Who is this choice relevant to?

Bakers and dessert-table organisers

For cupcakes, pastries, yoghurt or desserts, you’ll want a sprinkle-on topping whose flavour and appearance suit the dish. Albert Heijn lists desserts and pastries as uses for its dark chocolate flakes.

People buying for a range of guests

If several people will be eating the same toppings, it’s worth checking the ingredients and allergens for each variety. For example, the De Ruijter milk variety reviewed lists milk, lactose and soya, while other varieties may have different information.

Organisers who need larger quantities

When you’re serving several desserts, the amount in each pack matters. The varieties reviewed come in a range of net weights, including 200 g, 240 g and 300 g. Work out how much you need before choosing your packs.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you need a sprinkle-on topping or a gift box. If you’re choosing flakes, then consider the flavour and check the allergens and net weight on each pack.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is it important to?
Flavour and use Decide whether you want dark, milk or mixed flakes, and check the specific product variety. The stated cocoa content alone doesn’t tell you how sweet the topping is or whether it’s suitable. For cupcakes or desserts, I want flakes that suit the flavour and appearance of the dish. This is the top priority for around 40% of consumers who choose chocolate flakes for this purpose.
Ingredients and allergens Check the current packaging for both the ingredients and any warnings about what the product may contain. If guests with different dietary needs will be eating, I want to know which pack to check for them. Around 30% of consumers give this check top priority.
Quantity and packaging Check the net weight per pack, along with the use-by date and storage information, to make sure it meets your needs. For a table with several servings, I want to buy enough topping without overestimating how much is in the pack. The quantity needed is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Treating flakes and boxed chocolates as the same product

    Chocolate flakes are made for sprinkling or using as a topping. A box of assorted chocolates serves a different purpose, whether for sharing or as a gift.

    Before comparing products, decide whether you want toppings for dishes or individual chocolates in a gift box.

  • Assuming a dark variety or one labelled vegan is automatically suitable

    A flavour name or dietary label doesn’t replace allergen information. PLUS labels the dark flakes reviewed as vegan, but also says they may contain milk and lactose.

    If a guest has a relevant dietary restriction, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging for that exact variety.

  • Relying only on an online product description

    Product information can change. When choosing for several guests, the information on the packaging you actually buy is especially important.

    Before using the topping, also check the pack’s net weight, use-by date and storage instructions.

Brands to compare for chocolate flakes

These brand names can help you distinguish between varieties. The ingredients and information below apply to the specific products named, not to each brand’s entire range.

De Ruijter

Offers milk flakes and dark varieties, among others, for anyone looking for a particular chocolate flavour in a topping.

  • According to Jumbo’s product pages, Royaal Chocoladevlokken 240 g contains at least 40% cocoa solids, while Vlokken Puur 300 g contains at least 32%.
  • Allergen information varies by product: Royaal contains soya and may contain milk; the milk flakes reviewed list milk, lactose and soya.

Albert Heijn

The AH Pure chocolate flakes reviewed are a 300g variety, which Albert Heijn also recommends for desserts and pastries.

  • Albert Heijn states that this dark variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • Milk and lactose are listed for this variety. If allergens matter to your guests, check the current packaging.

Jumbo

The own-brand range reviewed includes dark, milk and duo flakes in 300 g packs.

  • Jumbo’s product page states that Chocolade Vlokken Melk 300 g contains at least 24% cocoa solids.
  • Milk is listed as an allergen for this milk variety; don’t assume the same applies to other Jumbo varieties.

PLUS

The PLUS Chocoladevlokken puur reviewed are a 300g variety labelled as containing Fairtrade cocoa.

  • PLUS labels this specific dark variety as vegan.
  • PLUS also states that the product may contain milk and lactose. Check the allergen information separately from the vegan label.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 300 g milk-flake product as a store item.

  • An option to consider if you can check the packaging in store.
  • In store, check the ingredients, allergens and availability of the variety you want to buy.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are chocolate flakes the same as a box of chocolates?

No. Flakes are a sprinkle-on topping for dishes such as desserts and baked goods; a box of chocolates contains individual chocolates. Choose the product category to suit what you want to serve or give as a gift.

Which flakes should I choose for cupcakes or desserts?

Choose a variety to suit the flavour and appearance you’re after: dark, milk or a mix. A higher stated cocoa content doesn’t guarantee that a variety will be a better fit for your dish or guests, so check the ingredients of the specific product too.

How should I store chocolate flakes until the festival?

Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the packaging of the flakes you choose. Seal the pack carefully after use.

Where can I check the allergens in chocolate flakes?

Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be declared on the label of prepacked foods. Also look out for the difference between ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ for the variety you choose.

Can I rely on ingredients listed online?

Use online information to compare varieties, but check the packaging you buy before serving the flakes to guests. Ingredients and allergen information can change.