Hosts who want to sprinkle with precision
You want to scatter chocolate flakes over snacks or desserts without using a sauce squeeze bottle. Look for a serving method that suits dry contents and can be closed again afterwards.
Who is this for?
Small groups with different tastes
You want to offer milk, dark or mixed varieties side by side without opening more packets than you need for one evening.
Hosts who need to check allergens
Before serving, you want to check the allergens listed on the label for each variety you’ve chosen. The name ‘dark’ on its own doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want to serve dry flakes or a liquid topping. Then choose a serving container, flavour and pack size.
Sprinkling dry flakes
Choose this: if you want to offer loose chocolate flakes to sprinkle over bread, yoghurt or desserts.
Consider: sprinkling from a packet takes a little more care to distribute evenly; store the contents according to the label after use.
Sauce squeeze bottle
Choose this: if you want to dispense a liquid sauce or similar topping.
Consider: the catering squeeze bottles described by Horeca.com are sauce dispensers, not a proven solution for loose, dry chocolate flakes.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkling dry flakes with precision | Check that a separate shaker is designed for food contact and dry contents, and that you can close it after use. | If I want to garnish snacks, I want to distribute the flakes neatly without putting them in a sauce bottle. Around 36% of consumers put ease of sprinkling first. |
| Flavour and allergens | Compare the flavours and read the ingredients and allergen information on each packet, including for dark flakes. | When I put out different flavours for guests, I need to know which variety is suitable for each person. For around 29% of consumers, checking this comes before other choices. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use, and check how to store the chosen packet after opening. | When serving several portions, I want to put out enough sprinkles while still being able to store what’s left according to the label. This is the first consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Availability | Before snack night, check that your chosen variety is available from your intended retailer. | If I want to serve a particular variety, I want to be able to find it at my shop in good time. An estimated 14% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a sauce squeeze bottle for a shaker for flakes
Horeca.com describes squeeze bottles for dispensing sauces. That’s different from serving loose, dry chocolate flakes.
For flakes, use the original packet or check that a separate shaker is suitable for both food contact and dry contents.
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Assuming a dark variety is milk-free
Albert Heijn says that the De Ruijter dark variety they tested may contain milk. The dark own-brand variety offered by PLUS also states that it may contain milk and lactose.
Check the current label for the exact variety you’re serving; don’t rely solely on the flavour name or a claim on the front of the pack.
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Choosing a pack without planning how you’ll serve it
A larger pack isn’t automatically a better choice for one snack night. Storage instructions and what you’ll do with the opened packet afterwards matter too.
Choose a pack size to suit how much you expect to use, read the storage instructions and check availability before relying on one particular variety.
Brands to consider
The examples below show some varieties and pack sizes you can compare. Before snack night, always check the label and availability of the specific product.
De Ruijter
Chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, among others, with smaller packs for anyone who wants to open less.
- Albert Heijn lists a 200 g dark variety; PLUS lists a 200 g milk variety.
- Albert Heijn states that the dark variety contains soya and may contain milk. According to PLUS, the milk variety mentioned contains milk, lactose and soya. Check the current label for each product.
Jumbo
Own-brand chocolate flakes for anyone looking for a 300 g pack of milk flakes.
- Jumbo lists its milk chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- Jumbo lists milk among the ingredients. These are dry sprinkles, not a product to dispense like sauce from a squeeze bottle.
PLUS
Own-brand dark chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- PLUS labels this variety as vegan and says it contains Fairtrade cocoa.
- The same product information states that it may contain milk and lactose. Check the label if you need to cater for allergies.
Lidl
Milk chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- Lidl lists the milk variety reviewed in a 300 g pack.
- Lidl states that this variety is available in store only. Check the label there for ingredients and allergen information.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
Chocolate flakes in milk or dark varieties, sold in 300 g packs.
- ALDI states that this product has Rainforest Alliance certification.
- Check which variety is available in store and read the label before serving it to guests.
Sprinkles and flakes at Joybuy
These products are dry chocolate flakes or other sprinkles for anyone who wants to add toppings on snack night. They are not squeeze bottles: when choosing, consider the difference between flakes and other sprinkles, as well as the flavour, pack size and current label.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
For anyone who wants to serve milk chocolate flakes as a dry topping. The pack contains 300 g; check the allergen information and how to store the contents after opening.
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Venz chocolate and vanilla sprinkles 400 g
For anyone looking for a dry topping with chocolate and vanilla flavours. The pack contains 400 g; check the ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions on the pack you choose.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
For anyone who wants to serve a smaller pack of dry flakes. It contains 200 g; before serving, check the label for flavour, allergen information and storage instructions for after opening.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
For anyone looking for a dry chocolate topping with a dark flavour. This variety contains 390 g; if you need to check allergens, don’t rely on the word ‘dark’ alone.
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De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes 200 g
For anyone who wants to serve milk chocolate flakes in a smaller pack. It contains 200 g; read the current allergen information and instructions for storing the product after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put chocolate flakes in a standard sauce squeeze bottle?
A standard sauce squeeze bottle isn’t a suitable serving solution for loose, dry chocolate flakes. Horeca.com describes these squeeze bottles as being for sauces, while the chocolate flakes on the product pages reviewed are sold as a dry topping. Sprinkling from the packet or choosing a container designed for dry contents is a better fit for the product.
What should I look for in a refillable shaker for flakes?
A shaker intended for use with food must be suitable for food contact. In the Netherlands, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority refers to the Commodities Act Decree on Packaging and Consumer Articles for these types of products. Also check that the specific shaker is designed for dry contents and can be closed after use.
How should I store chocolate flakes after snack night?
Follow the storage instructions on the packet you’ve chosen and close it again after use. The De Ruijter and Jumbo varieties reviewed should be stored in a cool, dry place; for other varieties, check the product’s own label.
Are dark chocolate flakes free from milk?
No, you can’t tell from the flavour name alone. Albert Heijn states that the De Ruijter dark variety reviewed may contain milk; PLUS says its dark own-brand variety may contain milk and lactose. If you’re serving guests with a milk allergy, always check the current label on the specific pack.