Choose chocolate flakes that carry the Fairtrade mark on the specific product, then decide whether dark or milk chocolate suits your taste and ingredient and allergen requirements. PLUS lists Fairtrade Cocoa for both its dark and milk varieties. The dark flakes are labelled vegan but may contain milk and lactose, while the milk variety contains milk ingredients. For products made with several ingredients, check which ingredients the Fairtrade claim applies to.
You want to see what the Fairtrade mark applies to on the pack you choose, rather than relying on a general promise from a brand or retailer. Milieu Centraal explains that a certification mark on a product made with several ingredients may apply to a certified ingredient.
You’re looking for dark chocolate flakes and may also be checking for a vegan label. PLUS labels its dark Fairtrade variety as vegan, but also warns that it may contain milk and lactose. So it’s important to check the allergen information separately.
You prefer milk chocolate flakes and want to be able to identify the Fairtrade Cocoa claim. PLUS’s milk variety contains whole milk powder. Check the ingredients and allergen information if milk or lactose is a factor in your choice.
First, check the Fairtrade claim on the packaging of the exact variety you’re considering. Then compare the allergen and nutritional information, and only after that decide between the taste and texture of dark or milk chocolate, or perhaps chocolate sprinkles.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade mark | Look for the Fairtrade or Fairtrade Cocoa wording on the pack you’ve chosen, and check which ingredient the claim applies to. A general cocoa policy from the retailer isn’t enough. | I want to be sure the claim applies to my chocolate flakes, not just the brand. For around 42% of shoppers, checking the pack they’ve chosen is the most important factor. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Read the ingredients and allergen information. PLUS lists 63.8 g of sugars per 100 g for its dark variety and 67.1 g of sugars per 100 g for its milk variety; always compare values on the same basis. | If I want to avoid milk, a vegan label doesn’t tell me enough about possible traces of milk; the nutritional information matters too. Around 33% of shoppers put this information first. |
| Taste and product type | Choose between dark and milk chocolate flakes. If you’re considering an alternative, check whether you’re looking for flakes or would also be happy with chocolate sprinkles: they’re different product types. | I want a taste and texture that work for sprinkling on bread; chocolate sprinkles aren’t necessarily the same as flakes. Taste and format are the main concern for around 25% of shoppers. |
A retailer may buy certified cocoa without every individual pack of chocolate flakes being labelled Fairtrade. A certification mark may also apply to just one ingredient; Milieu Centraal explains the difference.
Check the Fairtrade wording and the accompanying explanation on the exact pack you’re buying.
PLUS calls its dark Fairtrade chocolate flakes vegan, but also says they may contain milk and lactose. These are two different types of information to consider when choosing products based on allergens.
Check the latest allergen information separately from the vegan label.
Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles can also be sprinkled on bread, but they have a different shape and texture from chocolate flakes.
Choose sprinkles only if you’re happy with the different texture for the way you plan to use them.
PLUS lists Fairtrade Cocoa for its dark and milk chocolate flakes, both in 300 g packs.
Fairtrade Original is worth considering if you’re also thinking about chocolate sprinkles as an alternative to flakes.
Lidl describes its own-brand products as containing certified cocoa, with certification from Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or organic schemes.
No, you can’t assume that from the logo alone. Fairtrade describes different certification marks for products with several ingredients; according to Milieu Centraal, a mark with a white background may indicate that one ingredient is Fairtrade-certified. So read the explanation accompanying the claim on the specific pack.
No. PLUS labels its dark Fairtrade chocolate flakes as vegan, but also says they may contain milk and lactose. If you’re choosing based on milk allergens, check the latest allergen information rather than relying on the vegan label alone.
Yes, if you’re happy with sprinkles as a different product type. Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles 380 g. Sprinkles and flakes have different shapes and textures, so check whether that matters for how you plan to use them.
PLUS recommends storing both its dark and milk varieties in a cool, dry, dark place. Also follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
