Who might find a serving jar useful?

Anyone planning smaller portions for the table

You want to serve a small amount of chocolate flakes alongside bread or dessert and have little left over afterwards. Choca says its 200 g packet contains around 13 portions; you can decide how many to serve at once.

Hosts who replenish from their stash

You often host Friday get-togethers or expect several guests. Jumbo says its 300 g packet of dark chocolate flakes contains fifteen portions; you can put some out and keep the rest sealed.

Hosts who need to check allergens

You want to keep toppings separate and be able to tell guests exactly what they contain. Jumbo’s product information lists milk, soya and lactose for De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Flakes; Choca Mixed Flakes also lists cereals containing gluten and wheat. Always check the packet you buy.

What should you look for?

First decide how much you want to serve and whether you need to keep toppings separate. Then choose a suitable jar with a lid and try filling it with the flakes you plan to use.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Serving size and jar capacity Try filling a jar with the amount you want to serve. Don’t convert the packet weight directly into millilitres. If I’m only putting a small amount of chocolate flakes on the table, I don’t want to have to decant the whole packet. Getting the serving size right is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Keeping them dry and sealed Check that the jar is intended for food and has a well-fitting lid. Keep your remaining supply sealed and dry, separately from the serving jar. I want to be able to store the flakes after the get-together without leaving the whole supply open on the table. Around 36% of consumers say sealed storage is their top priority.
Flavour and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packet. Use separate jars and spoons for different toppings. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know which flakes are in each jar. Checking flavour and allergens is the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Easy to take with you Consider whether a small packet or a pre-filled jar suits the journey and the space available on the table. When I’m hosting away from home, I don’t want to take more than I plan to serve, even if that means refilling the jar. Around 14% of consumers say easy transport is their main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a jar based only on the packet weight

    A 200 g or 300 g packet won’t tell you how much space the loose flakes will take up in a jar. It also matters whether you want to decant the whole packet or just serve a portion.

    Decide how much you want to serve first, then try filling a jar with the product you’ve chosen before settling on a size.

  • Putting your entire supply in an open serving jar

    For chocolate flakes, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends sealing the packet well and storing it in a dry place. A decorative jar without a well-fitting lid isn’t necessarily the right place to store the rest.

    Only put out the portion you want to serve and seal the rest straight away. Check that the serving jar’s lid fits properly.

  • Relying on the flavour name for allergen information

    Jumbo’s product information says that Jumbo Dark Chocolate Flakes may contain milk. Choca Mixed Flakes lists milk, soya, cereals containing gluten and wheat, among other ingredients.

    Read the current packet, label the jars clearly and keep the spoons separate if allergens are a concern for your guests.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

The 300 g pack of Milk Chocolate Flakes we looked at is an option if you specifically want to serve milk chocolate flakes.

  • Jumbo’s product information recommends resealing the packet after use and storing it in a cool, dry place.
  • The same product information lists milk, soya and lactose as allergens. Check that this variety is suitable for your guests.

Jumbo

The 300 g pack of dark chocolate flakes we looked at lets you take out a smaller portion for the table.

  • Jumbo says this dark variety contains fifteen portions per packet.
  • The dark variety may contain milk. So the word ‘dark’ doesn’t replace checking the allergen information.

Choca

The 200 g pack of Mixed Flakes we looked at combines cocoa and vanilla flavours, for anyone who wants to serve that combination.

  • Jumbo’s product information says the packet contains around thirteen portions and should be stored in a cool, dry place.
  • The mix lists milk, soya, cereals containing gluten and wheat. Read the packet before serving it to a group.

Glass jars for your get-together

These glass storage jars are options for serving a measured amount of chocolate flakes. Their capacity in litres or millilitres doesn’t tell you how many grams of your chosen flakes they’ll hold, so try out your preferred serving size beforehand.

5five transparent glass storage box, 0.53 l

5five glass storage box, transparent, 0.53 l

An option if you want to put a small amount of chocolate flakes on display. The stated capacity is 0.53 l; try it with your preferred portion and check the seal before use.

View at Joybuy
5five transparent glass storage jar with stainless steel lid, 1.7 l

5five glass storage jar with stainless steel lid, 1.7 l

This larger jar is an option if you want to serve more chocolate flakes at once. It’s transparent and has a stated capacity of 1.7 l; try filling it to see how much of your chosen flakes it holds. Check the care instructions for the lid.

View at Joybuy
Set of two PURECOOK glass storage jars, 700 ml each, with silicone clip-top lids

PURECOOK glass storage jars with silicone clip-top lids, 2 × 700 ml

Two separate jars let you serve two toppings separately. The set includes two 700 ml jars; try your preferred amount of flakes in each one. Check the cleaning instructions for the jars and lids before buying.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I decant chocolate flakes into any glass jar?

Choose a jar intended for contact with food that is clean, dry and seals securely. If you’re unsure what an existing jar was intended for, or its seal is damaged, check that it’s suitable for serving food before using it.

How should I store any chocolate flakes left after the get-together?

Store the remaining supply in a dry place and seal it well. For chocolate flakes, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends sealing the packet well and keeping it dry. Also follow the storage instructions on your product’s packet.

Are dark chocolate flakes suitable for guests who need to avoid milk?

Don’t assume they are just because they’re labelled ‘dark’. Jumbo’s product information says that Jumbo Dark Chocolate Flakes 300 g may contain milk; check the current packet before serving.