Larger families
If you use flakes on bread, yoghurt or porridge, 200–300 g packs let you build up a supply and choose different flavours. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list packs of this size for use as a bread topping.
Which size is right for you?
Buffet and event organisers
When buying, consider the quantity you expect to need, how the food will be served and the allergen information guests may need. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority also explains how allergen information must be made available for food served unpackaged.
Home bakers and dessert makers
For decorating lots of bakes, desserts or ice cream, you could also consider 1 kg bags of decorative flakes. Baktotaal describes Irca and Callebaut varieties for these uses.
What should you look for when choosing?
The difference between flakes for bread and decorative flakes matters more than the weight on the pack alone: choose how you’ll use them first, then work out how much you need.
200–300 g packs of flakes for bread
Best for: Bread, yoghurt or porridge, or a table with several flavours to choose from; Albert Heijn and Jumbo list consumer packs for this purpose.
What to consider: You may need several packs for lots of guests, but you can choose which flavours to open and serve together.
1 kg bags of decorative flakes
Best for: Decorating lots of bakes, desserts or ice cream; Baktotaal describes its 1 kg Irca and Callebaut varieties for these uses.
What to consider: A larger pack doesn’t tell you whether the texture and ingredients are suitable for use on bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this most? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and intended use | Compare the net weight with the stated use: as a topping for bread or as decoration for bakes and desserts. | If I’m hosting lots of guests, I want enough flakes without mistaking a decorative product for flakes to put on bread. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this combination of quantity and intended use. |
| Portions and leftovers | Estimate how much you’ll use and decide how many packs to open, especially if you’re serving several flavours. | If I’m not sure how much we’ll use, I don’t want to open more packs than necessary. Stock management is the biggest consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Flavour and presentation | Check the flavour and whether the flakes are intended for bread or as a decorative finishing touch for desserts. | If guests can choose or the desserts are being decorated, the flavour and finish I’m looking for are the deciding factors. Around 20% of consumers put this first. |
| Allergen information | Read the current label for each variety you choose. If you’re serving food unpackaged, make the information available to guests. | If I’m serving food to guests with a food allergy, I need to know what information applies to each product. For around 10% of consumers, checking this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a bag of decorative flakes as an everyday topping for bread
The 1 kg bags of Irca and Callebaut described by Baktotaal are intended for decorating bakes and desserts. Their weight alone doesn’t make them interchangeable with flakes for bread.
Decide what you’ll be serving and check the intended use and ingredients before choosing a pack size.
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Opening more packs than you need
Offering different flavours can be handy, but if you’re not sure how much you’ll use, you could end up with leftovers from several open packs.
Estimate how many guests are likely to use the flakes, then decide how many flavours and packs to open.
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Using allergen information from a different variety
Ingredients and allergens may vary between products. Information for one flavour is not a substitute for checking the label on another pack.
Check the current packaging for every product you serve. If you’re serving food unpackaged, make the relevant allergen information available to guests, as described by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list a range of De Ruijter flakes for bread, including dark, milk and white varieties.
- You can compare 200–300 g packs in several flavours.
- You may need several packs if you want a larger quantity to serve with bread.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes its own-brand flakes in 300 g packs, including dark, milk and duo varieties.
- The varieties listed offer a choice of flavours in the same pack size.
- For a large group, you may need several 300 g packs.
Choca
Jumbo lists Choca Flakes and Choca Flakes mix in 200 g packs.
- This size may suit you if you need a smaller quantity or want to offer more than one flavour.
- For lots of guests, work out how many 200 g packs you’ll need.
Venz
The Jumbo range includes 200 g Venz flakes combining dark or milk chocolate with vanilla.
- These flavour combinations offer an alternative to a single chocolate flavour.
- Check that the combination suits the dishes you’re serving and your guests.
Callebaut
Baktotaal describes Callebaut Chocoladevlokken Puur Klein as fine decorative flakes in a 1 kg bag.
- The stated uses include decorating bakes, desserts and soft-serve ice cream.
- Don’t assume they’re suitable for the same uses as flakes for bread just because of the pack size; check the current label too.
Products for bread and other toppings
These products come in different pack sizes for afternoon tea with bread or other toppings. Check the product type: as well as flakes, this selection includes chocolate sprinkles and chocolate chunks, which aren’t necessarily the same kind of product.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smiley faces 600 g
A pack for serving chocolate sprinkles; don’t choose this if you’re specifically looking for flakes.
Pack size: 600 g. Estimate how much you expect to use to decide whether one pack will be enough, and check the current label if any guests have a food allergy.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A variety of flakes for anyone looking for a topping for bread at afternoon tea.
Pack size: 300 g. You may need several packs for lots of guests; check the current label if allergens are a concern.
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De Ruijter Vlokkenfeest 200 g
A smaller pack of flakes if you’d like to open a limited quantity or serve several varieties side by side.
Pack size: 200 g. For a larger group, allow for several packs and check the allergen information on the current packaging.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
A pack of flakes if you’d like to use a smaller quantity or offer an extra variety.
Pack size: 200 g. For a larger group, work out how many packs you’ll need based on how much you expect to use, and check the current label.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
An option if you want to serve chocolate chunks, rather than flakes if that’s the specific shape you’re after.
Pack size: 390 g. Check that the chunks suit your intended use and read the allergen information on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a 1 kg bag of decorative flakes on bread?
Don’t assume that the bag contains the same kind of flakes as those intended for bread. Baktotaal describes the 1 kg Irca and Callebaut products as toppings for bakes and desserts. Check that the product description, texture and ingredients are suitable for what you want to serve.
How should I store opened flakes?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. Jumbo’s product page for De Ruijter Vlokken Puur says to store it in a cool, dry place. For an opened pack, check the instructions on the current label too.
What allergen information do guests need at a buffet?
Check the current packaging for every variety and make the relevant allergen information available when serving. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked food must appear on the label. For food served unpackaged, it must be provided to consumers in another clear way.