Organisers buying for a group
You want enough flakes for the planned sandwiches or party treats, so you’ll need to consider the pack size and how much you’re likely to use.
Who are these options for?
Parents looking for an eye-catching topping
The flavour and appearance of the flakes matter to you, for example when they’ll be visible on crispbread or cupcakes.
Organisers who need to check labels
You want to check the ingredients and allergens in your chosen variety before serving it, especially if a child has an allergy.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much you’ll need for spreading or decorating. Then choose between plain flakes and a mix, and check the label for the exact variety before you buy.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check the pack size and work out how many sandwiches or toppings you want to make. | If I’m making sandwiches for several children, I want to avoid running out of flakes halfway through. Around 40% of consumers prioritise having the right amount. |
| Flavour and appearance | Decide whether you’d prefer plain chocolate flakes or a mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes. | For a party treat that’s decorated to be seen, I care more about the mix than I do for an everyday sandwich. Around 30% of consumers give presentation the highest priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If a child needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in this exact pack. Around 30% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or vegan flakes are allergen-free
PLUS describes its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but its own product information also says they may contain milk and lactose. A vegan label doesn’t replace allergen information.
If you’re dealing with an allergy, read the label on the exact pack, even if you’ve bought the same variety before.
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Leaving it until the last minute to look for a particular party mix
Availability can vary by shop and variety. At the time the product information was checked, the 300 g De Ruijter Vlokfeest Dark & White pack shown by Jumbo was no longer in its online range.
Before planning the party treat, check whether your chosen mix is available and decide whether plain flakes would also work.
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Planning flakes as the only part of the party spread
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes flakes as a sweet sandwich topping that you can choose once a day, while recommending foods from the Wheel of Five for children.
If you like, use flakes as a spread or topping and plan the other parts of the party table separately.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH offers dark chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- The dark variety shown by Albert Heijn is a plain chocolate flake, not a party mix.
- Albert Heijn lists milk and lactose as allergens for this variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers own-brand dark flakes in a 300 g pack.
- Jumbo’s product information states that this dark variety contains at least 35% cocoa solids.
- Jumbo says this variety may contain milk. Its nutrition information lists 63.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
PLUS
PLUS offers 300 g of own-brand dark flakes with a vegan label.
- According to PLUS’s product information, this variety contains at least 32% cocoa.
- PLUS also says the flakes may contain milk and lactose; check the label if you have an allergy.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
ALDI offers Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk or dark chocolate, in 300 g packs.
- You can choose between a milk chocolate and a dark chocolate variety from this brand.
- Check the label on the variety you actually buy for its ingredients and allergens.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers both plain chocolate flakes and Vlokfeest, a mix for anyone looking for a different flavour and appearance.
- The Vlokfeest Dark & White described by Jumbo combines chocolate and vanilla flakes.
- The 200 g dark variety shown by Albert Heijn contains soya and may contain milk. According to Jumbo, the 300 g Vlokfeest Dark & White shown contains wheat and soya and may contain milk; check each variety separately.
Spreads and toppings at Joybuy
These products include chocolate flakes, chocolate sprinkles and chocolate chunks in a range of pack sizes. First, choose the type of product you’d like to use for the children’s party; sprinkles and chunks aren’t the same as flakes.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smileys 600 g
For anyone looking for sprinkles with a playful look rather than chocolate flakes. The pack contains 600 g; check the allergen information on the label before serving.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
A flake option for anyone looking for a party mix. This pack contains 200 g; check the ingredients and allergens for this exact variety on the label.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A plain milk chocolate option if you’d rather use flakes than a party mix. The pack contains 300 g; if you have an allergy, read the label on the pack you’ve chosen.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
For anyone looking for chocolate chunks rather than plain flakes. The pack contains 390 g; check that this product format is right for what you want to spread or decorate.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
A flake option if a 200 g pack suits your plans. Before serving, check the ingredients and allergens on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Are flakes suitable as the only treat at a children’s party?
It’s better to use flakes as a spread or topping rather than as the only part of the party food. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes flakes as a sweet topping you can have once a day, and recommends foods from the Wheel of Five as part of children’s diets.
How do I choose between plain flakes and a party mix?
Choose plain chocolate flakes if you’re mainly after a familiar topping for bread or crispbread. A mix is a good fit when the combination of flavours or the appearance matters for your party treat. For both options, check the pack size and the ingredients for the exact variety.
Is a vegan label enough if you have a milk allergy?
No. Always check the allergen information too. PLUS describes its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but its own product information also says they may contain milk and lactose.
Where can I find allergen information for packaged flakes?
Check the label on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods, so consumers can use it before buying.