Who is this for?

Party organiser who prioritises Fairtrade

You’re looking for flakes for Halloween treats and want to see an explicit Fairtrade cocoa claim on the pack you choose. A different sustainability claim isn’t the same thing for you.

Host who checks the ingredients

You’re sharing treats with guests, so you check the ingredients, allergens and warnings about possible allergen presence for each variety before serving anything.

Party organiser who cares about presentation

You want to decorate cakes, cupcakes or desserts, and compare the shape and appearance of flakes with other cake toppings, without losing sight of the Fairtrade claim.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check that the exact variety meets your Fairtrade requirements. Then read the ingredients for your guests, and choose a topping shape that suits your treats.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important to?
Fairtrade cocoa Look for an explicit Fairtrade claim on the variety you choose. Rainforest Alliance is a different claim. I want to decorate Halloween treats with flakes that explicitly state they contain Fairtrade cocoa; for around 42% of consumers, this claim is their first purchasing priority.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest ingredients list and warnings on the pack, including for dark chocolate flakes. When I share treats, I want to know first whether the ingredients and allergens are suitable for my guests. An estimated 33% of consumers prioritise this check.
Topping shape and presentation Decide whether you want flakes or could also use chocolate sprinkles; check the description of the exact topping. For cupcakes or cake, I mainly want a topping that suits the decoration I have in mind; around 25% of consumers focus on presentation first.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking another sustainability claim for Fairtrade

    PLUS lists Fairtrade Cacao on the flakes discussed here. By contrast, the product information for De Ruijter Vlokfeest and Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur refers to Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

    If Fairtrade cocoa is a requirement, check for that claim on the exact pack rather than relying on a general impression of the label.

  • Assuming dark chocolate flakes are milk-free

    Milk is not listed as an ingredient in PLUS dark chocolate flakes, but the product information warns that they may contain milk and lactose. According to the manufacturer, Fairtrade Original Hagelslag Puur may also contain milk.

    If a warning about possible milk presence matters to a guest, consider it separately and check the pack you’re going to serve.

  • Choosing a party mix without checking the ingredients

    De Ruijter Vlokfeest combines chocolate flakes with vanilla-flavoured flakes. The product information lists ingredients including wheat starch and soya lecithin, and states that the product may contain milk.

    When sharing treats, check the full ingredients list and allergen information before scattering the mix over cake or cupcakes.

Brands and product ranges at a glance

PLUS

PLUS displays the Fairtrade Cacao claim on its 300 g dark and milk chocolate flakes.

  • The dark variety lists at least 32% cocoa solids; the milk variety lists at least 20%.
  • The dark variety may contain milk and lactose. The milk variety contains whole milk powder; check the pack you choose for the latest information.

Fairtrade Original

Fairtrade Original makes 380 g dark chocolate sprinkles which, according to the manufacturer, can also be sprinkled over cake. Chocolate sprinkles are a different product from flakes.

  • The manufacturer states that these sprinkles contain at least 32% cocoa solids.
  • The product information warns that the sprinkles may contain milk.

De Ruijter

Vlokfeest is a mix of chocolate flakes and vanilla-flavoured flakes which, according to the product page, can also be used on cupcakes.

  • The mix looks different from flakes of a single variety.
  • The variety discussed lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, not Fairtrade cocoa. Check the ingredients and allergens too.

Jumbo

Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur in the 300 g pack shows why it’s important to check the claim on each product.

  • This is a dark chocolate flake product in the 300 g pack discussed here.
  • The product information lists Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa rather than Fairtrade cocoa, and warns that the product may contain milk.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fairtrade cocoa mean every cocoa bean can be physically traced?

No. A Fairtrade claim doesn’t automatically mean the cocoa has been kept physically separate. For cocoa, Fairtrade International permits what’s known as a mass balance system, where volumes can be mixed during processing. Check the pack for more information if physical separation matters to you.

Which PLUS Fairtrade flakes should I choose: dark or milk?

Choose based on the variety you want and the ingredients that are suitable for your guests. PLUS dark lists at least 32% cocoa solids and doesn’t list milk as an ingredient, but may contain milk and lactose. PLUS milk lists at least 20% cocoa solids and contains whole milk powder.

How should I store the flakes until the Halloween party?

Store the PLUS dark and milk chocolate flakes discussed here in a cool, dry, dark place, as PLUS advises. Also check the storage instructions and date on the pack you buy.

What should I check before serving flakes to guests?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the latest pack for the exact variety. For the products discussed here, pay particular attention to milk or the possibility that it may be present; for De Ruijter Vlokfeest, wheat and soya are also worth checking.