Organisers stocking up
If you’re buying several packs for a larger neighbourhood group, you’ll want to know how much each pack contains and which dishes you’ll use the flakes with.
Who should take care with this choice?
Organisers catering for different tastes
For sandwiches and toppings, you can choose from dark, milk and mixed varieties, among others. Check exactly what’s in any mix.
Shoppers taking allergies into account
If any of your guests have allergies, the ingredients and warnings on the specific packs matter more than a general flavour description such as dark.
What should you look for when shopping?
First, work out how many dishes you want to cater for. Then choose the flavour and check the specific product label for each one.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per pack | Compare the net weight and work out how many packs you’ll need for your number of guests and the dishes you’re serving. | If I’m putting out sandwiches and toppings for several guests, I don’t want to run out halfway through. Around 40% of consumers put having enough on hand first. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Check whether you’re buying dark, milk or a mix. Albert Heijn describes AH Mix as 50% dark chocolate flakes and 50% white flakes. | When guests have different tastes, I prefer to choose carefully what I serve alongside each other. For around 30% of consumers, variety of flavour is the top priority. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on each specific pack, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If a guest has an allergy, I want to know which pack is suitable for them. Checking for allergens is a top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark means dairy-free
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Pure contains milk and lactose. PLUS says its dark chocolate flakes may contain milk and lactose.
If a guest has a relevant allergy, ask what they need and read the ingredients and warnings on the pack you’re actually buying.
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Assuming a product page confirms stock
A product page doesn’t necessarily tell you whether the number of packs you want will be available at your chosen collection or delivery time.
Check availability at your chosen shop or for your delivery time before deciding how much to buy for the get-together.
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Putting an opened pack away without checking how to store it
Storage instructions vary by pack. The products described here include recommendations to store them in a cool, dry or dark place.
Put a small amount on the table, seal the rest after use and follow the instructions on the label.
Brands to consider
PLUS
PLUS offers a 300 g pack of dark chocolate flakes. This weight is useful if you want to divide your supplies across several packs.
- The dark variety described is identified as Fairtrade on the PLUS product page.
- The product information says this variety may contain milk and lactose. Check the specific label if any guests have an allergy.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
ALDI describes Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk or dark flavours, both in 300 g packs.
- Choosing between milk and dark makes it easy to match the flavour to your get-together.
- Check the ingredients of your chosen variety and its availability at your shop.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes both 300 g packs of AH Pure chocolate flakes and AH Mix flakes.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Mix is made up of 50% dark chocolate flakes and 50% white flakes.
- The product information lists milk and lactose for the dark variety and mix described. Check the label on the pack you choose.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter Royaal is a variety of chocolate flakes sold in a 240 g pack.
- The Royaal variety described is a good option if you specifically want to serve this recipe.
- The product information lists soya and warns that it may contain milk.
Choca
Choca offers a 200 g pack of cocoa fantasy flakes, which is described differently from chocolate flakes.
- PLUS’s ingredients list states that this variety contains 7.5% low-fat cocoa.
- The same ingredients list includes wheat starch and soya lecithin. If anyone has allergies, check the warnings on the pack too.
Products for bread toppings and desserts
These Joybuy products include flakes and chocolate sprinkles in packs ranging from 200 g to 390 g. If you’re specifically looking for chocolate flakes, check the exact product name. For your get-together, work out how many packs you’ll need.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks, 390 g
A 390 g pack to include in your stock planning for bread toppings or desserts. Check whether Chocolate Chunks are the right type of product for what you want to serve, and read the label if anyone has allergies.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes, 300 g
A 300 g pack for anyone looking to serve milk chocolate flakes. If any guests have allergies, check the ingredients and warnings on the specific pack.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast, 200 g
A 200 g pack to consider if you’d like to serve a mix of flakes at your get-together. Check the ingredients on the label and bear the pack weight in mind when planning several portions.
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Venz Jungle Flakes, 200 g
A 200 g pack for anyone looking to serve a mix of flakes. Check the exact flavours and allergens on the pack before putting it out for your guests.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure, 390 g
A 390 g pack of dark chocolate sprinkles for bread or desserts. Check the product type if you specifically want flakes, and if anyone has a milk allergy, don’t rely on the word ‘dark’ alone.
Frequently asked questions
How many packs of flakes do I need for a neighbourhood get-together?
It depends on how many guests you have and which dishes you’re serving the flakes with. According to Albert Heijn, a 300 g pack of AH Pure provides 15 portions of 20 g. Use the portion information for your chosen product as a starting point, then adjust the amount to suit your plans.
Are dark chocolate flakes always dairy-free?
No. According to Albert Heijn, the AH Pure chocolate flakes described contain milk and lactose, while PLUS warns that its dark variety may contain them. If anyone has an allergy, read the label on the specific pack.
Which allergens should I check before serving flakes?
For every pack you choose, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and warnings about possible traces. The products described include milk, soya and wheat, among other ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens required by law must be listed on the label.
How should I store opened flakes after the get-together?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and seal it after use. Check the best-before date on the pack too.