For handing out individual portions
Separate sachets make it easy to give each guest a measured amount. The De Ruijter small pack listed by Albert Heijn contains 80 sachets of 15 g. These are portions of flakes to sprinkle, not snack bars.
Which flakes are right for you?
For sharing a topping
If you’re serving bread, yoghurt, porridge or desserts at a shared table, a box is an alternative to individual sachets. Decide in advance whether guests will help themselves from the pack or whether you’ll serve a small amount separately.
For checking ingredients and allergens
Milk, dark and mixed varieties can have different ingredients and allergen warnings. Check both the ingredients list and allergen information on your chosen pack; don’t rely on the flavour name alone to tell you what’s in it.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a bar or want to serve flakes. If you’re choosing flakes, decide between individual portions and a shared box, then check the label on your preferred variety before buying.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check whether the pack contains separate sachets and how many grams are in each one. | If I want to give every guest a measured amount, I don’t want to keep portioning flakes out of an open box. Portion control would be the main priority for around 44% of consumers. |
| Shared topping | Check the pack weight and storage instructions for an opened pack. | If I’m putting bread or desserts on the table, I want several guests to be able to use the flakes. Shared use as a topping would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, the allergens listed and any warnings about possible traces. | When I’m serving guests with different dietary requirements, I want to know exactly what’s in this particular variety. Checking ingredients and allergens would be the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Mistaking an individual sachet for a snack bar
The De Ruijter small pack contains individual portions of chocolate flakes to sprinkle. A 15 g sachet doesn’t turn the flakes into a bar to eat out of hand.
Before buying, decide whether you want a snack bar, individual portions of topping or a shared topping. If you’re looking for a bar, shop outside the chocolate flakes category.
-
Relying on ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ to check for allergens
PLUS’s dark chocolate flakes, labelled as vegan, also carry a warning that they may contain milk and lactose. So the front of the pack doesn’t tell guests everything they need to know about allergens.
Read the label on the pack you’re serving and keep it available in case guests want to check the information.
-
Leaving an opened pack outside
At a toppings table, an open box could be exposed to sunlight or moisture, while the product information we reviewed advises storing it in a cool, dry place.
Set out a small amount to serve and seal the rest of the pack. Always follow the storage instructions on your chosen pack.
Brands and supermarket own-label options
These brands and own-label options offer different pack sizes and varieties to compare. Check the details of the specific product you’re planning to buy.
De Ruijter
The range includes several varieties of chocolate flakes. Albert Heijn also lists a small pack containing 80 individual sachets of 15 g.
- The listed sachets offer a clearly specified format for handing out individual portions.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety, as they’re not the same for all flakes.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists chocolate flakes from several brands, as well as 300 g own-label boxes, including a dark variety.
- A 300 g box is worth considering when several guests will be sharing a topping.
- Read the individual product information and label for your chosen variety, rather than relying on the category description.
PLUS
PLUS lists 300 g dark chocolate flakes labelled vegan, with at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The product page gives a specific cocoa content for this dark variety.
- The same product information warns that it may contain milk and lactose; check the current label if you have questions about allergens.
Lidl
Lidl lists 300 g boxes of milk chocolate flakes as a supermarket product.
- The listed box size may suit topping use at a shared table.
- Check the pack in store for ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
ALDI / Kiekeboe
ALDI lists 300 g Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties.
- The two listed flavours give you a choice for a shared topping.
- Check the pack for your chosen variety’s full ingredients and allergen information.
Chocolate flakes on Joybuy for topping
These packs contain flakes you could use as a bread topping or sprinkle when guests are eating together. If you need individual portions or a snack bar, check that your chosen product actually comes in that format.
No image available
De Ruijter Flakes Milk 200 g
Worth considering if you want to serve milk chocolate flakes as a topping. The pack is labelled 200 g; check whether it contains individual portions if you want to hand them out to guests.
No image available
Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
A pack of flakes to consider for a bread or yoghurt table. The stated weight is 200 g; if guests have questions about allergens, read the label on the pack you buy.
No image available
g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes 300 g
Worth considering if you want to put milk chocolate flakes on the table for bread. The pack is labelled 300 g; check the current label for allergen information, and check the portion format if you need sachets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give out chocolate flakes instead of individual chocolate bars?
Not if you’re looking for a bar to eat out of hand. Chocolate flakes are used as a bread topping or sprinkle; even a sachet with a measured portion still contains flakes to sprinkle.
How can I serve flakes in individual portions?
Choose a pack that explicitly states it contains individual portions. For example, Albert Heijn lists a De Ruijter small pack with 80 sachets of 15 g. For any other pack, check how many sachets it contains and how much is in each one.
Is ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ enough information for a guest with a milk allergy?
No. Read the allergen information on the pack of the product you choose. According to the product information, PLUS’s dark chocolate flakes labelled vegan also carry a warning that they may contain milk and lactose.
Where can I find allergen information for prepacked flakes?
Check the label on the pack you’re serving. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods; also read any warnings about possible traces.
How can I keep flakes in good condition during a garden party?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the rest after use. The product information we reviewed advises storing the flakes in a cool, dry place, so it’s better to put out a small serving amount than to leave the whole open box in sunlight or moisture.