If you specifically want Fairtrade cocoa, PLUS’s dark and milk chocolate flakes are two options: PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa for both varieties. Choose dark if you don’t want a milk ingredient, but bear in mind the warning that the product may contain milk and lactose. Choose milk if you’re happy to have those ingredients and prefer the taste of milk chocolate. For a late-night snack, portion size and how you personally respond to chocolate also matter: according to the Voedingscentrum, chocolate contains caffeine.
You want to see an explicit Fairtrade statement on the packaging or product page for these exact chocolate flakes. PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa for its dark and milk chocolate flakes; another certification is not the same for your purposes.
You’re looking for a dark chocolate flavour and don’t want milk as an ingredient. PLUS describes its dark variety as vegan, but also states that it may contain milk and lactose. Read this warning carefully if you need to avoid milk.
You want to combine Fairtrade cocoa with milk chocolate flakes and are happy to have milk and lactose. According to the ingredients list, PLUS’s milk variety contains whole milk powder, among other ingredients.
For a late-night snack, first check that the exact variety is labelled Fairtrade. Then compare the ingredients in the dark and milk options, and choose a portion that suits your plans for the evening.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade cocoa | Look for an explicit Fairtrade statement on the packaging or product page for the variety you’ve chosen. A Rainforest Alliance statement does not prove Fairtrade certification. | I want the cocoa in my chocolate flakes to be specifically labelled Fairtrade; another certification doesn’t meet my buying requirement. For around 40% of consumers, an explicit Fairtrade statement is the most important factor. |
| Flavour and milk information | Compare the ingredients and allergen information for the dark and milk varieties. PLUS states that its dark variety may contain milk and lactose; the milk variety contains milk ingredients. | When choosing between dark and milk, the flavour and milk information determine whether a variety is suitable for me. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Portion size late in the evening | Decide in advance how many chocolate flakes you want, and check the nutritional information per 100 g or per portion. Also consider how you personally respond to chocolate late in the evening. | When I fancy a late snack, I want to avoid eating more from the pack than I intended without realising. For around 30% of consumers, choosing a portion is the top priority for this snack. |
Jumbo lists Rainforest Alliance Certified for the cocoa in its Chocolade Vlokken Puur. That is not a Fairtrade statement for this variety, which matters if Fairtrade is a requirement for your purchase.
Check the certification on the packaging or product page for the exact chocolate flakes you want to buy.
PLUS doesn’t list milk as an ingredient in its dark Fairtrade flakes, but warns that they may contain milk and lactose. So the product name alone doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about milk.
Just before eating, check both the ingredients and the warnings on the current packaging.
It’s then harder to keep track of how much you’re having. PLUS lists sugars and saturated fat in the nutritional information for both varieties; according to the Voedingscentrum, chocolate also contains caffeine.
Put the amount you want to eat into a bowl or on a slice of bread beforehand, and consider how you personally respond to chocolate late in the evening.
Albert Heijn marks the page for Fairtrade Original Chocolade vlokken puur as ‘Discontinued’. The Fairtrade information on that page doesn’t mean you can order the product there now.
Before deciding, check the current product status and packaging at the retailer you plan to buy from.
PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa for its own-brand dark and milk chocolate flakes, both in 300 g packs.
Albert Heijn’s product page describes Fairtrade Original dark chocolate flakes made with Fairtrade cocoa.
Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur is a useful point of comparison if you come across different cocoa certifications.
Look for an explicit Fairtrade statement on the packaging or product page for the exact variety. PLUS lists Fairtrade cocoa for its dark and milk chocolate flakes. Rainforest Alliance Certified, as listed for Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur, is not proof that this product is Fairtrade certified.
Choose based on the flavour you want and any milk information that matters to you, rather than assuming dark or milk has an advantage. PLUS describes its dark Fairtrade flakes as vegan, but warns that they may contain milk and lactose; the milk variety contains milk ingredients. For either option, you can decide on your portion in advance.
No, you can’t assume that from the word ‘dark’. PLUS doesn’t list milk as an ingredient in this variety, but does state that the product may contain milk and lactose. Check the current packaging if you need to avoid these substances.
PLUS recommends storing both of the varieties mentioned in a cool, dry, dark place. Follow the instructions and best-before date on the pack you have at home.
