If you’re mainly looking for a cocoa flavour
You want a pronounced cocoa flavour as a topping while gaming or around gaming sessions. Compare the stated minimum cocoa solids percentage rather than relying on the word ‘dark’ alone.
Who might be interested in these flakes?
If you use flakes in different ways
You might sprinkle flakes on bread, yoghurt or porridge, for example. Check which type of flakes you want and how much is in the pack, so you don’t mistake a dark variety for a mix.
If you need to check ingredients and allergens
You want to know before buying whether a product contains or may contain milk, lactose or soya. Check the information on the current packaging, as it varies between the varieties discussed.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by deciding whether you want only dark chocolate flakes or would also consider a mix. Then compare the cocoa information, pack size, and details about ingredients and allergens.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa flavour and sweetness | Compare the minimum cocoa solids percentage and the amount of sugars per 100 g. A cocoa percentage doesn’t give you the full picture of the flavour. | If I mainly want to taste cocoa, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘dark’ alone. Around 50% of consumers put this flavour preference first. |
| Packaging and use | Check the net weight and whether the pack contains only dark chocolate flakes or a mix. | For use as a topping, I want to choose a suitable pack size and the right type of flakes; this matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging. | If milk, lactose or soya is relevant to me, I need to know what the variety I choose states. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a higher cocoa percentage will boost your gaming
The minimum cocoa solids percentage can help you compare varieties, but it doesn’t prove that they’ll improve your concentration while gaming. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that the stimulating effect of substances in chocolate is very weak.
Use the cocoa information to help choose a flavour, and check the nutritional information separately, including sugars and saturated fats per 100 g.
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Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘vegan’ means free from milk or soya
Allergen statements vary between the dark flakes discussed here. A vegan label doesn’t rule out a warning that the product may contain milk.
Check both the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on each pack. Don’t rely on the product name or the front of the packaging alone.
Brands to consider
The cocoa information and details about ingredients and allergens vary between products from the brands discussed here. Compare the specific variety, not just the brand.
De Ruijter
Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Flakes contain at least 32% cocoa solids, while Royaal Extra Dark contains at least 40%.
- The two varieties state different minimum percentages.
- Check which variety is available. The ingredients and allergen information should match the pack you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo Dark Chocolate Flakes, 300 g, state a minimum cocoa solids percentage of 35%.
- The stated minimum falls between the 32% and 40% varieties discussed here.
- According to the product information, this variety may contain milk; check the current packaging if that affects your choice.
Albert Heijn
AH Dark Chocolate Flakes state a minimum cocoa solids percentage of 32%.
- The stated minimum makes it possible to compare this variety with the other dark options discussed here.
- The product information lists milk and lactose; use the label on the pack you buy to check allergens.
PLUS
PLUS Dark Chocolate Flakes state a minimum cocoa solids percentage of 32% and, according to PLUS, carry a vegan label.
- The cocoa information is clearly stated for this variety.
- PLUS also says that the product may contain milk and lactose. A vegan label doesn’t replace an allergen check.
Kiekeboe
ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in milk and dark varieties, in 300 g packs.
- The product listing identifies whether the variety is milk or dark chocolate.
- For the dark variety, check the current label if the cocoa percentage, ingredients or allergens will influence your choice.
Flakes and toppings on Joybuy
These products offer different options for topping a snack while gaming: a dark chocolate flakes variety and a mixed flakes variety. If you’re looking specifically for dark chocolate flakes, make sure you distinguish between the two before buying.
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De Ruijter Dark Chocolate Flakes 390 g
A dark flakes variety for anyone who wants to use chocolate flakes as a topping. Before choosing it, check the minimum cocoa solids percentage and the milk and soya information on the current packaging.
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Venz Jungle Flakes 200 g
A flakes mix for anyone who isn’t looking specifically for dark chocolate flakes as a topping. Check the mix’s ingredients and allergen statements on the current packaging; a cocoa statement for the chocolate flakes doesn’t automatically describe the whole mix.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘dark’ mean chocolate flakes contain a lot of cocoa?
No. The label alone doesn’t tell you the minimum cocoa solids percentage. The product information discussed here states at least 32% for AH, PLUS and De Ruijter Dark, 35% for Jumbo Dark and 40% for De Ruijter Royaal Extra Dark. Compare the percentage on the specific pack; it won’t tell you exactly how sweet the flakes will taste.
Can dark chocolate flakes help you concentrate while gaming?
Dark chocolate flakes aren’t a proven way to boost your concentration. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, certain substances in chocolate have a stimulating effect, but it’s very weak. Choose flakes for their flavour and product information, not for an expected improvement in your gaming performance.
Should you check for milk and soya in dark flakes?
Yes. ‘Dark’ doesn’t mean a product is free from milk or soya. The varieties discussed here differ in what they contain or may contain. Check the ingredients list and both types of allergen statement on the pack you buy; don’t rely on a vegan label alone.
How should you store an opened pack of chocolate flakes?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it well after use. Also check the packaging for information specific to your flakes; storage advice for dark chocolate doesn’t automatically tell you how long chocolate flakes will keep.