Who are these flakes for?

Holidaymakers looking for a Fairtrade pack

You want chocolate flakes with the mark on the specific variety you’ve chosen, rather than relying on a general claim about a supermarket’s range.

Families choosing between dark and milk

You’re looking for flakes to have on bread or at breakfast while you’re away, and want to choose a flavour that suits everyone eating with you. The flavour choice alone doesn’t indicate any difference in Fairtrade status.

Travellers who need to check the label

You’re taking a pack with you and want to be able to check the ingredients, allergens, best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging before serving.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the Fairtrade mark on the exact pack. Then choose your preferred flavour and make sure you can transport and store the pack properly during your journey.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Fairtrade mark Compare the product name with the pack and check the mark. Read any explanation alongside the arrow next to the mark. I want to know whether these particular flakes are Fairtrade, not just whether the shop sells Fairtrade products. Around 42% of consumers put this check first.
Dark or milk Choose your preferred variety and read the ingredients on the pack; check the allergens separately. For breakfast on holiday, I mainly want to choose a flavour that everyone enjoys on bread. Around 25% of consumers put this choice first.
Transport and storage Check that the pack is intact and read the allergen information, best-before date and storage instructions. Seal it securely after opening and store it in a dry place. If the pack is going in my luggage or several people will be eating from it, I want to be able to close the packaging and read the label before serving. This matters most to around 33% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a supermarket claim for a mark on the flakes

    A supermarket may promote Fairtrade products or a cocoa programme without this confirming the Fairtrade status of every pack of chocolate flakes.

    Check the product listing and the packaging of the variety you’re buying.

  • Assuming Fairtrade means the cocoa is physically segregated

    Fairtrade International allows cocoa to be processed using the mass balance model. So the mark alone doesn’t mean the cocoa in the pack has remained physically separate throughout the supply chain.

    Is the traceability method important to your choice? Read the explanation on the packaging, including any text alongside an arrow next to the mark.

  • Relying on online product information alone when checking for allergies

    When choosing a specific pack, the current ingredient and allergen information on the packaging is what matters. The flavour name is no substitute for checking this.

    Read the label before buying and check it again before serving if someone needs to avoid allergens.

  • Packing an opened pack in your luggage without protecting it

    Moisture can get into an opened pack if it isn’t sealed properly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping chocolate sprinkles in a tightly sealed pack in a dry place.

    Seal the chocolate flakes securely after use, keep the pack dry and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Brands compared

A brand name is no substitute for checking the specific pack: product type, Fairtrade mark and availability can vary between varieties.

PLUS

PLUS lists dark Fairtrade chocolate flakes and milk Fairtrade chocolate flakes, both in 300 g packs.

  • The two product listings let you choose between dark and milk, with a Fairtrade mark on both varieties.
  • Check the label on your chosen pack for ingredients, allergens and storage advice.

Fairtrade Original

Albert Heijn’s product page describes Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Flakes in a 300 g pack.

  • The page states that the cocoa in these specific flakes is Fairtrade.
  • Albert Heijn marks the product as no longer in its range on that page, so don’t assume it’s available there.

De Ruijter

Jumbo lists De Ruijter products including dark and milk chocolate flakes.

  • The varieties listed offer a familiar comparison of product type and flavour.
  • Don’t assume Fairtrade status from the brand name or a general shop claim; check the specific pack.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check the Fairtrade mark on chocolate flakes?

Check whether the mark appears on the packaging of the exact flavour you’re buying. Fairtrade International allows mass balance for cocoa; for information about traceability, read the explanation alongside any arrow next to the mark.

How should I store an opened pack of flakes while on holiday?

Seal the pack securely, keep it dry and follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping chocolate sprinkles in a tightly sealed pack in a dry place; always check the label on your own pack of flakes.

Where can I find the allergen information for the flakes?

Read the allergen information on the label of the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists 14 allergens that must be declared on the label. Check the current packaging, even if you’ve already looked at the ingredients online.

Can I buy Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Flakes at Albert Heijn?

Albert Heijn’s product page lists these flakes as no longer in its range. Check current availability before making a trip to the shop for this specific product.