Organisers making lots of portions
If you’re decorating several cupcakes, rolls or treats, the net weight will help you work out how many packs you need. Albert Heijn and Jumbo ranges include 300 g packs of chocolate flakes.
Who are these options relevant to?
Bakers who want their topping to stand out
Pure chocolate flakes offer a different flavour from a mix of chocolate and vanilla-flavoured flakes. Compare the exact varieties: for example, De Ruijter’s product information distinguishes between Vlokken Puur, Royaal and Vlokfeest.
Organisers who need to share allergen information
If you’re handing out or selling baked goods, you need to know which flakes have been used in each product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information, so check the pack for each variety you use.
What should you look for when choosing?
Work out how much topping you’ll need for the school fair, then choose a variety to suit your bake. Before you start, also check the allergens and storage instructions for that variety.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Work out how much topping you need and compare the net weights, for example 200 g and 300 g. | If I’m decorating lots of bakes, I want enough flakes without being left with too much. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces on every pack you use. | If I’m handing out or selling baked goods, I want to be able to tell visitors what they contain. For around 25% of consumers, allergen information is the top priority. |
| Flavour and appearance | Choose from options including dark chocolate, milk chocolate and mixed flakes; check the ingredients of your chosen variety. | I want the topping’s flavour and appearance to suit my bake. This comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Storage | Read the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack. | If I’m baking a few days in advance, I want to be able to store the flakes as directed until I need them. Around 17% of consumers give this top priority. |
Common preparation mistakes
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Assuming a festive mix is the same as plain dark chocolate flakes
A mix may contain different ingredients and allergens. The product information for De Ruijter Vlokfeest Puur & Wit lists chocolate flakes and vanilla-flavoured flakes; the variety reviewed also lists wheat and soya and may contain milk.
Make a note of the variety you use and check the allergens on the pack again before preparing your bake.
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Relying on an ingredients list you checked earlier
Ingredients and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn notes in its product information. An ingredients list you looked at earlier may therefore differ from the pack you’re using.
Check the current packaging and keep the details of the ingredients you’ve used available at the school fair.
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Buying flakes in advance without checking where you’ll store them
The product information reviewed for De Ruijter varieties says to store them in a cool, dry place. This is also important if you’re using the topping across several baking sessions.
Follow the instructions on your pack and seal any opened bag carefully.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
The product range reviewed includes plain chocolate flakes, Royaal and a mix with vanilla-flavoured flakes. Compare the varieties if flavour or appearance is your priority.
- The product information for Vlokken Puur states at least 32% cocoa solids; for Royaal, it states at least 40%.
- These specifications apply to the varieties named. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s range includes AH Mix, as well as milk and dark chocolate flakes. The own-brand milk and dark chocolate flakes shown come in 300 g packs.
- These varieties are a useful starting point if you’re looking for a 300 g pack for several bakes.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
The Jumbo range reviewed includes own-brand flakes in dark and milk chocolate, both in 300 g packs.
- The two flavours listed let you choose the variety you want in the same pack size.
- Range information doesn’t tell you about the ingredients or allergens in another variety, so check the packaging.
Venz
The Jumbo range reviewed includes Venz varieties combining chocolate and vanilla flavours, in 200 g packs.
- A mixed variety is an option if you’re looking for a topping with a noticeable contrast.
- Before using it for the school fair, check the ingredients, allergens and quantity you’ll need for the specific variety.
Chocolate flakes and toppings at Joybuy
This selection includes dark and milk chocolate flakes, a festive variety and separate chocolate chunks for school fair bakes. Work out how much you need for each pack; for the chunks, check that their shape suits the decoration you want to create.
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De Ruijter Pure Chocolate Flakes, 390 g
For anyone who wants to use a pure chocolate topping on several bakes. Work out how much you need and check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before use.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks, 390 g
For anyone considering chocolate chunks as a decoration instead of flakes. Check that the pieces suit the finish you want for your bake; don’t assume they’ll sprinkle as easily as flakes.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast, 200 g
For anyone who wants to use a festive variety as a topping. If you’re making lots of baked goods, work out how many 200 g packs you’ll need and read the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.
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g'woon Milk Chocolate Flakes, 300 g
A milk chocolate option for anyone looking for a 300 g pack. Check that these flakes are suitable for the decoration you have in mind, and read the allergen information on the pack.
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De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes, 200 g
For anyone who wants to use milk chocolate flakes as a topping. The pack contains 200 g, so work out in advance how many packs you’ll need for all your bakes and check the allergens on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Are all plain dark chocolate flakes milk-free?
No, don’t assume they are. Jumbo’s product information for De Ruijter Vlokken Puur lists soya and says the product may contain milk. Read the allergen information on the pack for the variety you’re using.
How should I store chocolate flakes until the school fair?
Follow the storage instructions on your pack. The product information reviewed for De Ruijter varieties recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and sealing opened packs carefully. Also check the best-before date.
Can I use ingredients information online to prepare my school fair list?
Use it to help you prepare, but base your list on the packs you actually use. Albert Heijn notes that ingredients and allergen information can change.