Fans of dark chocolate
You want to compare dark chocolate toppings by variety and stated cocoa solids content. If traces of milk matter to you, check the allergen information even on a dark variety.
Who might be interested in chocolate flakes?
Fans of milk chocolate
You’re choosing the taste of milk chocolate on your rusks. Check the ingredients if you need to avoid milk, lactose or soya.
Shopping for a group
You want to know how much topping to buy for a larger gathering, so you compare the pack sizes.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | Check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and cocoa | Compare the variety and the stated cocoa solids content on the pack. Albert Heijn lists at least 32% cocoa solids for De Ruijter dark and at least 20% for De Ruijter milk; these figures apply to those specific varieties. | If you want a predominantly dark flavour, milk chocolate or a mix alongside the aniseed sprinkles, your flavour preference will guide your choice. Around 33% of consumers put flavour first. |
| Pack size | Check the weight of the pack you’re choosing and consider how many rusks you want to top. | If you’re serving several people, you’ll want enough flakes without relying on the picture on the pack. Around 45% of consumers put quantity first. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Check the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements for the exact variety. A description such as dark or vegan doesn’t replace this check. | If you need to account for certain ingredients when preparing the rusks, you’ll want to know what’s in that particular pack. This is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or vegan means milk-free
According to the product information at Albert Heijn, De Ruijter dark flakes may contain milk. PLUS also states that its vegan-labelled dark flakes may contain milk and lactose.
If you have a food allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re actually using.
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Treating flakes as the same as aniseed sprinkles or chocolates
Chocolate flakes are sold as a bread topping. That doesn’t mean they automatically serve the same purpose as aniseed sprinkles on rusks or chocolates as a gift.
Decide whether you want an extra chocolate topping, aniseed sprinkles or a separate gift.
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Assuming the range is always available
ALDI directs shoppers to its stores for Kiekeboe flakes and notes that special-buy items can sell out quickly.
Check whether your chosen variety is available at the store you plan to visit.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
Offers milk, dark, Royaal dark and mixed varieties for use as a bread topping.
- Albert Heijn lists at least 20% cocoa solids for De Ruijter milk, at least 32% for dark and at least 40% for Royaal dark; these figures apply to different varieties.
- The milk variety reviewed contains milk, lactose and soya. The dark variety contains soya and may contain milk; always check the label on the pack you choose.
Venz
Alongside chocolate flakes, it also offers mixed flavours, including a combination of dark chocolate and vanilla.
- PLUS lists Venz Rimboe flakes and a Kwinkslag variety combining dark chocolate and vanilla.
- The Kwinkslag variety reviewed contains, among other ingredients, wheat, milk and soya; check the ingredients for each product.
PLUS
Own-brand range that includes dark chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- PLUS states that its Chocoladevlokken Puur Fairtrade flakes contain at least 32% cocoa solids and displays a vegan label.
- The same variety may contain milk and lactose. The vegan label doesn’t replace the allergen information.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, in 300 g packs.
- You can choose between milk and dark varieties in this product range.
- Check which variety is available at your chosen ALDI store and read the label on the pack.
Choca
A flake variety for anyone considering options beyond dark chocolate flakes.
- PLUS lists Choca Vlokken in a 200 g pack.
- PLUS describes this product as cocoa fantasy flakes. So don’t compare its ingredients as if it were the same type of product as dark chocolate flakes.
Chocolate toppings at Joybuy
These products suit anyone looking for an extra chocolate topping for rusks: the selection includes flakes as well as decorative sprinkles. The latter are a different shape from flakes.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
A mixed flake variety for a different chocolate topping to serve alongside the aniseed sprinkles.
200 g pack. If you have allergies, check the ingredients on the pack.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A milk chocolate variety for anyone looking to add flakes as an extra topping to their rusks.
300 g pack. Read the allergen information on the pack you choose.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
A dark chocolate topping for anyone looking for a larger pack.
390 g pack. The word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t tell you whether it may contain milk; check the label if that matters to you.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
A dark chocolate topping to compare with other flavours for your rusks.
200 g pack. Check the ingredients for this variety if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smileys 600 g
A decorative topping for anyone who wants to add shapes alongside the aniseed sprinkles; this product is sprinkles, not flakes.
600 g pack. Check the ingredients on the pack you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark chocolate flakes always milk-free?
No. Albert Heijn says that the De Ruijter dark variety reviewed may contain milk. PLUS gives the same warning for its vegan-labelled Puur Fairtrade variety, and also mentions lactose. Check the pack for the exact variety you’re using.
How should I store an opened pack of chocolate flakes?
Seal the pack well and store it in a dry place, as the Voedingscentrum advises for milk chocolate flakes. Also follow the instructions and use-by date on your pack.
Can flakes replace aniseed sprinkles or a box of chocolates?
Not as a like-for-like product: chocolate flakes are a bread topping. If you like the combination, you can add them as an extra layer to rusks with aniseed sprinkles, but a box of chocolates serves a different purpose as a gift.