People buying a thank-you gift for the stall
They’re looking for a sealed box they can give straight to a helper, host or someone else involved. Individually wrapped chocolates are handy if the recipient would like to share them later.
Who is each option for?
People sharing treats with their oliebollen
They want to put something out for everyone to enjoy. For them, the contents, number of pieces and range of flavours matter more than a formal gift-like presentation.
People buying biscuits to enjoy with coffee
They’re primarily looking for a chocolate biscuit, not a box of chocolates. The Lotus Biscoff speculoos biscuits with chocolate described by Albert Heijn are an example of this different kind of product.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you’re buying a thank-you gift, something to share or a treat to enjoy with coffee. The needs below relate to people considering chocolate or biscuits for an oliebollen stall or a visit connected with one; each person has one main priority.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| A ready-to-give box | Check the packaging, the number of pieces and whether individual portions are needed. | If I want to thank someone helping at the stall, I want to be able to hand over a sealed box without putting anything together myself. Around 36% of these consumers would prioritise a thank-you gift that’s ready to give. |
| A variety to share | Compare the weight, number of pieces, flavours and allergen information in the assortment. | When there are several people at the stall, I want them to be able to choose from different chocolates. For around 29% of these consumers, sharing would be the main consideration. |
| A simple box of pralines | Check the product type, pack weight and current availability in store. | For an informal gesture, I don’t need the box to look particularly gift-like. A simple choice of pralines would be the priority for around 21% of these consumers. |
| Biscuits instead of chocolates | Consider whether you’re looking for biscuits to enjoy with coffee and whether the portion packaging suits that use. | If I’m looking for something to have with coffee, I’d choose chocolate biscuits rather than a box of chocolates. This coffee-break treat would be the main priority for around 14% of these consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a chocolate biscuit for a box of chocolates
A chocolate biscuit is ideal for a coffee break, but it’s a different product from a box of pralines or chocolates to give as a gift.
Before you buy, decide whether you want to hand something over, share it or serve it with coffee.
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Overlooking allergens in an assortment
Different chocolates and fillings may contain different allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that consumers must also be given allergen information for food sold without packaging.
Check the current packaging of each product. If you’re offering unwrapped chocolate at the stall, make sure the relevant allergen information is available.
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Relying on a temporary in-store product
ALDI warns that special-offer products can sell out quickly; Lidl describes the pralines mentioned as products available in store only.
Check availability at your local store before the planned stall visit, and look at the packaging and best-before date while you’re there.
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Forgetting about the packaging before giving it
A damaged box can spoil the presentation of a thank-you gift. For sealed chocolate, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises following the storage instructions on the packaging.
Keep the box sealed until you give it, and check the packaging, appearance and best-before date.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Merci
For a thank-you gift, the Merci Gift Box is one example: Albert Heijn lists it as 400 g, with 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars.
- The individual wrapping can be handy if the recipient wants to share the contents later.
- If you have allergies, check the current label; Albert Heijn lists milk, hazelnut, almond and soya, among other ingredients.
Lotus Biscoff
An option if you’re specifically looking for biscuits with chocolate. Albert Heijn describes a 2-pack containing six portions of three speculoos biscuits each.
- The portion packs are suited to biscuits for coffee breaks or taking with you.
- These are chocolate biscuits, not chocolates in a gift box.
Choceur
ALDI describes 300 g Choceur pralines as milk chocolate with a crunchy filling: an example of a simple box of pralines.
- The weight and product type are clearly stated for anyone looking for pralines.
- ALDI warns that special-offer products can sell out quickly. Check store availability and the label.
Lidl handgemaakte pralines
The praline selection described by Lidl is an in-store option for anyone looking to browse a box of pralines.
- Lidl lists several varieties, including milk chocolate hearts and whipped cream truffles.
- Lidl says these products are available in store only; check availability and product information there.
Products for gifting, sharing and coffee breaks
These Joybuy products include chocolate packs for giving or sharing, as well as biscuits and wafer snacks for anyone looking for something other than a box of chocolates. Choose the type of product first, then compare the pack contents and check the current label if you have allergies.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift to give or share; the pack contains 288 g. If you need individual portions, check whether the bars are individually wrapped, and read the label if you have allergies.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
A chocolate assortment for sharing; the pack contains 143 g. Before handing it out, check how many pieces it contains, whether they’re individually wrapped and which allergens are listed on the label.
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Lu Scholiertje biscuits with milk chocolate, 150 g
Biscuits for anyone looking for something to enjoy with coffee instead of a box of chocolates; the pack contains 150 g. Check whether they’re individually wrapped if you want to hand them out separately.
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Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
Nine matcha and chocolate snacks for anyone looking for something different to share from a box of chocolates. Consider whether the flavour will suit the people you’re sharing with, and check the best-before date and allergens on the packaging before buying.
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Milka Choco Wafer Milk, 180 g
A wafer snack for anyone looking for something to enjoy with coffee or share, rather than a box of chocolates; the pack contains 180 g. Check the best-before date if you’re buying the wafers for a stall visit later on.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide allergen information if I sell unwrapped chocolate at an oliebollen stall?
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says consumers must also be given allergen information for food sold without packaging. Keep the information for the specific chocolate you’re offering available, and make sure customers can access it before they choose.
Can I put together and package my own chocolate gifts to sell at the stall?
You’ll need to pay attention to the mandatory information required on prepacked food. Ondernemersplein says this information must be in Dutch; check the labelling requirements for your packaging before replacing the original box.
Can I buy a box of chocolates well ahead of the oliebollen occasion?
Yes, as long as you follow the best-before date and storage instructions for that specific box, and keep the packaging intact. For sealed chocolate, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises following the storage instructions on the packaging.
Is Lotus Biscoff with chocolate the same kind of gift as a box of chocolates?
No. The Lotus Biscoff variety described by Albert Heijn consists of speculoos biscuits with chocolate. Choose it if you’re looking for biscuits to enjoy with coffee; for a box of chocolates as a thank-you gift, look for a box of pralines or chocolates.