Home bakers who want to sprinkle flakes
You want to use dry chocolate flakes as a visible topping on bakes such as cupcakes, without having to squeeze them through a bottle. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list sprinkleable products for uses like these.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Decorators who use liquid chocolate
You want to add a line or drops of chocolate rather than sprinkle loose flakes. Niels Popcorn describes a squeeze bottle for liquid chocolate; when preparing your own recipe, check the bottle’s instructions too.
Households where allergens are a consideration
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety of flakes before serving a bake. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of checking the label if you have a food allergy.
What should you look for when choosing?
Sprinkling dry flakes
Choose this if: you want to add loose flakes as a topping to a bake.
Keep in mind: if you’re using a separate shaker, its opening needs to let the flakes through without crushing them.
Dispensing liquid chocolate
Choose this if: you want to create a decorative line with liquid chocolate.
Keep in mind: a line of chocolate gives a different result from a topping of loose flakes.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it’s mainly for |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkling dry flakes | Choose a shaker pack, or if using a separate shaker, check that the opening is suitable and that it’s food-safe. | I want to sprinkle loose flakes over my bake without pushing them through a nozzle. For around 50% of consumers, sprinkling dry flakes is the main priority. |
| Portions and variety | Compare the types of flakes, the pack size and the number of portions listed on the packaging. | If I only want a small amount or several different toppings, pack size matters more. Around 30% of consumers prioritise portions and variety. |
| Liquid decoration | Check that the bottle is food-safe and suitable for the temperature and cleaning requirements of your recipe. | I want to add a line of chocolate rather than a loose topping. This is the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Buying a squeeze bottle for dry flakes
A bottle for liquid chocolate isn’t automatically suitable for sprinkling dry flakes. It may not do the job you bought it for.
Before buying, decide whether you want to sprinkle loose flakes or dispense liquid chocolate; only choose a squeeze bottle for the latter.
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Choosing pack sizes without comparing them
Small portions can be handy if you use only a little topping or several different ones. But they won’t necessarily replace a larger pack if you regularly sprinkle the same flakes.
Compare the pack size, the types of flakes and the number of portions with how you’ll actually use the topping.
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Assuming all flakes are the same when it comes to allergens
Ingredients and allergen information can vary between products. A brand name alone won’t tell you what’s in the pack.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack, especially if you’re baking for someone with a food allergy.
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Reusing any old bottle for chocolate
A bottle made for crafts or cosmetics isn’t automatically suitable for contact with food.
Choose a bottle intended for food contact and follow the instructions for filling, temperature, cleaning and reuse.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Jumbo lists several varieties of De Ruijter flakes; its sprinkleable Kleintjes are also described as suitable for bakes.
- A choice of varieties and pack sizes offers options for different toppings.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for each variety; they may differ.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range shown here includes its own-brand flakes in dark, milk and duo varieties, in 300 g packs.
- You can choose between these types of flakes in the range shown.
- Check the current packaging for the ingredients and the variety you want to use.
Venz
Jumbo lists Venz Rimboe croc and tiger flakes among its products, in 200 g packs.
- The different shapes shown offer a choice of appearance.
- Check the specific variety and packaging to see whether it’s suitable for your bake.
Choca
Choca features in Jumbo’s range of flakes shown here, with standard and mixed varieties available in 200 g packs.
- There are different varieties of flakes to compare in this range.
- Check the product information for your chosen variety before using it as a topping.
Dry topping flakes on Joybuy
These products are dry flakes for sprinkling, not squeeze bottles. First choose the type of flakes and pack size you want. If precise dispensing is important, check the pack’s opening too.
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Venz milk chocolate flakes, 400 g
A good choice if you want to sprinkle milk chocolate flakes as a dry topping. Check the packaging if the dispensing opening matters to you, and if you have allergies, read the label on the exact variety.
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Venz chocolate and vanilla-flavoured flakes, 400 g
For anyone who wants to sprinkle a chocolate and vanilla-flavoured topping. Check the pack for how to dispense the flakes, and consult the label if you have allergies.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast, 200 g
A mix of chocolate and vanilla flakes for anyone who wants to use different flakes as a topping. Check the pack for the dispensing opening and allergen information.
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De Ruijter milk chocolate flakes, 200 g
For anyone looking for a 200 g pack of milk chocolate flakes to sprinkle. Check the packaging if controlled dispensing is important, and if you have allergies, check the label.
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Choca Flakes cocoa flakes, 200 g
A dry flake option for anyone who wants to choose their own topping for a bake. Check that the flakes suit your recipe, how the pack dispenses them and what the label says about allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put dry chocolate flakes in a squeeze bottle?
A squeeze bottle isn’t the right choice for sprinkling dry flakes. The squeeze bottle described by Niels Popcorn is intended for liquid chocolate; for loose flakes, use the original packaging or a suitable shaker with an opening large enough for the flakes.
What size squeeze bottle do I need for flakes?
The size of a squeeze bottle isn’t a useful starting point for dry flakes. If you want to dispense liquid chocolate instead, check that the bottle, nozzle and instructions are suitable for your recipe.
How should I store chocolate flakes after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the exact pack. Jumbo says to store De Ruijter Kleintjes Strooibaar in a cool, dry place; also check the best-before date and any instructions for after opening on your pack.
Should I check for allergens when using flakes to decorate a bake?
Yes. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, especially if you’re baking for someone with a food allergy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of the information on the label; don’t rely on the brand name or type of flakes alone.
Can I use any plastic squeeze bottle for chocolate?
No. Choose a bottle intended for contact with food and follow the instructions for temperature, cleaning and reuse. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that the Commodities Act Decree on Packaging and Consumer Articles applies to products intended to come into contact with food.