Who are these flakes for?

Fans of a pronounced dark chocolate flavour

If you want to serve flakes on bread, yoghurt or a dessert for adult guests, compare the stated minimum cocoa solids percentages. The word ‘dark’ alone doesn’t tell you how the flakes will taste.

Hosts catering for guests with allergies

Are you serving guests who need to avoid milk, lactose or soya? Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact product packaging. A dark chocolate product name isn’t enough to tell you.

Hosts planning a Christmas brunch or dessert table

If several guests will help themselves to the same topping, the net weight can help you work out how many packs you’ll need. Make sure you compare like with like: chocolate flakes aren’t the same product as chocolate sprinkles.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, choose chocolate flakes in the shape you want. Then compare the cocoa percentage, the information relevant to your guests and the quantity you plan to serve.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Cocoa solids Compare the stated minimum percentage between chocolate flakes, not with that of chocolate sprinkles. The percentage alone won’t predict the taste. I want to choose flakes with a clearly stated cocoa percentage, rather than relying solely on ‘extra dark’; around 40% of consumers prioritise this flavour-led choice.
Allergens and recipe Check both the ingredients and warnings about the possible presence of allergens on the pack you buy. If I’m serving guests with a milk or soya allergy, the label on the exact pack must suit their needs. Around 30% of consumers put this check first.
Pack size Compare the net weight and work out how many packs you’ll need for your planned brunch or dessert table. For a larger group, I want to have enough flakes without running short while serving; around 20% of consumers prioritise quantity.
Certification or vegan label Check the label on the exact pack. A vegan label doesn’t replace checking allergen warnings. When choosing for the Christmas table, I mainly want to look at the information about cocoa or the recipe; for around 10% of consumers, this is the most important consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means allergen-free

    According to product information from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS, some dark chocolate flakes contain milk or soya, or carry a warning about their possible presence.

    If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the current label on the pack you’ve bought and keep toppings clearly separate when serving.

  • Comparing chocolate sprinkles as if they were flakes

    De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur lists a minimum of 52% cocoa solids on its product page at Jumbo, but it is a chocolate sprinkle product. The different shape may affect how you want to finish a sandwich or dessert.

    First decide which product shape you want to serve, then compare percentages within that category.

  • Relying only on ‘extra dark’

    A label on the front doesn’t tell you the minimum cocoa solids percentage of the flakes. The Voedingscentrum points out that no separate cocoa percentage has been set for terms such as ‘bitter’ and ‘extra bitter’.

    Check the percentage on the pack if you want to compare the stated cocoa solids content.

  • Relying on a label you checked previously

    For a guest with an allergy, the information on the packaging you actually serve is what matters.

    When setting everything out, check the ingredients, allergen warnings and best-before date again.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

Royaal Chocoladevlokken are a flake option with a stated minimum of 40% cocoa solids.

  • The product page at Jumbo lists a 240 g pack.
  • The flakes contain soya and may contain milk. De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur is chocolate sprinkles, not flakes.

Jumbo

Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur combines a 300 g pack with at least 35% cocoa solids, according to Jumbo.

  • The product information states that the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance certified.
  • The product may contain milk; check the warning on the current packaging.

Albert Heijn

AH Pure chocoladevlokken are a 300 g option with at least 32% cocoa solids, according to Albert Heijn.

  • Albert Heijn describes the product as vegetarian and gluten-free.
  • The ingredient and allergen information lists milk and lactose.

PLUS

PLUS Chocoladevlokken Puur Fairtrade is a 300 g option with at least 32% cocoa solids, according to PLUS.

  • PLUS states that the cocoa is Fairtrade and describes the recipe as vegan.
  • The allergen warning says the product may contain milk and lactose; the vegan label doesn’t prove it is suitable for someone with a milk allergy.

ALDI / Kiekeboe

ALDI lists Kiekeboe Chocoladevlokken in milk and dark varieties, in 300 g packs.

  • A 300 g pack may be useful if you’re serving flakes to several guests.
  • For the dark variety, check the cocoa percentage, ingredients and allergens on the pack.

Lidl

Lidl lists 300 g packs of dark chocolate flakes as a product available in store.

  • The stated pack size can help you plan for a group.
  • Before choosing this variety for your guests, check the cocoa percentage, ingredients and allergen information on the pack.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘extra dark’ always mean a particular cocoa percentage?

No, the label doesn’t tell you the minimum cocoa solids percentage stated for these flakes. To compare them, check the percentage on the pack; according to the Voedingscentrum, no separate percentage has been set for terms such as ‘bitter’ and ‘extra bitter’.

Are dark chocolate flakes free from milk or soya?

Not necessarily. According to Albert Heijn, AH Pure chocoladevlokken list milk and lactose; according to Jumbo’s product information, De Ruijter Royaal contains soya and may contain milk. Check the current label of the product you’re serving for each guest.

Can I serve intensely dark chocolate sprinkles instead of flakes?

You can, if the different product shape suits your sandwiches or dessert. De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur lists a minimum of 52% cocoa solids on its product page at Jumbo, but it is chocolate sprinkles, not chocolate flakes.

What should I do with opened chocolate flakes after the Christmas celebration?

Seal the pack well and follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the packaging. Store the flakes in a cool, dry, dark place if the label says to.