If you’re looking for a gift or want to share chocolate during Asian night, a box of individually portioned chocolates is a good choice for guests who want to pick their own flavour. If you’re looking for currant buns, assess them as a separate bakery product: the ingredients and allergens in a box of chocolates tell you nothing about the currant buns you plan to serve.
A box of chocolates is a good option if you’re looking for a gift or want to share chocolate in small portions. First decide whether that’s what you have in mind, or whether you’d rather serve currant buns.
You’re looking for a box with a selection of chocolates or individually portioned pieces, so the recipient can choose for themselves. The merci selections at Albert Heijn and Jumbo show the product information you can compare.
You want to put small portions of chocolate on the table. A sharing pack such as the Celebrations mix described by PLUS is suited to this; the name Asian night alone doesn’t tell you which flavours your guests will want.
You’re buying for someone with a food allergy and need to read the ingredients and any warnings for the exact product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of food labelling for people with food allergies.
First decide whether you want to serve currant buns or chocolate. If you choose a box of chocolates, check the portions and flavours, the box size and the allergen information for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Variety and sharing | Check how many pieces are in the box, whether they’re individually wrapped and which flavours it contains. | If guests want to choose their own chocolate flavour, look for portions that are easy to hand out. Around 40% of consumers prioritise having this choice. |
| Box size | Compare the net weight and number of portions, and check whether the box you’ve chosen is available from the retailer you’re buying from. | If you’re catering for a larger group, you’ll want to know how much chocolate you’ll be putting on the table. Around 30% of consumers prioritise quantity. |
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product and size. | If you’re buying for someone with a food allergy, check the product information before choosing a flavour. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
The product information for merci, Celebrations and Lindor lists varying combinations of ingredients, including milk, nuts, soya, peanuts, cereals containing gluten and egg. The design of the box or the brand name won’t tell you which allergens are in the exact product.
Read the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging of the size you’re buying. Check currant buns separately if you’re serving those too.
Asian night doesn’t tell you which chocolate, truffles or currant buns your guests will want. A box with lots of varieties doesn’t automatically solve that either.
Ask which flavours and ingredients matter to your guests. Only then decide between a gift, a sharing box or currant buns for the table.
These examples refer to specific boxes of chocolates and pralines, not to each brand’s full range. Always check the packaging of the variety you want to buy.
Gift boxes featuring different chocolate flavours for those who value choice and individually portioned pieces.
A sharing box of small chocolates for an informal get-together.
Truffles for those looking for a smaller box of chocolates with a soft, melting filling.
Pralines for those who want to put out a box rather than choose individually wrapped chocolate pieces.
A box of chocolates for those mainly looking to compare the selection and box size.
Yes, especially if you’re buying the box for someone with a food allergy. Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements for the exact variety; the boxes reviewed have different ingredients and warnings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of food labelling for people with food allergies.
No. Check the ingredients of currant buns and boxes of chocolates separately. If you want to know whether the currant buns you’re buying contain iodised baker’s salt, check their ingredients list; don’t use it to draw conclusions about the box of chocolates.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging of the exact product. For the Belchic pralines reviewed, PLUS recommends storing them in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C; don’t assume the same temperature applies to another box.
