Parents who want to hand out treats to a group
You’re looking for portions you can give to the children without having to divide up a box there and then. First, check the school or after-school club’s rules on treats.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents who need to consider allergies or dietary requirements
You want to know what the children can eat before choosing a product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking about allergies and dietary requirements in advance. Then compare that information with the current label.
Anyone giving a small chocolate gift
You’re looking for a box to give to one child or family, rather than a treat for a whole group. In that case, the number of individual pieces and the mix of chocolates both matter.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, find out whether food can be handed out and who it’s for. Then compare the ingredients and the number of portions you can share. These considerations matter differently for a group than for a gift for one family.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Party arrangements | Ask the school, after-school club or organising parent whether edible treats are allowed and what rules apply to handing them out. | If I’m buying something for the group, I want to avoid finding out on the day that it can’t be handed out. That’s why party arrangements come first for around 42% of consumers. |
| Allergies and dietary requirements | Ask about the children’s requirements, then read the ingredients, allergens and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. | If not everyone can eat the same things, I want to know whether a particular product is suitable for the children who’ll be there before I choose it. Around 33% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Portions and presentation as a gift | Compare the number of individual packs or pieces with the number of recipients. For a gift, consider whether the box is right for the small group you have in mind. | For a party, I want enough individual portions to hand out. For one family, I’d be more likely to choose a box they can share. The number of pieces and presentation as a gift matter most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a mixed box of chocolates is suitable for every child
Different chocolates in the same box can contain different ingredients. The Celebrations mix described by Jumbo lists milk, peanuts, wheat, barley, egg and soya, among other ingredients. The merci box described there contains milk, nuts and soya, among other ingredients.
Ask about allergies and dietary requirements in advance. Then check the label on the exact box you plan to hand out, including any cross-contamination warnings.
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Looking only at the weight of the box
The total weight doesn’t tell you how many individual portions you can hand out. Albert Heijn describes the Lotus Biscoff pack in question as six packs of three biscuits each; the merci box described by Jumbo contains twenty individually wrapped chocolate bars.
Count the recipients and compare that number with the individual packs or pieces in the exact product you’re considering.
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Buying before you know the party arrangements
A school or after-school club may have rules about edible treats, or celebrate birthdays without treats. This means a box that otherwise suits the occasion might not be allowed.
Before you buy, ask what’s allowed for the occasion and, if necessary, choose a non-food way to celebrate.
Brands to consider
The products mentioned here show different ways to share treats or give a gift. Check the exact product you’re considering, as packaging and allergens vary from one product to another.
Lotus Biscoff
Albert Heijn describes a version featuring speculoos biscuits and Belgian chocolate, packed in six bags of three biscuits.
- The individual packs make it easy to compare the number of portions with the size of your group.
- The chocolate version described contains wheat, milk and soya. Check the label before choosing it for a group.
Celebrations
The mix described by Jumbo contains a range of chocolates and is intended as a sharing pack.
- An assortment gives you different flavours in one box.
- The mix described lists milk, peanuts, wheat, barley, egg and soya, among other ingredients. Always check the current label to see whether a specific box is suitable.
merci
Jumbo describes an assorted box of twenty individually wrapped chocolate bars in eight varieties.
- The individually wrapped bars make it clear how many portions you have for a small gift or group.
- The box described contains almonds, hazelnuts, milk and soya, among other ingredients. Ask about allergies and check the packaging for any warnings too.
Products to share or give as a gift
These products include biscuits and other individual treats, as well as a chocolate gift. Choose a pack only once you know whether treats are allowed, which allergies and dietary requirements you need to consider, and how many people you’re buying for.
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Merci Finest Selection 400 g
A chocolate assortment to consider as a gift. The box weighs 400 g; before sharing, check how many individual pieces it contains and read the allergens on the packaging.
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Hellema Smoeltjes spiced biscuits, 8 pieces, 200 g
A biscuit option if you want to compare the number of pieces with the size of your group. The pack contains 8 pieces and weighs 200 g. Check the packaging to see how they’re divided and which allergens are listed.
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Lu Lulu Bear Chocolate 150 g
A sweet option for a smaller celebration, as long as edible treats are allowed. The pack weighs 150 g. Compare the number of portions and the allergens on the label with the group’s needs.
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Nestle Kitkat Strawberry Short Cake, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
An option if nine chocolate wafers suit the number of recipients. The pack contains 9 pieces and weighs 104,4 g. Before handing them out, check the ingredients and allergens for this version.
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Oreo Birthday Cake Flavoured Cookies 97 g
A birthday-flavoured biscuit option for occasions where treats are allowed. The pack weighs 97 g. Check how many portions you can share and read the allergens on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask about the rules for treats before buying?
Yes, if you’re planning to hand something out at school or an after-school club. Ask what’s allowed for the occasion and how many children will be taking part. Some groups celebrate birthdays without edible treats.
What should I check for allergies before handing out a box of chocolates?
First, ask about any allergies and dietary requirements in the group, then read the label on the exact box. Check the ingredients, listed allergens and any cross-contamination warnings. Don’t rely on the name of the assortment alone.
Is a box of assorted chocolates suitable for a whole group?
Not necessarily. The number of pieces, party arrangements and allergens all need to suit the group. The Celebrations and merci boxes described by Jumbo list several relevant allergens, so compare the current packaging with the needs of the children who’ll be there.
How should I store the chocolate until the party?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging of the product you buy. The Joybuy product pages for the merci and Celebrations versions described recommend keeping them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.