Budget-conscious conference caterer
Works out in advance how many flakes are needed for breakfast or a break, and checks pack sizes before buying several flavours.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Caterer with an allergen management process
Wants to record the allergens listed on the label for each chosen variety and decide how guests can access this information at an unwrapped buffet.
Breakfast or topping station organiser
Plans to offer flakes with bread, yoghurt or porridge and decides which flavours can be presented separately.
What should you consider when buying?
Start with the quantity you need and how you’ll serve the flakes. Then check the label for each variety you choose and plan how the packs will get to the buffet.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight with the planned number of portions and work out how many packs you’ll need. | When I’m buying for a large number of guests, I want enough flakes without having to open extra boxes at the last minute. For around 36% of consumers, the quantity needed is the top priority. |
| Allergen information | Check the ingredients and allergen statement for the exact variety, and make this information available when serving the flakes unwrapped. | If guests ask about the ingredients, I need to be able to give them information about the variety being served. Around 29% of consumers say this is their main consideration. |
| Flavour and use | Decide whether the flakes are for bread, yoghurt or porridge, and which flavours you’ll offer separately. | For a breakfast with several serving options, I want to choose a flavour that goes with what’s on the table. This is the top consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Buying and storage | Check collection options, the best-before date and the storage instructions on your chosen pack. | Once the serving time is set, I want to know whether I can collect the flakes in time and store them as directed on the label. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Counting the boxes and nothing else
The flakes covered here are available in packs of 200 g, 240 g and 300 g, among other sizes. So the same number of boxes won’t always give you the same total quantity.
Work out how much you’ll need for the planned number of guests, then check the net weight of each variety you’ve chosen.
-
Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ means allergen-free
PLUS labels its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. Other varieties have different allergen statements.
Use the current label for the exact product when sharing information with guests, and keep flavours and serving equipment clearly separate.
-
Confusing a product page with a delivery arrangement
Lidl lists its 300 g milk chocolate flakes as available in store only. That’s not the same as delivery for your chosen conference date.
Before finalising the menu, check local stock and whether collection or delivery is available.
An item that’s only available in store may require extra time for collection.
-
Treating flakes as a frozen product
The product information for PLUS dark and the De Ruijter varieties covered here recommends storing them in a cool, dry place, not in the freezer.
Plan storage according to the instructions on the pack of the variety you actually buy.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists own-brand chocolate flakes in dark, milk and duo mix varieties, each in a 300 g pack.
- The three varieties listed let you choose between individual flavours and a mix.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for your chosen variety separately.
PLUS
PLUS lists 300 g packs of dark chocolate flakes with Fairtrade cocoa information.
- PLUS labels the dark variety covered here as vegan.
- The same product states that it may contain milk and lactose. Check the allergen statement for your planned guests.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk or dark varieties, in 300 g packs.
- This listing gives you a choice of milk or dark flakes.
- Check local store stock and read the label for your chosen variety.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists own-brand flakes in dark, milk and mixed varieties, each in a 300 g pack.
- You can choose the listed flavours separately to suit your planned buffet.
- For ingredients and allergens, refer to the information for the exact product or its packaging.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers a range of flakes, including milk, dark, white and mixed varieties.
- The different varieties give you options when serving flavours separately.
- Allergens vary by variety: the product information for the milk flakes lists milk and soya; the information for Vlokkenfeest lists wheat, soya and milk, among other allergens.
Chocolate flakes at Joybuy
These products include a 300 g milk variety and three 200 g varieties of flakes for bread or a topping station. Choose the flavour and pack size to suit your buffet, and check the current label before serving.
No image available
g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes 300 g
A milk chocolate variety for serving with bread or yoghurt.
Net weight: 300 g. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before serving at the buffet.
No image available
De Ruijter Vlokkenfeest 200 g
A mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes for bread or a topping station with yoghurt, porridge or pastries.
Net weight: 200 g. The product information for Vlokkenfeest lists wheat, soya and milk, among other allergens. Check the current label before sharing information with guests.
No image available
De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes 200 g
Milk chocolate flakes for bread or a topping station with yoghurt, porridge or pastries.
Net weight: 200 g. The product information lists milk and soya. Check the current packaging before giving guests allergen information.
No image available
Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
Cocoa flakes for serving with bread or yoghurt.
Net weight: 200 g. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before offering the flakes to guests.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide allergen information for flakes at a conference buffet?
Yes. According to Ondernemersplein, guests must be able to access clear allergen information for unwrapped food served in the hospitality industry. Use the current information for the exact variety you’re serving, and make sure staff can refer to it at the buffet.
Are dark chocolate flakes automatically suitable for vegan guests?
No. The word ‘dark’ doesn’t, on its own, tell you whether a variety is vegan. PLUS labels its dark flakes covered here as vegan, but also states that they may contain milk and lactose. So check both the vegan labelling and the allergen statement for the exact product.
Do chocolate flakes for catering need to be kept in the freezer?
Not according to the storage instructions for the PLUS and De Ruijter varieties covered here: they recommend storing them in a cool, dry place. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of the flakes you actually buy.