Buying for a group and stocking up
If you’re planning a brunch, several breakfasts or shopping for a household with multiple people, the pack size is a sensible place to start. Also think about whether you’ll use any leftover flakes later.
Which pack works best for you?
Choosing by flavour
If you’re sharing flakes, you can choose between dark, milk and mixed varieties. De Ruijter product descriptions at Jumbo also show that the stated cocoa content varies between varieties; that figure doesn’t tell you what everyone will enjoy.
Checking the labels
If anyone you’re eating with avoids certain ingredients, the exact variety matters more than simply choosing something labelled ‘dark’ or ‘mixed’. PLUS and Jumbo product information lists ingredients such as milk, soya or wheat in various flakes, sometimes as possible traces.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many flakes you’re likely to use. Then choose a flavour and check that the ingredients suit everyone who’ll be eating.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and stock | Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use. Jumbo, PLUS and ALDI offer 300 g varieties; the pack size alone doesn’t tell you how many guests it will serve. | For several breakfasts, I don’t want to run out of flakes halfway through, but I don’t want to buy more than we’ll use either. Having enough in stock is the top priority for around 46% of consumers. |
| Flavour and variety | Decide whether you want to serve dark, milk or a mix. If you choose a mix, check the product description: not every flake in it is a chocolate flake. | If different people are eating together, I want to choose a flavour that suits the group. Around 27% of consumers prioritise flavour or variety. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list and ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current pack; don’t rely on the product name alone. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know exactly what’s in that variety. For around 27% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ means allergen-free
According to the product information, the dark flakes labelled vegan by PLUS may contain milk and lactose. Jumbo lists soya and possible milk for a De Ruijter dark variety. So the type of flake doesn’t replace the information on the specific pack.
Check the current label if someone you’re eating with needs to avoid certain ingredients, and look out for possible traces too.
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Choosing a mix without checking what’s in it
A mix offers variety, but it may contain different ingredients from a standard dark or milk variety. For De Ruijter Vlokfeest Puur & Wit, Jumbo lists wheat and soya, and possible milk.
Ask the group in advance which flavours and ingredients are suitable. Then check the ingredients in the specific mix you’re buying.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Jumbo product information lists separate dark, milk and mixed varieties from this brand. Compare them pack by pack rather than assuming that features apply to the entire range.
- Jumbo states that its 240 g Royaal chocolate flakes contain at least 40% cocoa solids; the standard 300 g dark variety listed there contains at least 32%.
- Jumbo lists soya and possible milk for the standard dark variety. A higher cocoa content also doesn’t guarantee that everyone will enjoy the flavour.
Jumbo
Own-brand flakes for anyone looking for a 300 g pack and a choice of dark, milk or duo varieties.
- Jumbo’s category listing shows 300 g varieties in these flavour options.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose; the flavour name alone doesn’t give you the full picture.
PLUS
Own-brand 300 g dark and milk chocolate flakes, according to PLUS product information.
- PLUS labels its dark variety as vegan and states that its milk variety contains at least 20% cocoa solids.
- PLUS says its dark variety may contain milk and lactose; the milk variety contains milk and lactose. Check each label separately.
KIEKEBOE
ALDI lists milk and dark chocolate flakes under this brand, both in 300 g packs.
- The ALDI product page states that the product described is Rainforest Alliance certified.
- Check which variety and pack size are available in store, and read the current label.
Choca
A 200 g product to consider if you’d like to look at a different type of flake from standard chocolate flakes.
- PLUS describes Choca Vlokken as cocoa fantasy flakes. This product type is worth bearing in mind when comparing the ingredients in different flakes.
- PLUS says the product contains wheat and soya and may contain milk. Don’t treat it as a direct equivalent to a dark chocolate flake variety.
Products for sharing
These products include 200 g and 300 g flakes for breakfast or brunch. The 390 g pack is dark chocolate strands: a different type of bread topping, which shouldn’t be counted as flakes if you specifically want the flake shape.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A milk chocolate option if you’d like a 300 g pack for a shared breakfast.
Choose a pack size to suit the number of mealtimes, and check the current label if the ingredients matter to anyone you’re eating with.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
A larger pack if you’re looking for dark chocolate strands rather than chocolate flakes.
The 390 g pack size doesn’t determine how many portions you’ll get; check the ingredients for this variety before buying too.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
A smaller pack to consider if you’d like to serve a special variety at a shared breakfast.
Check the flavours and ingredients listed on the pack for this version; 200 g is less than a 300 g pack.
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De Ruijter Flakes Milk 200 g
A smaller pack if you specifically want to share milk chocolate flakes and don’t need a 300 g pack.
Joybuy product information lists milk and soya. Check the pack if anyone at the table needs to avoid these ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Is 300 g enough for a brunch?
A 300 g pack gives you more than a 200 g pack, but there’s no set number of guests it will serve. How much you need depends on how much everyone uses and whether you’ll serve the flakes at other mealtimes too.
Are dark chocolate flakes automatically milk-free?
No. PLUS says its dark flakes may contain milk and lactose; Jumbo says one De Ruijter dark variety may contain milk. So check the allergen information on the specific pack you’re buying.
Where can I check allergens when several people are eating together?
Check the ingredients list and allergen statements on the current pack, including ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority notes that allergens must be listed in the ingredients list of pre-packed foods.
What should I do with an opened pack after breakfast?
Seal the pack securely after use and follow the storage instructions on the label. If you’re keeping the flakes for future breakfasts, check the best-before date on the pack too.