If you want to bring a gift
If the packaging is part of the gift, you could choose a chocolate gift that you can put out and share when you arrive. Check that the packaging you choose is suitable for this.
Who are these options for?
If you want to serve a bread-like bite
Currant buns are an option if you want to offer something sweet and bread-like alongside the party snacks. If you buy fresh or frozen buns, plan around when you’ll be serving them.
If you’re buying for guests with allergies
Ask which ingredients your guests need to avoid, then check the label on the specific chocolate or currant buns you’ve chosen. For unwrapped bakery goods, ask for allergen information.
What should you consider when choosing?
For a birthday get-together, first decide whether you’re bringing a gift or want to serve a bread-like bite. Then check the allergens and storage instructions for each product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gift and sharing | Check how the packaging is presented and its net weight. | If I’m bringing something for the birthday person, I want to be able to put it straight on the table and share it. For around 31% of consumers, the fact that it’s a gift is the deciding factor. |
| A bread-like bite | Check how many currant buns there are, the portion size and whether they’re sold fresh or frozen. | I want to offer guests something sweet and bread-like, not just chocolate to share. For around 25% of consumers, this kind of bite comes first. |
| Allergens | Read the current label; for unwrapped bakery goods, ask for allergen information. | If not every guest can eat the same ingredients, I want to know what’s in the packaging I choose. For around 25% of consumers, allergen suitability is the top priority. |
| Storage and planning | Check the best-before date and the product’s storage and defrosting instructions. | I do my shopping in advance and want to know how to store or defrost the product before serving. For around 19% of consumers, this planning is the most important factor. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a gift box is suitable for everyone
An assorted chocolate box may contain a range of ingredients and allergens. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods is shown on the label.
Ask guests which ingredients they need to avoid, and check the full allergen information on the packaging you’ve chosen.
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Buying currant buns without planning when to serve them
Bread can dry out if it’s frozen for a long time, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Albert Heijn says that its described frozen currant buns must not be refrozen once defrosted.
Decide when you’ll be serving them and follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the packaging you buy.
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Assuming a product you looked at earlier is still available
A product you’ve chosen in advance may not be available when you come to buy it. Albert Heijn and Jumbo have marked specific packaging described previously as no longer available.
Check that your chosen product is available shortly before buying, and read the latest product information.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes both fresh and frozen currant buns. This makes the brand worth considering if you’re planning to serve a bread-like bite at a set time.
- Each of the packs described contains six currant buns.
- Check which option is currently available, and follow the defrosting instructions for the frozen version.
Jumbo
Jumbo has a chocolate gifts category where you can compare different types of gift and sharing packs.
- The category gives you a starting point for comparing packaging and contents.
- Check the product you’ve chosen just before buying; a Celebrations sharing pack described previously was no longer available.
PLUS
PLUS describes chocolate in gift packaging, including a 250 g Korenlanders box and a 296 g Celebrations gift bottle.
- The packaging and net weight listed can help you decide whether to bring it as a gift or share it.
- For assorted chocolate packaging, read the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the current label.
ALDI
ALDI describes a 400 g pack of Moser Roth Belgian chocolates for anyone looking to share chocolates.
- The net weight listed can help you decide whether the pack is right for your group.
- Check availability in store and read the label; ALDI warns that special-buy products can sell out quickly.
Chocolate products at Joybuy
This chocolate collection is suited to bringing something sweet to a birthday get-together. Check the packaging and allergens before deciding whether it’s suitable for your guests.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate option if you want to bring something sweet to a birthday get-together.
Contents: 125 g. Check the allergens on the current packaging, and look at the presentation and number of chocolates if these matter for gifting or sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check for allergens at a birthday get-together?
Yes, check the allergens in the product you choose for your guests. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods is shown on the label; for unwrapped bakery goods, ask for this information.
Can I buy frozen currant buns in advance?
Yes, as long as you can follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the packaging you choose. Albert Heijn says its described frozen version should be stored at −18 °C and that the buns must not be refrozen once defrosted.
Do currant buns always contain iodised salt?
Don’t assume all currant buns have the same ingredients. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in its described version, so check the ingredients on the pack you buy.
How should I store an opened box of chocolates?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you’ve chosen, even after opening it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a white bloom on chocolate as fat bloom; also follow the product-specific best-before and storage information.