For a group that wants to share individual portions
If players want to pass treats around during the game, an assortment of individually wrapped chocolates is one option. Jumbo and Albert Heijn list merci boxes in this format.
Which box is right for you?
For a host with guests who have allergies
For this group, the label on the exact pack matters more than having a variety of flavours. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses how important the allergen information on the label is for anyone with a food allergy.
For a host who wants to get the quantity right
Compare the net weight with the number of guests. If everyone should be able to take their own chocolate, the number of pieces matters too; a large box alone tells you nothing about how the portions are divided.
What should you look for?
First decide how you want to serve the chocolate, then check the allergens, and finally choose a quantity and presentation that suit your group.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped and how many pieces are in the box. | If I want to give everyone something during the game without cutting up chocolate, easy sharing comes first. For around 31% of consumers, this is their main priority. |
| Allergens | For the exact product, read the ingredients and check both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements. | If a guest needs to avoid certain allergens, I want to know what the packaging says before serving anything. For around 31% of consumers, this check is their top priority. |
| Quantity | Compare the net weight and, if you want to hand out individual portions, the number of pieces with the size of your group. | For a group, I want to work out whether there’s enough to share without judging by the size of the box alone. Around 25% of consumers put quantity first. |
| Presentation | Decide whether you want to serve individual bars, pralines or chocolates, and check which fillings are in the exact box. | If the box is also going to be a treat on the table, I care more about how it’s served than about individual portions. For around 13% of consumers, presentation is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a mixed assortment is suitable for everyone
Different chocolates in the same box may contain different ingredients. A familiar brand name or a picture of the box is no substitute for checking the allergen information.
Before buying, ask which allergens your guests need to avoid and read the label on the exact product. If in doubt, don’t choose a chocolate from the assortment on a guest’s behalf.
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Judging the number of portions by the size of the box
The net weight doesn’t tell you how many individual chocolates you can hand out. This matters particularly if every player needs to be able to take their own portion.
As well as the weight, check the number of pieces and the packaging format before deciding whether there’s enough for your group.
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Assuming an old product page means it’s still available
Finding a product listing doesn’t mean you can still order that exact box. For example, Jumbo’s listing for a Celebrations sharing pack says it’s no longer part of the online range.
Check the current listing for the product you want shortly before buying.
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Keeping the box next to a heat source
Storage instructions can vary by product. Jumbo says the merci Assorted Box should be protected from heat.
Read the storage instructions on your pack and keep the box sealed until game night, following the guidance on the label.
Brands compared
merci
Assortment boxes of individually wrapped chocolate bars for anyone who wants to hand out individual portions.
- According to Jumbo, the 250 g Assorted Box contains twenty bars and eight chocolate specialities; Albert Heijn lists 32 bars in a 400 g gift box.
- If anyone has a food allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the product you’ve chosen. A variety of flavours doesn’t mean the whole box is suitable for every guest.
Moser Roth
Pralines for anyone who’d rather put an assortment of filled chocolates on the table than hand out individual bars.
- ALDI Netherlands lists 400 g Belgian pralines with creamy fillings.
- Check the ingredients and number of portions on the packaging before choosing this box for a particular group.
Choceur
A box of pralines if you’d like to serve chocolate with a crunchy filling.
- ALDI Netherlands describes Choceur Pralines 300 g as milk chocolate with a crunchy filling.
- Check the number of pieces and the current label if portions or allergens are important to your choice.
Verkade
A brand to compare if you’re also considering chocolate bars or chocolate with a biscuit or wafer component.
- Verkade offers, among other things, milk, white, dark and hazelnut chocolate, as well as products with biscuits or wafers.
- Compare the format and ingredients of each product. These options from the brand aren’t necessarily boxes of individually portioned chocolates.
Chocolate for game night on Joybuy
These packs offer different ways to serve chocolate: a gift box, a pack of nine bars and two assortments. Check whether the portions in each product suit the number of players.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A gift box to put on the table and share. The net weight is 288 g; check whether the bars are individually wrapped if you want to hand them out straight away, and read the current label if anyone has allergies.
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Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
For anyone who’d like to offer matcha chocolate rather than an assortment of different flavours. The pack lists nine pieces and 104,4 g; make sure the quantity suits your group, and check the best-before date and allergens before buying.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
A box to consider if you’d like to serve a variety of chocolate flavours. The net weight is 125 g; if you’re planning to hand out individual portions, check the number of pieces and the format of the exact box. Check the label for allergens too.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack 143 g
A chocolate assortment to put out during game night. The net weight is 143 g; check how many pieces there are and whether they’re individually wrapped if each player needs their own portion. If anyone has allergies, read the label for this product.
Frequently asked questions
Which box of chocolates is easy to share during a board game?
A box of individually wrapped chocolates is handy if you want to hand out individual portions quickly. Jumbo lists twenty individually wrapped bars in the 250 g merci Assorted Box; also check that the number of pieces is right for your group.
What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?
Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack before serving the chocolate. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, label information is particularly important for anyone with a food allergy. Don’t rely on the brand name or an online image alone.
How should I store a box of chocolates until game night?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. Jumbo says the merci Assorted Box should be protected from heat; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that advice to store something in a cool, dark place also means keeping it somewhere dry.
Can I assume that a box of chocolates I’ve found is still available to order?
Check whether the exact product is available shortly before buying. An older product listing isn’t enough: Jumbo says that its Celebrations sharing pack is no longer part of its online range.