Hosting a group of friends
If several friends are joining you for a meal, you’ll want to choose a pack you can use up after coffee too. A 300 g supermarket own-brand pack is a useful point of comparison.
Who are these options for?
Hosting friends with different tastes
Milk, dark, white and mixed flakes all offer different options. Find out which flavours your guests prefer and whether a mixed pack would suit them.
Serving guests with allergies in mind
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, the label on the pack you choose is what matters. The words ‘dark’ and ‘vegan’ are no substitute for checking it.
What should you look for when choosing?
Before coffee, work out how many flakes you expect to use. Then choose a flavour, and check the label before serving if any guests have dietary requirements or allergies.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the 200 g and 300 g pack sizes with how much you’ll use at the table and afterwards. | If several friends are joining me, I want to put out enough flakes without choosing a pack that leaves lots over. Around 50% of consumers prioritise finding the right quantity. |
| Flavour | Choose between milk, dark, white and mixed; if you choose a mix, check which flavours it contains. | If my guests have different tastes, I’m looking for an option that suits their preferences. For around 30% of consumers, flavour is the deciding factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the pack you buy. | If a guest needs to avoid something, I want to be able to show them the pack before serving the flakes. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming dark or vegan means dairy-free
PLUS describes its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but also says they may contain milk and lactose. So the product name alone isn’t enough to choose something for a guest with a milk allergy.
Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack you’re serving, and if in doubt, let your guest check it themselves.
-
Choosing a mix without reading the label
A mix can add variety, but ingredients vary from product to product. Jumbo says its 200 g Choca Flakes mix contains milk, cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
Only choose a mix after checking that its ingredients are suitable for your guests.
-
Assuming an option shown online is available in store
Albert Heijn lists one mixed option as no longer part of its range, while Lidl says its 300 g milk chocolate flakes are only available in store. So a product page doesn’t always tell you whether you can pick up that particular option.
Before coffee, check the latest product status or store availability, and choose another flavour if needed.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers milk, dark and white chocolate flakes, among other options. Its 200 g milk chocolate pack is worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller size.
- The 200 g milk chocolate pack is smaller than the 300 g own-brand packs mentioned here.
- According to PLUS product information, this milk chocolate option contains milk, lactose and soya.
AH
Albert Heijn’s own brand includes milk, dark and mixed flakes in 300 g packs.
- You can compare different flavours within the same own-brand range.
- Albert Heijn lists one mixed option as no longer part of its range, so check which options are currently available.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers own-brand milk chocolate flakes, dark chocolate flakes and a duo mix, each in a 300 g pack.
- The three options mentioned let you choose a flavour within the same own-brand range.
- If your guests need to avoid certain ingredients, check the label on the specific duo mix pack.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk or dark chocolate, in 300 g packs.
- You can choose between milk and dark chocolate in the same pack size.
- ALDI directs shoppers to stores for these products, so check the option and its label there.
PLUS
PLUS offers Fairtrade milk and dark chocolate flakes, both in 300 g packs.
- PLUS describes its dark chocolate option as vegan.
- It also says that this option may contain milk and lactose, so check the warning separately if someone has a milk allergy.
Lidl
Lidl lists 300 g milk chocolate flakes that are only available in store.
- The 300 g pack is worth a look if you’re already shopping at Lidl.
- Read the label in store before serving these flakes to guests with dietary requirements.
Chocolate flakes and other toppings at Joybuy
These products include milk and dark chocolate flakes, a mix and other sweet toppings in packs ranging from 200 g to 390 g. Check the product type when choosing: chocolate vermicelli is not the same as flakes.
No image available
g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A milk chocolate option in a 300 g pack for anyone serving flakes to a group of friends. Before serving, check the label if anyone needs to avoid certain ingredients.
No image available
De Ruijter dark chocolate vermicelli 390 g
For anyone who’d like to serve dark chocolate vermicelli alongside flakes. This is a 390 g pack; if your guests have dietary requirements, check the ingredients for this option.
No image available
Venz Jungle Flakes 200 g
A mix to consider if you’d like to offer a bit of variety and a 200 g pack suits your group. Read the ingredients on the pack you choose before serving it to guests with dietary requirements.
No image available
Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
These cocoa flakes are an option if you’re looking for a 200 g pack. Check the label for ingredients and allergens that may be relevant to your guests.
No image available
De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes 200 g
A milk chocolate option for anyone looking to serve a smaller pack. According to PLUS product information, this option contains milk, lactose and soya; check the label on the pack you buy too.
Frequently asked questions
Do chocolate flakes need to be kept in the freezer?
No, chocolate flakes aren’t a frozen product. They’re sold as a bread topping or sprinkle; follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Are dark or vegan chocolate flakes suitable for someone with a milk allergy?
Not necessarily: PLUS describes its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but says they may contain milk and lactose. If someone has a milk allergy, check the warnings on the exact pack you’ve bought.
Which allergens should I check before serving flakes?
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product: the options mentioned include milk, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that the 14 designated allergens must be listed on food labels.