Who are chocolate flakes for?

Someone working from home who enjoys coffee and a topping

Wants to use flakes on bread, yoghurt or porridge during a break at home, and doesn’t need a snack for on the go. PLUS describes De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes as a spread and topping.

Fan of dark chocolate flakes

Compares dark flakes with milk varieties in terms of flavour, ingredients and the cocoa content stated on the specific pack.

Stocking up for home

Wants to know which pack size is suitable for several coffee breaks. Even a smaller pack of flakes needs to be portioned out yourself; it isn’t a single bar.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide whether you need an individually wrapped bar or flakes for home. After that, flavour and pack size are useful points of comparison.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Single portion or flakes Check whether you’re looking for an individual bar or flakes to use as a spread or topping. If I want a single snack to eat on the go, a pack of flakes won’t meet that need. For around 42% of consumers, a ready-portioned snack comes first.
Flavour and use Compare the exact milk or dark variety and think about how you want to use the flakes. Jumbo states that De Ruijter Royaal Chocolate Flakes contain at least 40% cocoa solids; this figure applies to that variety. For coffee breaks at home, I mainly want to choose a flavour that works with my spread or topping. Flavour is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Pack size Compare the pack size with how much you expect to use, and read the use-by and storage instructions on the pack. I use flakes on several occasions and want a pack I’ll finish. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this kind of pack size.

Common mistakes

  • Buying flakes when you mean a single bar

    The chocolate flakes described are sold as a spread or topping. A pack that you take flakes from yourself is different from a single bar to take with you.

    Decide which product format you need before buying. If you need a separate, portable snack, search specifically for a chocolate bar.

  • Choosing based on the brand name alone

    Ingredients and allergens vary by variety. For De Ruijter Royaal Chocolate Flakes, Jumbo lists soya and warns that the product may contain milk.

    If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the label on the pack you’re buying, including the ingredients list and allergen information.

  • Assuming a dark variety is automatically healthier

    A cocoa content statement describes one feature of a specific variety. On its own, it doesn’t tell you the overall nutritional value or what your portion contains.

    As well as checking the ingredients, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and consider how many flakes you actually use.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

The products reviewed include milk chocolate flakes and Royaal Chocolate Flakes for use as a spread or topping.

  • For the Royaal variety, Jumbo states that it contains at least 40% cocoa solids and provides ingredient and allergen information.
  • That cocoa content doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties; check the allergens on each pack too.

Venz

Venz is a brand to consider when comparing flavour varieties of chocolate flakes.

  • The varieties described include combinations of chocolate flavours.
  • Check the label on the exact variety for information about ingredients or allergens.

Choca

Choca is another brand to consider if you want to compare regular flakes with a mixed variety.

  • The varieties described offer a choice between flakes and a mix.
  • Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack you’re considering.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists own-brand chocolate flakes in 300 g packs.

  • The varieties listed are an option for enjoying at home on several occasions.
  • A 300 g pack isn’t an individually wrapped snack; compare the flavour and check the label.

PLUS

PLUS describes milk chocolate flakes in a 300 g pack.

  • For this milk variety, PLUS shows the ingredients and a Nutri-Score of E.
  • A Nutri-Score alone doesn’t determine whether a product is right for you; also check the nutritional information and allergens on the label.

Kiekeboe

ALDI describes Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, in 300 g packs.

  • The varieties listed let you compare milk and dark chocolate flavours.
  • This pack also contains flakes that you portion yourself, not a single bar.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are chocolate flakes the same as a single bar?

No. The flakes described here are intended as a spread or topping and come in packs that you take a quantity from yourself. If you want a single snack to take with you, look for an individual chocolate bar.

How can you use chocolate flakes during a coffee break at home?

You can use chocolate flakes as a spread or topping. For De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes, PLUS suggests options including bread, yoghurt and porridge; you can decide how much to add to your portion.

Where can you check for allergens in chocolate flakes?

Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re buying. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, specified allergens must be listed on the label; for the De Ruijter Royaal variety reviewed, Jumbo lists soya and ‘may contain milk’.

How should you store an opened pack of flakes?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack for your variety. The De Ruijter and PLUS products described say to store in a cool, dry place.

Does a higher cocoa percentage tell you enough about the nutritional value?

No. A cocoa content statement applies to a specific variety and doesn’t replace the nutritional information. For the exact products, compare the ingredients and values per 100 g, including sugars and fats.