Organisers buying for several batches
You want to work out in advance how many flakes your recipes need in total and choose a pack size to suit.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Bakers sharing allergen information
You want to be able to tell people which allergens are present in each baked treat, including those in the topping. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the rules for food sold unwrapped.
Bakers choosing a decorative finish
Choose a flavour and colour that suit your bake. Even with dark chocolate flakes, you still need to check the allergen information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much topping you need and what finish you want. Then check the label on your chosen variety for every bake you plan to offer.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity needed | Calculate how many grams of topping all your recipes need in total, then compare this with the pack size. | If I’m decorating several cakes or cupcakes, I want enough flakes without having lots left over. Around 36% of consumers prioritise getting the quantity they need. |
| Allergen information | Read the label on the exact variety and record the allergens present in the finished product. | When selling unwrapped baked goods, I want to be able to tell customers which allergens they contain before they choose. Clear allergen information is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Flavour and appearance | Choose between milk, dark or a mix, depending on the finish you want. | For cupcakes, I want a topping whose flavour and colour suit the recipe. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this kind of finish. |
| Label preference | Check the specific pack for any cacao certification you’re looking for, and read the rest of the product information. | If a cacao certification matters for our school event, I want to see what’s on the pack I choose. This is the main preference for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Not matching the pack size to your recipes
A pack that’s right for one bake might not be enough for all your cakes and cupcakes combined.
Add up the quantity needed for each recipe before deciding how many packs to buy.
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Assuming dark flakes can’t contain milk
PLUS says that milk and lactose may be present in the dark chocolate flakes it has checked. So the word ‘dark’ is no substitute for checking the label.
Read the ingredients and information about the possible presence of allergens on the exact pack.
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Keeping only the topping’s label
Customers choose the finished bake, not the topping on its own. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information about allergens present must be available before purchase when products are sold unwrapped.
Record the allergens present for each recipe and keep the information available at the point of sale.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers own-brand chocolate flakes in milk, dark and duo-mix varieties, each in a 300 g pack.
- The varieties offer a choice of flavour and finish in the same pack size.
- Check the allergen information for your chosen variety separately.
PLUS
PLUS offers own-brand chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, both in 300 g packs. PLUS says these varieties are made with Fairtrade cocoa.
- Milk and dark offer two flavour options in the same pack size.
- PLUS lists milk and lactose for its milk variety, and says these may be present in its dark variety.
Kiekeboe
Kiekeboe is ALDI’s brand of chocolate flakes, available in milk or dark varieties in 300 g packs.
- ALDI makes a Rainforest Alliance claim for these flakes.
- Use the information on the specific pack to prepare an allergen list.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells its own milk, dark and mixed flakes in 300 g packs, as well as varieties from De Ruijter.
- The own-brand varieties let you choose between a single type of chocolate and a mix.
- When comparing own-brand and branded products, check that their pack sizes are the same.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter offers a range of flavours and finishes, including milk, dark, white, Vlokfeest and Royaal extra puur.
- These varieties are worth considering when you want a particular colour or flavour.
- Check the pack size and allergen information for each variety; don’t assume one variety’s features apply to another.
Products for different finishes
These Joybuy products include flakes and other chocolate decorations for bakes. When choosing, consider the difference between flakes, chunks and chocolate sprinkles, as well as the pack size and label information.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
For anyone looking to finish cupcakes or other bakes with milk chocolate flakes.
Pack size: 300 g. To prepare an allergen list for your bake, check the label on the exact pack, including for milk and wheat.
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De Ruijter Chocolate Chunks 390 g
For anyone who wants to decorate cupcakes with chocolate chunks rather than flakes.
Pack size: 390 g. Check the exact pack for information about milk, soya and the possible presence of lactose.
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g'woon milk chocolate sprinkles with smileys 600 g
For anyone looking for a smiley decoration for cupcakes or other bakes; these are chocolate sprinkles, not chocolate flakes.
Pack size: 600 g. Check the exact pack for allergen information, including for milk and wheat.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles 390 g
For anyone considering a dark chocolate topping for cupcakes; the product name indicates sprinkles, not flakes.
Pack size: 390 g. Don’t assume this product is milk-free: check the exact pack for milk, soya and information about the possible presence of milk ingredients.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
For anyone looking to finish bakes with a mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes.
Pack size: 200 g. Check the exact pack for wheat, soya and the possible presence of milk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use milk chocolate flakes on bakes for a school fair?
Yes, as long as you can provide accurate allergen information for the finished product. The PLUS milk flakes checked contain milk and lactose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information about allergens present must be available before purchase when unwrapped baked goods are offered for sale.
Are dark chocolate flakes automatically milk-free?
No. PLUS says that milk and lactose may be present in the dark chocolate flakes it has checked. Check the information on the exact variety you’re using.
Does allergen information need to be available at the sales table?
Yes, if you’re offering unwrapped baked goods to consumers. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says the information can be provided in writing or electronically. Verbal information is only allowed under its conditions, which include making it available directly before purchase and displaying a clear notice at the point of sale.
How do I work out how many packs of flakes I need?
Add up the amount of topping needed for all your recipes and compare it with the contents of the packs you’ve chosen. Keep flakes, chocolate sprinkles and chocolate chunks separate in your calculations: they’re different types of decoration.
How should I store the flakes until baking day?
Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack. For the milk and dark chocolate flakes it has checked, PLUS recommends a cool, dry and dark place.