Shopping for a larger group
You want enough sweet topping for several guests or a large household, so you’re checking the weight of each pack.
Who are chocolate flakes for?
A host looking for a choice of flavours
You want to serve chocolate flakes with bread rolls, yoghurt or desserts, and are choosing between milk, dark, white or a mixed variety.
Shopping with allergens in mind
You’re putting food out for others and check the label of each variety for allergens and any warnings about traces.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how much sweet topping you want to offer. Then choose a flavour and check the label on the pack you’re actually buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity per pack | Compare the stated weight and work out how many packs you’ll need for the number of guests and the rest of the menu. | If I’m serving a sweet topping to lots of guests, I want to know in advance how many packs I’ll need. Around 31% of consumers put this first. |
| Chocolate variety | Choose between milk, dark, white or a mix, and check the ingredients of that specific variety. | When serving bread rolls or desserts, I want to offer a flavour that suits the dish and my guests. For around 31% of consumers, the chocolate variety is their first choice. |
| Allergens | Check the current pack for both declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. | When guests have allergies, I need to know what’s in the chocolate flakes before serving them. Allergen information is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Availability | Just before buying, check whether your chosen variety is available to order online or only in store. | If the get-together is coming up soon, I want to choose a variety I can buy in time. Around 15% of consumers give availability top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a product page means it’s currently available
A product page being visible doesn’t always mean you can order the item online. Lidl lists its milk chocolate flakes as an in-store product; Jumbo says De Ruijter Puur 300 g is no longer part of its online range.
Check the order or in-store availability notice just before buying. If needed, choose a back-up variety and check its label too.
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Counting packs without checking their weight
A 200 g pack contains fewer chocolate flakes than a 300 g pack. So the number of boxes alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll have to serve.
Compare the weights and adjust the total quantity to suit your guests and the other dishes.
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Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ means suitable for people with allergies
PLUS describes its dark chocolate flakes as vegan, but the product information also warns that they may contain milk and lactose. Other varieties have different ingredients and warnings.
Read the full, current label on every pack you buy, and keep it available for guests during the get-together.
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Planning chocolate flakes as the whole snack selection
The suggested uses are sweet, such as on bread, yoghurt and pastries. Chocolate flakes are a topping for these dishes, but they won’t replace other kinds of party snacks.
Decide first which dishes you want to serve, and only buy chocolate flakes for the ones you plan to use them with.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
Chocolate flakes in several varieties, including milk, dark, white and Royaal.
- The Jumbo product page for De Ruijter Puur 300 g states that it contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- Jumbo says this specific 300 g variety is no longer part of its online range; check the availability of the variety you’re looking for.
AH
Own-brand dark chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.
- Albert Heijn states that this variety contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- This dark variety contains milk and lactose; if you have allergies, check the current label.
Jumbo
Own-brand dark, milk and mixed chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.
- The different flavours give you options if you’re looking for chocolate flakes to use with a range of sweet dishes.
- Check the ingredients for each variety; the same pack weight doesn’t mean they have the same ingredients.
PLUS
Own-brand chocolate flakes, including dark and milk varieties in 300 g packs.
- PLUS describes its dark variety as vegan and states that it contains Fairtrade cocoa.
- The same dark variety may contain milk and lactose; the vegan label isn’t a substitute for checking allergens.
Kiekeboe
Milk and dark chocolate flakes in 300 g packs, listed by ALDI as an in-store product.
- ALDI states that these chocolate flakes contain Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.
- The product listing doesn’t confirm that your preferred variety is in stock at every store.
Chocolate flakes at Joybuy
These 200 g, 300 g and 390 g packs are options if you want to serve chocolate flakes as a sweet topping at Friday afternoon drinks. As well as the pack size, check the chocolate variety and the label.
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De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes 390 g
A dark chocolate variety in a 390 g pack, ideal if you’re buying chocolate flakes for several sweet dishes.
If your guests have allergies, check the label on the pack you buy.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes 300 g
A 300 g pack for anyone wanting to serve milk chocolate flakes with bread or dessert.
If you have allergies, check the current label, including the information about wheat.
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Sprinkles Choca Flakes 200 g
A smaller 200 g pack if you only need chocolate flakes for a few sweet dishes at your get-together.
Bear in mind that each pack contains less, and check the label before serving the chocolate flakes to guests.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 300 g pack a catering size?
No, treat 300 g as a consumer pack rather than automatically assuming it’s a catering pack. Work out how many packs you need based on the number of guests and the rest of your party menu.
Do I need to check chocolate flakes for allergens?
Yes, check the label of every variety you plan to offer your guests. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; also look for ‘may contain’ warnings.
Are dark chocolate flakes automatically dairy-free?
No. PLUS says its dark chocolate flakes may contain milk and lactose, despite the vegan label. If you have a milk allergy, follow the information on the current pack of the variety you’ve chosen.
Can I order a product as soon as it has a product page?
Not always. Lidl lists its milk chocolate flakes as available in store only, while Jumbo says De Ruijter Puur 300 g is no longer part of its online range. Check the current order or in-store availability notice before shopping for a group.