Visitors bringing something to share
If several adults are visiting, a box that guests can easily help themselves to is a practical choice. Check the number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped, not just the weight.
Who is a box of chocolates suitable for?
Anyone giving a personal congratulations gift
If you’re giving a gift to the parents, presentation, a well-chosen selection of flavours or a card may matter more than the quantity of chocolate.
Gift-givers mindful of allergies
Check both the ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the packaging you choose. If you know the recipient has an allergy, ask in advance what’s suitable for them.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the chocolate is for the table or a gift for the parents. Then compare what’s inside and check the label on the box you’re planning to buy.
Sharing chocolate assortment
Suitable for: a visit where several adults can help themselves to a piece.
Consider: a selection of flavours gives guests a choice, but you’ll need to check the allergens in the assortment.
Assorted chocolates
Suitable for: a personal visit where the box is primarily a congratulations gift.
Consider: attractive packaging can make a lovely gift, but it doesn’t automatically make the box suitable for sharing with a group.
Selection box with a card
Suitable for: sending congratulations from afar or giving a gift where a personal message matters.
Consider: check the ingredients for each flavour you choose and make sure the delivery date works for you.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing | Compare the number of pieces and see whether they’re individually wrapped. | When visiting new parents with several other adults, I want the chocolate to be easy to share. Sharing is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Personal gift | Look at the gift packaging, choice of flavours and whether you can add a card. | If I’m congratulating the parents in person, I want a gift that suits the occasion and their preferences; around 25% of consumers prioritise this personal touch. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the packaging you’ve chosen. | If the recipient has an allergy, I want to know what the chocolate contains and what the label warns about. Suitability for the recipient is the most important factor for around 25% of consumers. |
| Suitable quantity | Compare the weight and number of pieces with the number of guests or the purpose of the gift. | For a small visit, I don’t want to choose a box based on its size alone, especially when rusks with aniseed sprinkles are already being served; around 17% of consumers prioritise quantity. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a box without reading the allergen label
Chocolate assortments can contain different allergens and carry warnings about possible cross-contamination. That’s why the packaging for the specific variety you choose matters more than the product name alone.
Read the current label and, if you know someone has an allergy, ask in advance what’s suitable for them.
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Assuming a gift box is made for sharing
A box of chocolates can make a lovely congratulations gift for the parents without containing enough individual portions for all the visitors.
First decide who the chocolate is for, then compare the number of pieces, the weight and whether they’re individually wrapped.
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Choosing a large box based on appearance alone
The right quantity for a small visit may not be the same as for a full table. Rusks with aniseed sprinkles are already a treat in their own right.
Match the contents to the number of adult guests, or deliberately choose a smaller box as a personal gift.
Brands to consider
These examples show how different products can fit in alongside rusks with aniseed sprinkles. De Ruijter supplies the aniseed sprinkles, not a box of chocolates.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter aniseed sprinkles are a traditional topping for rusks served around the birth of a baby. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the crushed aniseed sprinkles they reviewed are intended for use on rusks, among other things.
- Provides context for the treat you’re choosing a chocolate gift to go with.
- Check the allergens in the aniseed sprinkles separately from those in the chocolate.
Merci
An example of chocolate that’s easy to share: the Merci Gift Box described by Albert Heijn contains 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars.
- Individual wrapping makes it easy for guests to help themselves.
- Check the allergens in the box you choose; the ingredients in the gift box mentioned here don’t necessarily apply to other Merci products.
Lindt Lindor
The assorted heart-shaped Lindor box described by Albert Heijn combines milk chocolate, white chocolate and 45% dark chocolate truffles.
- The mix of flavours and the packaging make it a good choice for a personal congratulations gift.
- Compare the number of chocolates and read the label before choosing this or another Lindor variety for your guests.
Chocoladebezorgd
Chocoladebezorgd says you can choose from more than 20 flavours for a box of chocolates. The retailer also offers gift packaging and the option to add a personal message.
- A made-to-order selection box is a good fit when choosing flavours and adding a message are the priority.
- Check the allergen information for your chosen selection and review the delivery terms.
Chocolate gifts at Joybuy
These chocolate assortments are suited to a gift for a personal visit to meet a newborn. If you’re putting the chocolate out for several guests, also check the number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped.
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Lindt Creation Petits Desserts Ball – 173 g
A chocolate gift for a personal visit. Check the number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped if you plan to share them.
Weight: 173 g. If you have allergies, read the label on the packaging you choose.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection – 125 g
A smaller box of chocolates for a personal congratulations gift. Check the number of pieces and the packaging if you plan to share it with a group.
Weight: 125 g. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the label.
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Lindt Lindor Cornet Assorted – 200 g
An assortment of chocolate truffles to take as a gift. If you’re sharing them with a group, check how many truffles the box contains.
Weight: 200 g. Read the current label if allergens are a concern.
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Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffles – 200 g
A mixed chocolate gift for a personal visit to meet a newborn. If you’re putting the box out for guests, compare the number of truffles with the number of people visiting.
Weight: 200 g. If you have allergies, check the information on the packaging you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is the box of chocolates for the baby?
No. Choose a box of chocolates to go with rusks and aniseed sprinkles as a gift or treat for the parents and adult visitors, not as food for the baby. The aniseed sprinkles go on the rusks; the chocolate is a gift or an extra treat for guests.
Should I check for allergens in an assorted box of chocolates?
Yes. Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact packaging you’re buying. Different types of chocolate and fillings can contain different ingredients. If you know someone has an allergy, ask what’s suitable for them.
Does iodine in baker’s salt matter when choosing a box of chocolates?
No. Iodine in baker’s salt isn’t a useful point of comparison when choosing boxes of chocolates. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority discusses iodine compounds in relation to bread, bread substitutes and other baked goods; check the chocolate label separately.
How should I store any chocolate sprinkles left over?
Seal an opened pack of chocolate sprinkles securely and store it somewhere dry, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Do I always need a large box of chocolates for a visit to meet a newborn?
No. Match the quantity to the number of adults and what you want to do with the box. A smaller pack can work as a personal gift; if you’re putting it out for guests, the number of pieces and how easy they are to share matter more.