Organisers of a coffee buffet for adults
You’re looking for dark flakes to add a touch of flavour to bread, yoghurt or dessert. Decide in advance whether a standard dark variety will do, or whether you want the cocoa flavour to stand out.
Who are these flakes for?
Caterers serving a mixed group of delegates
You want to offer a dark option without assuming that every guest has the same taste preferences or allergen profile. Compare the varieties and keep the allergen information for the product you’re serving close at hand.
Planners working out buffet quantities
You’re matching pack sizes to a working lunch or self-service station. A larger pack may be practical, but pack size alone tells you nothing about the cocoa flavour you can expect.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how prominent you want the cocoa flavour to be, then choose a suitable pack size and record the allergen information for the variety you select before setting up the buffet.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa flavour | Compare the stated minimum cocoa content and consider the flavour in the way you plan to serve the flakes. A name such as ‘intense’ does not indicate a standard cocoa content. | If I want the flakes to taste distinctly of cocoa with coffee or dessert, I won’t rely on the product name alone. This flavour choice comes first for around 44% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Check the amount in each pack and match the number of packs to your planned buffet service. | For a self-service station, I want to work out in advance how many packs I’ll need. Quantity is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Read the label on the exact variety and keep the information available when serving the flakes loose. | If I serve flakes in a bowl, I need to be able to answer questions about allergens using information for that exact product. This is the top priority for an estimated 23% of consumers. |
Buffet pitfalls
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Using the label from a different dark variety
Allergens and warnings about possible cross-contamination vary by product. A label for De Ruijter, Jumbo or PLUS cannot therefore be used in place of the label for another variety.
Keep the packaging or the latest product specification for the flakes actually being served at the buffet.
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Treating ‘extra dark’ as a standard measure of flavour
A product name does not indicate a uniform cocoa percentage. Jumbo states that its Dark Chocolate Flakes contain at least 35% cocoa solids; PLUS states that its dark chocolate flakes contain at least 32%.
Compare the labels and try the flakes in advance with the food you plan to serve them with, such as yoghurt or dessert.
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Setting up an open buffet without clear allergen information
Information about allergens present must be available for food sold loose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out information on 14 allergens and the conditions for providing details verbally.
Make sure guests can find the information alongside the food. If staff are providing details verbally, check in advance what additional requirements apply.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
Offers standard dark flakes and more intense varieties; the exact product range determines which comparisons are useful.
- A standard dark variety is an alternative when you don’t want a bold cocoa flavour to take centre stage.
- Check the allergens on each pack. Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter Special Intense Dark flakes as discontinued.
Jumbo
Its own-brand dark flakes provide a useful point of comparison in a 300 g pack.
- Jumbo states that its Dark Chocolate Flakes contain at least 35% cocoa solids.
- The product information states that the flakes may contain milk.
PLUS
Its own-brand dark flakes are available in a 300 g pack, with a stated minimum cocoa content.
- PLUS states that its Dark Chocolate Flakes contain at least 32% cocoa solids.
- According to the product information, the flakes may contain milk and lactose. Check the label if serving them to guests with an allergy.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in 300 g milk or dark varieties.
- The ALDI product page states that the product is Rainforest Alliance certified.
- Before choosing the dark variety for your buffet, check the pack for its cocoa content, ingredients and allergen information.
Dark chocolate flakes for your buffet on Joybuy
These two De Ruijter packs suit different roles on the buffet: an intensely dark flake for adding a bold touch of flavour, and a larger pack of dark flakes for general use. Check the allergen information on the pack you serve in each case.
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De Ruijter Intense Dark chocolate flakes, 200 g
An option for when you want to offer intensely dark flakes as a topping, for example with yoghurt or dessert.
The pack contains 200 g. The product information lists milk and soya; check the label on the exact pack before serving at a buffet.
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De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Flakes, 390 g
Dark flakes for bread or yoghurt when you need a pack size suited to your planned buffet service.
The pack contains 390 g. If a particular cocoa content is important, check the label. The product information lists milk and soya; use the allergen information on the exact pack for your guests.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide allergen information if the flakes are in an open buffet jar?
Yes. Information about allergens present must be available for food served loose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out information on 14 allergens; also check its requirements if you plan to give guests the information verbally.
Are dark chocolate flakes automatically free from milk and soya?
No. The product information consulted lists soya and possible milk for De Ruijter Dark, possible milk for Jumbo Dark, and possible milk and lactose for PLUS Dark. Always read the label on the variety you’re serving.
How should I store the flakes before the conference buffet?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. The product pages consulted recommend storing the flakes in a cool, dry place; De Ruijter and PLUS also advise sealing the pack carefully after use.
What food safety procedures are suitable for catering?
Any organisation serving food and drink must ensure it is safe to consume. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a food safety system, such as an HACCP plan, and the practical working instructions in an approved hygiene code. Make sure your procedures match the way you prepare and serve the buffet.