Get-together hosts looking for savoury snacks
If by a savoury snack platter you mean an assortment of savoury bites, look for a snack or mix whose preparation instructions you can check. Jumbo lists party snacks separately from chocolate flakes.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Gift buyers looking to give chocolate
If the chocolate is intended as a gift, a box of chocolates or luxury chocolate is a more obvious choice than a sandwich topping. PLUS lists these separately from chocolate flakes.
Buyers looking for sweet toppings
If you’re looking for something to put on bread, yoghurt or a dessert, chocolate flakes are a good fit. PLUS describes De Ruijter flakes as a sandwich topping and dessert topping, not as a savoury party snack.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve something savoury, give chocolate as a gift or buy a sweet topping. Then compare products within the category you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | For savoury bites, look in the party snacks category; for a gift, choose chocolates; and for a sweet topping, look for flakes. | If I want to serve guests savoury bites, a pack of sweet sandwich topping won’t do. Around 36% of consumers prioritise choosing the right product type. |
| Gift or home use | Check whether the product is a ready-to-give box of chocolates or a pack intended to be used as a sandwich topping or dessert topping. | If you’re giving chocolate as a gift, the product format and presentation matter most. For around 29% of consumers, suitability as a gift is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the product you’ve chosen. | If someone with a food allergy is joining us, I want to know exactly what’s in this particular pack. Ingredients and allergens are a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight of products within the same category, and check the best-before date and storage instructions. | If I only need a small sweet addition, I don’t want to choose a bigger pack than I can use and store. Around 14% of consumers give this their highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking flakes for chocolates or a savoury snack platter
Chocolate flakes are a sweet sandwich topping or dessert topping. A box of chocolates serves a different purpose as a gift, while savoury party snacks are intended to be served in a different way.
Before comparing products, decide whether you’re looking for a gift, a sweet ingredient or savoury bites for guests.
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Guessing allergen information from the name or photo
A flavour name or a product page you’ve viewed before won’t necessarily tell you what’s in the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of checking the label if you have a food allergy.
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Chocolate flakes for anyone looking for a sweet sandwich topping or dessert topping.
- PLUS describes its milk chocolate flakes as a sandwich topping and its Royaal chocolate flakes as suitable for use as a topping too.
- Flakes aren’t a ready-to-give box of chocolates or a savoury snack mix.
Jumbo
Supermarket with separate categories for flakes and party snacks.
- The categories make it easier to distinguish sweet sandwich toppings from savoury snacks.
- Check the details of each individual product; the category alone doesn’t tell you anything about its ingredients or preparation.
PLUS
Supermarket with chocolate flakes and a separate category for luxury chocolate and chocolates.
- PLUS lists a 300 g own-brand version of dark chocolate flakes.
- A pack of flakes isn’t the same as a box of chocolates. Check the packaging if presentation matters.
Venz
Brand of sweet sandwich toppings, including Rimboe flakes.
- PLUS lists Rimboe flakes as an option for a sweet sandwich topping.
- Being suitable as a sandwich topping doesn’t make them a good substitute for savoury party snacks.
Choca
Brand offering flakes for sweet treats.
- PLUS lists Choca Flakes in a 200 g box.
- PLUS warns that product information may change. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Products for savoury and sweet occasions
This selection includes savoury party snacks, chocolate sprinkles and sweet flakes. Choose a savoury snack for your party platter; the chocolate products are suitable as sandwich toppings or dessert toppings, and aren’t necessarily suitable as gifts.
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Mora O&A Megamix, 32 pieces
A savoury mix for anyone who wants to serve a variety of bites with drinks. Check the packaging for preparation instructions and allergen information.
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Kwekkeboom beef croquettes, 4 pieces, 280 g
For anyone who wants to serve one type of savoury snack instead of a mixed snack platter. Check the packaging for preparation instructions and allergen information.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles, 390 g
For anyone looking for dark chocolate sprinkles for a sweet treat, not for a savoury snack platter. Sprinkles are also different from chocolate flakes, so check the product format if you specifically want flakes.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes, 300 g
For anyone looking for milk chocolate flakes as a sweet sandwich topping or dessert topping. These aren’t savoury party snacks; check the packaging if you’re buying them as a gift.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes, 200 g
For anyone looking for a smaller pack of sweet flakes rather than savoury snacks. If you have a food allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can you serve chocolate flakes as part of a savoury snack platter?
Not if you mean a platter of savoury party snacks. Jumbo and PLUS list chocolate flakes as sweet sandwich toppings or dessert toppings; you could serve them separately as a sweet treat.
When should you choose chocolates instead of flakes?
Choose a box of chocolates if you’re giving chocolate as a gift. If you’re looking for a sandwich topping or dessert topping, flakes are a better fit; if it’s a gift, check the presentation and information on the packaging you choose.
Where can you check the allergen information for these products?
Read the allergen information on the product’s current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for prepacked foods must appear on the label. Don’t rely solely on a product photo or a page you’ve viewed before.
How should you store chocolate flakes after buying them?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of your chosen product. Jumbo says to store De Ruijter Royaal chocolate flakes in a cool, dry place and to press the pack closed carefully after use; check the label for other varieties.