before serving. If you’re unsure, ask which ingredients your guest needs to avoid and choose a separate alternative if necessary.
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Assuming a mix can replace every flavour
Albert Heijn’s mix consists of 50% dark chocolate flakes and 50% white flakes. It gives you two flavour options in one pack, but doesn’t include a separate milk or dark variety.
Choose a mix if that’s the combination your group would like; choose a single variety if you have a specific flavour in mind.
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Skipping the packaging when comparing nutrition information
A flavour name or larger pack size won’t tell you how much sugar or fat is in a portion. For example, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 10,4 g of sugars in a 15 g portion of chocolate flakes; check the packaging of the product you choose for its nutritional values.
Compare the nutrition information for the exact varieties and consider the portion you’ll actually serve.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Own-brand milk flakes in a 300 g pack, plus a mix for anyone who wants to offer a choice of flavours at the coffee table.
- Albert Heijn says its mix contains 50% dark chocolate flakes and 50% white flakes.
- Check the pack when buying: ingredients and allergens can change.
Kiekeboe
ALDI own-brand chocolate flakes, available in milk or dark varieties.
- ALDI Nederland lists these varieties in 300 g packs.
- Check which flavour is available in store and read the label on that pack.
PLUS
Supermarket own-brand for anyone specifically looking to compare dark chocolate flakes.
- PLUS lists Fairtrade dark chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- Check the current ingredients, allergens and pack information when ordering or collecting your shopping.
De Ruijter
A brand with a range of flavours for anyone who wants to serve a particular variety.
- Albert Heijn’s product range includes milk, dark, white and extra-dark flakes, in 200 g or 240 g packs.
- Compare the pack size with what you’ll need for your group and check that your preferred variety is available.
Products at Joybuy
These products come in different pack sizes and chocolate flavours for the coffee table. For the De Ruijter product, check that it’s the right product form for the flakes you’re looking for.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes 300 g
A milk chocolate variety to put out as a coffee-time topping; the pack contains 300 g. Compare the current price per kilo and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
A 200 g pack if you want to put out a smaller amount of topping. Decide whether it’ll be enough for your group, and check the current price per kilo and the allergens on the pack.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
For anyone considering a dark chocolate topping in a 390 g pack. Before buying, check that it’s the product form you want: chocolate strands are not the same as thin chocolate flakes. Check the allergens on the pack, too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare chocolate flakes for several guests?
Compare the price per kilo of the same type of product, then consider the pack size and flavour. A 300 g pack contains more than a 200 g pack, but it’s only the right choice if you want to serve that amount and variety.
Which allergens should I check on the pack?
Check the allergen information for the exact variety you’re buying. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the AH milk flakes reviewed list milk and lactose, while the De Ruijter milk flakes reviewed also list soya. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be included on the label of prepacked products.
How should I store an opened pack of chocolate flakes?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and close the pack after use. For the flakes reviewed, Albert Heijn’s product information recommends storing them in a cool, dark and dry place; also check the date on the pack you’ve bought.
What should I look at when comparing portions?
Check the packaging for nutritional values per 100 g and, if listed, per portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 10,4 g of sugars for a 15 g portion of chocolate flakes; for the nutritional values of the product you choose, check the label of the exact variety.