People who regularly take lunch with them
You want to choose a pack size that suits the number of lunches you use chocolate flakes for. When comparing packs, make sure you’re looking at the same type of product.
Who is this guide for?
People with a particular taste preference
You can choose between milk, dark, white or mixed flakes. A stated cocoa percentage may help you decide, as long as you check the exact variant it refers to.
People who read labels carefully
You check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack you’ve chosen. This is especially important if milk, soya or wheat is a concern for you.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which feature matters most for your packed lunch. Then compare the exact variants: the same pack size doesn’t mean the flavour, ingredients and allergens are the same.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the contents of similar flakes and check the best-before date on the pack. | If I regularly take lunch with me, I want a quantity I’ll actually use. For around 34% of consumers, pack size is the main consideration. |
| Flavour and type | Check whether the flakes are milk, dark, white or mixed, and check which exact variant a stated cocoa percentage applies to. | For my lunch, I want to choose the chocolate flavour I enjoy, rather than judging by the look of the box alone. Flavour is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and label | Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the pack you’ve chosen; compare nutritional values per 100 g. | If I need to watch out for certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in this variant before taking it with me. Around 33% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming dark or vegan means allergen-free
The dark chocolate flakes described by PLUS carry a vegan label, but the product information also warns that they may contain milk and lactose. So a product label is no substitute for checking the allergen information.
For the flavour and pack you’ve chosen, read both the ingredients list and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
-
Storing flakes as though the pack will keep indefinitely
The flakes reviewed come with instructions to store them in a cool, dry place; the best-before date is shown on the pack.
Close the pack after use and check the storage instructions and date before choosing a larger pack.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes 300 g packs of dark and milk chocolate flakes, as well as a duo variety.
- The different flavours give you a clear starting point for comparing products within the same range.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variant; they may differ from one pack to another.
PLUS
PLUS lists a 300 g pack of dark chocolate flakes with a Fairtrade Cocoa label and a vegan label.
- The product information states that it contains 32% cocoa solids.
- The same product information warns that it may contain milk and lactose; the vegan label is not a guarantee that it’s allergen-free.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
ALDI describes Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, both in 300 g packs.
- You can choose between milk and dark chocolate in the same stated pack size.
- Check the label of the exact variant you’re buying for ingredients and allergens.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers a range of flakes, including Royaal, milk, dark and white varieties.
- The Royaal variety described by Jumbo states that it contains at least 40% cocoa solids.
- That same Royaal variety lists soya and may contain traces of milk. Don’t assume this product-specific information applies to other varieties.
Choca
Choca offers cocoa fantasy flakes in a 200 g pack. Don’t assume they’re the same product type as chocolate flakes.
- PLUS lists 7.5% low-fat cocoa, so you can check the composition of this variant in detail.
- The ingredients include wheat starch and soya; the product may also contain milk.
Bread toppings on Joybuy
This selection includes chocolate flakes, a mixed flakes variety and chocolate sprinkles for bread. When comparing products, bear in mind that sprinkles and mixed flakes aren’t the same type of product as plain chocolate flakes.
Image unavailable
g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A milk chocolate variety for anyone who wants to take flakes for bread with them.
Pack size: 300 g. Check the allergens on the current pack, especially if milk or wheat is a concern for you.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Flakes Milk 200 g
A milk chocolate variety for bread, if you want to weigh up a smaller pack against how much you use.
Pack size: 200 g. If you have allergen requirements, check the current information for milk and soya.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
Dark chocolate sprinkles for bread; these aren’t the same product shape as flakes.
Pack size: 200 g. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information if milk, soya or lactose is a concern for you.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
A mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes for anyone who wants a combination of flavours on bread, rather than a single chocolate variety.
Pack size: 200 g. Check the current pack for wheat, soya and any warning about milk.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
Dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to use this type of topping on bread.
Pack size: 390 g. Check the cocoa content on the pack if that affects your choice, and check the allergen information for milk and soya.
Frequently asked questions
How should I compare packs of chocolate flakes?
First compare products of the same type, then look at the pack size and variant. A 200 g pack and a 300 g pack don’t contain the same amount; also check whether you’re choosing plain chocolate flakes or a mixed variety.
Is a vegan label enough if I need to avoid milk?
No, check the latest allergen information too. The dark chocolate flakes labelled vegan by PLUS also carry a warning that they may contain milk and lactose.
How should I take chocolate flakes with me for lunch on the go?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it properly after use. The product information reviewed says to store them in a cool, dry place; chocolate flakes aren’t a frozen product.
What does the nutritional information tell me about flakes as a bread topping?
Nutritional information lets you compare the composition of products, ideally using the same basis of per 100 g. Voedingscentrum points out that sweet bread toppings can sometimes be high in sugar or saturated fat; one nutritional value on its own doesn’t give you the full picture of a product.