Host looking for something to share or give
If you’re looking for a treat to put on the table or a small gift to go with your shopping, consider chocolates or pralines. Jumbo and Albert Heijn list these separately from chocolate flakes.
Who should choose which option?
Planning sandwiches and desserts
If you’re serving sandwiches, yoghurt or dessert during your game night, chocolate flakes can be used as a topping. Choose the flavour and pack size to suit how you plan to use them.
Buying for guests with allergies
If you’re buying for several people, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact product packaging. Don’t rely on descriptions such as ‘dark’ or on a version you’ve bought before.
What should you look for when choosing?
Chocolates or pralines
Choose these when: you want to share chocolate or bring it as a gift.
Bear in mind: the contents, fillings and allergens vary from box to box, so check the packaging you’ve chosen.
Chocolate flakes
Choose these when: you’re planning to serve bread toppings or a dessert topping.
Bear in mind: a pack of flakes won’t automatically serve as a gift or sharing box.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing or giving as a gift | Check whether the pack contains chocolates, pralines or another chocolate gift suitable for sharing, rather than flakes for topping. | If I want to put something on the table or take a thank-you gift, I’m looking for a treat made for that purpose. Around 36% of consumers put sharing or gift-giving first. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact product packaging, even for dark chocolate. | If I’m buying for guests with allergies, I need to know which ingredients they need to avoid. For around 29% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
| Quantity and cost | Check the net weight and compare the price per kilo of products that serve the same purpose. | When I’m planning sandwiches or desserts for the group, I want to buy enough without having unnecessary leftovers. This is the top consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Flavour | Choose a suitable milk, dark or mixed selection, and check the ingredients for that version. | If the chocolate needs to go with the food, the flavour I’m looking for will guide my choice. Around 14% of consumers put flavour first. |
Common mistakes
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Buying flakes when you’re looking for a sharing box
Chocolate flakes are meant as a bread topping or dessert topping. Jumbo and Albert Heijn list chocolates and pralines in a separate category, so a pack of flakes won’t automatically take the place of a treat to put on the table.
Before you buy, decide whether the chocolate is part of the food or something to share or give as a gift.
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Assuming dark or vegan means allergen-free
According to the product information, the dark flakes labelled vegan by PLUS may contain milk and lactose. De Ruijter Royaal lists soya and the possible presence of milk.
If you’re buying for guests with allergies, check the current allergen information on the packaging of the exact version you’ve chosen.
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Looking only at the pack price
Flakes and boxes of chocolates serve different purposes and come in a range of pack sizes. A lower pack price alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll need for your game night.
Compare the net weight and price per kilo within the same product category, and choose an amount to suit your plans.
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Assuming a product shown online is available in store
Lidl describes the 300 g milk chocolate flakes listed as an in-store-only product. Availability can also change when a product is on promotion.
Check the latest store and product information before you set off, and choose an alternative that serves the same purpose if needed.
Brands and shops to consider
These examples can help you find the right product category; check the details on the packaging of the product you actually buy.
De Ruijter
A brand of chocolate flakes for bread or as a topping, including the 240 g Royaal extra dark version.
- The product information for Royaal extra dark states that it contains at least 40% cocoa solids.
- Soya and the possible presence of milk are listed for this version; check the packaging if you’re serving it to guests.
Albert Heijn
Stocks its own-brand 300 g dark chocolate flakes and has a separate category for chocolates and pralines.
- You can choose between flakes for bread and chocolate to share.
- The ingredients in the dark flakes don’t tell you anything about other chocolate products; check each version you choose separately.
Jumbo
Lists chocolate flakes and, in a separate category, chocolates and pralines.
- This makes it easier to choose between bread flakes or a topping and a box to share.
- Packaging, fillings and allergens may vary from product to product.
PLUS
Stocks its own-brand chocolate flakes and has a separate category for luxury chocolate and chocolates.
- The product information for the 300 g dark flakes states that they contain at least 32% cocoa solids.
- According to the product information, the dark version labelled vegan may contain milk and lactose.
Kiekeboe (ALDI)
Chocolate flakes in 300 g milk and dark varieties.
- The 300 g pack is worth considering if you’re looking for flakes for bread or as a topping.
- Check which version is available before visiting a store.
Lidl
Lists 300 g milk chocolate flakes as an in-store product.
- An option to look for in store if you’re after milk chocolate flakes.
- Check the current packaging in store, including the ingredients and allergen information.
Products for sharing or topping
The first three products are boxes of chocolates or pralines for sharing or giving as a gift. The two packs of chocolate flakes are suited to bread or as a topping during game night.
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Merci Finest Selection – 400 g
A box of chocolates to put on the table as a treat or give as a gift. If you’re sharing them, check the allergens on the current packaging.
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Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffles – 200 g
An assortment of chocolate truffles for sharing. Check the packaging to see which flavours and allergens are relevant to your guests.
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Milka Thank You Pralines Milk Cream – 110 g
Pralines to take along as a small chocolate gift. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before offering them to anyone.
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g'woon milk chocolate flakes – 300 g
Milk chocolate flakes for bread or as a topping, not as a substitute for a gift box. If you’re buying for guests, check the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes – 200 g
Milk chocolate flakes for when you’re planning bread or a topping. They’re not a box of chocolates to share or give as a gift; if anyone has allergies, read the label on the pack you’ve chosen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring chocolate flakes instead of a box of chocolates?
Choose flakes if you want to use them as a bread or dessert topping, not simply because you’re looking for a treat to share. Jumbo and Albert Heijn list flakes with bread toppings, while chocolates and pralines are in a separate chocolate category.
Where should I check for allergens when buying for guests?
Read the allergen information and ingredients list on the packaging of the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be listed; even with dark chocolate or a familiar brand, don’t assume the ingredients are the same as in another version.
How should I store flakes and chocolates for game night?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging you’ve chosen and seal an opened pack as directed. Storage instructions can vary by product, so don’t automatically follow the advice for another pack of flakes or box of chocolates.
How do I compare a pack of flakes with a box of chocolates?
First decide whether you need a bread or dessert topping, or chocolate to share or give as a gift. Then compare the net weight and price per kilo of products that serve the same purpose; a filled gift box and a pack of flakes aren’t directly interchangeable.