Who is this choice relevant to?

Families who put Fairtrade first

For your family's bread topping, you'll want an explicit Fairtrade label on the flavour you choose. If the origin of the cocoa matters too, check the packaging for information about traceability.

Larger households planning their supplies

If chocolate flakes are often on the table, the amount in each pack matters, as does whether a multipack contains separate packs. Choose an amount that suits the variety your family actually uses.

Families checking flavours and allergens

Not everyone likes the same flavour. When choosing between dark and milk chocolate, check the ingredients and allergens on each pack. The word ‘dark’ does not automatically mean a product is free from milk.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether Fairtrade is a must. Then choose the flavour and quantity, and check the label on the pack you’re buying before you make your purchase.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important to?
Fairtrade label Look for an explicit Fairtrade claim on the flavour you’ve chosen. If physically separate cocoa matters to you, read the information about traceability. If I want to choose Fairtrade cocoa, I won’t mistake another certification for the same claim. For around 50% of consumers, an explicit Fairtrade label comes first.
Pack size and supplies Compare the amount in each pack and, for a multipack, check how many individual packs it contains. When we eat flakes often, I want to stock up without choosing a flavour that gets left uneaten. Around 30% of consumers give the quantity they need top priority.
Flavour and allergens For each dark or milk chocolate variety, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack itself. If family members prefer different flavours or need to avoid an allergen, the chosen pack must suit them. Choosing the right variety and checking the label come first for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    The Jumbo dark chocolate flakes and Kiekeboe varieties at ALDI mentioned here display the Rainforest Alliance label; the PLUS varieties mentioned are explicitly sold as Fairtrade. If Fairtrade is a condition of your purchase, these labels are not interchangeable.

    Check the certification on the exact flavour you’re buying before comparing pack sizes or flavours.

  • Assuming Fairtrade means all cocoa is kept physically separate

    Fairtrade Nederland explains that mass balance can be used for cocoa: Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade ingredients may be mixed during processing, while the volumes sold as Fairtrade are tracked and checked throughout the supply chain.

    If traceability affects your choice, read the information provided with the certification and on the pack.

  • Judging a multipack by the number of packs alone

    A pack containing separate products is not the same as one larger pack. Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Puur 2-pack is supplied as separate items.

    Check the quantity and number of individual packs, and only stock up if the flavour suits your family.

  • Assuming dark chocolate is automatically milk-free

    Jumbo states that its 300 g dark chocolate flakes may contain milk. So the flavour name alone doesn’t tell you whether allergens are present.

    If you have an allergy, check the latest allergen information on the pack of the exact variety you’re buying.

Brands to consider

A brand name alone doesn’t tell you which certification, ingredients or allergen warning appears on a specific pack. Compare the variety you want to buy instead.

PLUS

PLUS explicitly labels its 300 g dark and milk chocolate flakes as Fairtrade.

  • Both flavours mentioned include the Fairtrade label in the product name.
  • Check the label on your chosen pack for ingredients and allergens.

Jumbo

Jumbo labels its 300 g dark chocolate flakes as containing Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.

  • The product information includes details such as the ingredients and an allergen warning.
  • The variety mentioned displays the Rainforest Alliance label rather than Fairtrade and may contain milk.

Kiekeboe

ALDI lists Kiekeboe chocolate flakes in 300 g milk and dark varieties, with Rainforest Alliance certification.

  • The listing distinguishes between the milk and dark varieties.
  • Rainforest Alliance is not the same as a Fairtrade label; also check which variety is available in your shop.

De Ruijter

Albert Heijn lists a 2-pack of De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes, supplied as separate items.

  • A pack containing separate packs may suit a household that uses this variety regularly.
  • Don’t assume Fairtrade certification from the brand name or 2-pack; check the certification on the specific pack.

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn listed 300 g dark chocolate flakes from Fairtrade Original, made with cocoa sourced from Fairtrade farmers.

  • The product listing states that it contains 33% cocoa and describes where the cocoa comes from.
  • Albert Heijn marked this variety as discontinued. Check availability before including it in your family’s shopping plans.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which Fairtrade 300 g chocolate flakes can I compare?

PLUS explicitly labels both its 300 g dark and milk chocolate flakes as Fairtrade. When choosing a variety, check the current packaging and whether it’s available in your shop or delivery area.

Are Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade the same certification?

No, they’re different certifications. The Jumbo and Kiekeboe flakes at ALDI mentioned here display the Rainforest Alliance label, while the PLUS varieties mentioned are explicitly sold as Fairtrade. If Fairtrade is a requirement, check the certification on the exact pack.

Can Fairtrade chocolate flakes always be physically traced back to individual Fairtrade cocoa beans?

No, not automatically. According to Fairtrade Nederland, mass balance can be used for cocoa: ingredients may be mixed during processing, while Fairtrade volumes are checked throughout the supply chain. Read the information provided with the certification to find out what level of traceability suits your needs.

Does dark chocolate mean that chocolate flakes can’t contain milk?

No. Jumbo states that its 300 g dark chocolate flakes may contain milk. If you have an allergy, always check the allergen information on the pack of the exact variety you’re buying.