Who is this relevant to?

Shoppers who look for a certification mark

You want to stock up on chocolate flakes and are looking for a Fairtrade claim on the pack you choose. A general sustainability policy from the shop isn’t enough.

Shoppers who check allergens

You check the potential allergen information before buying several packs, for example if someone you’re stocking up for needs to avoid milk ingredients.

Shoppers who want a practical stock-up

You compare pack sizes and product types, and check whether you can store the flakes according to the instructions and use them before the stated best-before date.

What should you look for when stocking up?

First, check that Fairtrade is stated on the product you’ve chosen. Then look at the allergens and storage instructions, and make sure the pack size and product type suit what you want to stock up on.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important to?
Fairtrade on the product Look for the claim on the pack you’ve chosen. Fairtrade advises checking the back of the pack if the logo has an arrow; according to Milieu Centraal’s Keurmerkenwijzer, a logo on a white background may refer to a certified ingredient. If I’m stocking up on flakes because they’re Fairtrade, I want to know exactly what the certification mark on this pack refers to. This check comes first for around 33% of shoppers with this stocking-up requirement.
Allergens and ingredients Read the current allergen information and ingredients list. PLUS says its Fairtrade dark chocolate flakes may contain milk and lactose. If I’m buying for someone who needs to avoid milk ingredients, I need to be able to check the label before I put several packs in the cupboard. This is the most important consideration for around 25% of shoppers.
Storage and best-before date Check the best-before date and storage instructions on the pack. PLUS recommends keeping its Fairtrade flakes in a cool, dry, dark place. I want to be able to store the packs as instructed and use them when I need them. Stock management is the main concern for roughly 25% of shoppers.
Pack size and product type Compare the net weight and check whether you’re choosing flakes or sprinkles: the PLUS flakes contain 300 g, while the Fairtrade Original chocolate sprinkles at Jumbo contain 380 g. If I’m buying several packs, I want an amount I can use without accidentally choosing a different product type. This practical choice comes first for around 17% of shoppers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a shop’s policy means every pack carries a certification mark

    Lidl says its own-brand cocoa is covered by Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and organic certification. That doesn’t tell you which certification mark appears on an individual pack of flakes.

    Check the Fairtrade claim and logo on the product you’re actually choosing.

  • Adding an outdated product listing to your shopping list

    Albert Heijn marks Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Flakes as discontinued on its product page. So, a familiar product name doesn’t tell you whether you can buy it there.

    Check the current product page before counting on this item.

  • Assuming ‘dark’ means ‘dairy-free’

    PLUS says its Fairtrade dark flakes may contain milk and lactose. The word ‘dark’ doesn’t replace the allergen information.

    Read the label on every pack you buy, even if you already know the product name.

  • Looking only at the pack size

    A larger pack of chocolate sprinkles isn’t a pack of flakes. The quantity also needs to suit how you plan to store and use the product.

    Compare the product type, net weight, best-before date and storage instructions before stocking up on several packs.

Relevant brands and shops

PLUS

PLUS lists its Fairtrade Dark Chocolate Flakes as a 300 g product.

  • The product information states that it contains Fairtrade cocoa and includes storage instructions.
  • According to the product information, the flakes may contain milk and lactose; check the label on the pack you buy.

Fairtrade Original

Fairtrade Original lists chocolate flakes and chocolate sprinkles as separate products.

  • Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 380 g, as a bread topping.
  • Albert Heijn marks the 300 g Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Flakes as discontinued; the sprinkles aren’t flakes.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists De Ruijter chocolate flakes, among other products, and also sells other Fairtrade chocolate products.

  • The flakes category gives you a place to check the product type and pack for each item.
  • Fairtrade Nederland describes the Delicata chocolate range as Fairtrade-certified, but that doesn’t tell you which certification mark appears on an individual pack of De Ruijter flakes.

Lidl

Lidl describes the certification marks used for cocoa in its own-brand products.

  • According to Lidl, its cocoa carries Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or an organic certification mark.
  • Lidl’s Fairtrade-certified Way To Go products are chocolate bars, not flakes. Check the certification mark on each pack of flakes.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify Fairtrade chocolate flakes?

Check the Fairtrade claim and certification mark on the pack of flakes you’ve chosen. Fairtrade advises checking the information on the back if the logo has an arrow; according to Milieu Centraal’s Keurmerkenwijzer, a logo on a white background may refer only to a certified ingredient.

Can I store Fairtrade chocolate flakes in the cupboard?

Yes, as long as you can store them according to the instructions on the packaging. PLUS recommends keeping its Fairtrade flakes in a cool, dry, dark place; also check the best-before date on the pack you’re stocking up on.

Are Fairtrade dark flakes dairy-free?

You can’t tell from the word ‘dark’: PLUS says its Fairtrade Dark Chocolate Flakes may contain milk and lactose. Read the label on the specific pack; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products.

Can I stock up on Fairtrade chocolate sprinkles instead of flakes?

Yes, if you’re looking for a chocolate topping for bread and don’t mind whether it’s flakes or sprinkles. Jumbo lists Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Sprinkles, 380 g, but sprinkles and flakes are different product types.

Can I buy Fairtrade Original flakes at Albert Heijn?

Albert Heijn marks the 300 g Fairtrade Original Dark Chocolate Flakes as discontinued on its product page. Check the current product page before adding the item to your shopping list.