Serve chocolate flakes as a sweet spread or topping at a breakfast or brunch buffet, but don’t use them as a substitute for a box of chocolates to give to guests. For the buffet, choose a pack size and flavour to suit the number of guests and the presentation. If serving the flakes loose, check the allergens for the exact variety and make this information accessible to guests.
When several conference guests are sharing the same spread, pack size and the quantity you need both matter. For example, Jumbo and PLUS stock 300 g packs of chocolate flakes. You can also compare the flavour and the label of the variety you choose.
A mixed flake variety can look different alongside bread or yoghurt than plain chocolate flakes. Jumbo describes De Ruijter Feestvlokken as a mix of chocolate flakes and vanilla-flavoured flakes. Check the allergens before serving this variety.
When flakes are served in a bowl or dispenser, guests can’t read the label on the pack themselves. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires anyone serving loose foods to inform customers about the allergens they contain.
First decide whether the chocolate will be eaten at breakfast or given to guests as a thank-you. If you’re choosing flakes, look for a variety whose quantity, serving method and allergens you can assess for the buffet.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen information | Read the label for the exact variety and decide how guests will access the information if you serve the flakes loose. | If I serve flakes from a bowl, guests need to be able to check which allergens they contain. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Quantity | Compare the amount in each pack with what you need for the buffet. | For breakfast with several guests, I want to have enough spread ready without constantly opening a new pack. Around 25% of consumers give this need the highest priority. |
| Serving and storage | Read the storage instructions and decide whether to serve the flakes from the pack or a bowl. | I want to serve the flakes during the buffet and seal any leftovers properly. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
| Buffet presentation | Consider whether plain flakes or a vanilla-flavoured mix would suit the breakfast buffet. | For an informal conference breakfast, I also want to offer some variety in the sweet spreads. Presentation is the most important consideration for around 19% of consumers. |
Chocolate flakes are sold as a bread spread or topping. They’re not the same as a box of chocolates intended as a gift to take away.
Choose flakes for the food station. For a thank-you gift, look for a separate chocolate assortment and check the packaging if you want to hand out individual pieces.
According to Jumbo, De Ruijter Feestvlokken contains wheat and soya and may contain milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says guests must be informed about allergens present in loose foods.
Use the label on the pack you’ve bought to provide information at the buffet. Don’t use allergen information from a different flavour variety.
Lidl states that its 300 g milk chocolate flakes are only available in store. So, seeing a product in the range doesn’t tell you how you can source it for your catering needs.
Check in good time how to get the variety you’ve chosen, and read the current label when you buy it.
A brand with a range of flakes for those choosing according to flavour or buffet presentation.
Own-brand flakes for a breakfast buffet where you want to match the quantity in each pack to the number of guests.
An own-brand option for anyone looking for milk chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
An in-store option for milk chocolate flakes if buying them in person suits your catering plans.
The flakes below are options for a sweet spread at a breakfast or brunch buffet. The two chocolate assortments are suitable for a separate thank-you, not for serving as a topping. Check the current packaging and allergens for each product before offering it to guests.
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An option if you want to serve chocolate flakes at the buffet. The pack contains 390 g; check the allergens for this product if you serve it from a bowl.
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Milk chocolate flakes for anyone looking for a spread to serve at a breakfast buffet. The pack contains 300 g; read the label for the variety you’ve chosen before giving guests allergen information.
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An option for a breakfast or brunch station. The pack contains 200 g; use your buffet plans to work out how many packs you’ll need.
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A chocolate assortment to consider for a thank-you, rather than as a topping. The pack contains 125 g; check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped if you want to hand them out separately.
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A chocolate assortment for anyone looking for a gift option alongside the buffet. The pack contains 200 g; check how the chocolates are packaged if you want to give them to guests individually.
Not if you want to give guests a chocolate gift to take away. The flakes discussed here are a sweet spread or topping for a breakfast or brunch buffet. For a thank-you, choose a separate chocolate assortment and check that the packaging suits how you plan to hand it out.
Yes. Guests must be informed about allergens present in loose foods. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires this information to be available where the product is offered. Use the details on the exact pack you’re serving.
Don’t assume they do: allergens vary by variety. According to Jumbo, De Ruijter Feestvlokken contains wheat and soya and may contain milk; Jumbo lists soya and possible traces of milk for De Ruijter Royaal. Always check the label on the product you’ve bought.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack for the variety you’ve chosen. Jumbo advises storing De Ruijter Royaal in a cool, dry place and pressing the packaging firmly closed after use. Bear this in mind if you’re setting aside stock for several serving times.
