For anyone who wants guests to help themselves
You’re looking for individually wrapped pieces you can put out on the table. Compare the number of pieces with the size of your group, and check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped.
Who is each box for?
For anyone looking for a thank-you gift
You want a box of chocolates that’s ready to give. Presentation and the choice of flavours may matter more than a large sharing pack.
For anyone mindful of allergens
You’re buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients. Check the allergen information on the chosen pack before giving or putting out the box.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether the chocolates are mainly for sharing or for giving as a gift. Then check each box for any allergens that are relevant to your guests or recipient.
| What to consider | Check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing | The number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped. | If several guests will be helping themselves to chocolate, I want to know how many individual pieces I can put out. For around 40% of consumers, easy sharing is the top priority. |
| Giving as a gift | The presentation of the box and the flavours on offer. | For a thank-you gift, I’m looking for a box I can hand over as it is and that suits the recipient. This type of gift choice matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | The current allergen information on the chosen packaging. | When I’m buying chocolate for someone with an allergy, I need to be able to check the ingredients and warnings in advance. For around 30% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
-
Looking for aniseed sprinkles as if they were a box of chocolates
De Ruijter describes aniseed sprinkles as seeds for eating on rusks to celebrate a birth. So if you’re looking for these, you’re after something different from chocolates to share during a snack night.
If you’re looking for chocolate to share, search for a box of chocolates or individually wrapped chocolates.
-
Assuming a selection of flavours is suitable for everyone
Different chocolates in the same box may contain different allergens. The outside of the box won’t always tell you everything about each piece.
Read the current allergen information and choose a box that suits the people you’re buying for.
-
Confusing weight with the number of pieces
The weight of a box doesn’t tell you how many individual portions you can share out.
If you’re buying for a group, first compare the stated number of pieces and the type of packaging.
-
Relying only on online product information
The information on the packaging you buy matters when ingredients or allergens affect your choice.
Check the packaging again before serving or giving the chocolates as a gift.
Brands to consider
Merci
The Geschenkdoos is an option if you want to give or put out individually wrapped chocolate sticks.
- Albert Heijn lists 32 individually wrapped chocolate sticks in the Geschenkdoos.
- If allergies are a concern, check the information on the chosen packaging, including details about milk and nuts.
Tony’s Chocolonely
Tiny Tony’s are mini chocolates available in sizes for gifting or sharing.
- Albert Heijn describes the Tiny’s gift box as containing 22 individually wrapped minis in ten flavours.
- Don’t assume a mixed box has just one allergen profile; check the variant you’ve chosen.
Celebrations
The Assortiments mix is a selection box designed for sharing.
- Albert Heijn lists 35 pieces in the Assortiments mix.
- A selection box won’t automatically suit every guest; check the allergen information before sharing it.
Chocolate and sharing packs on Joybuy
These products offer a range of options for a snack night or a small thank-you gift: a chocolate gift, a chocolate collection, wafers, bars and individual tubes. Not every pack is a mixed gift box; if you want guests to help themselves, check how many pieces are individually wrapped.
No image available
Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift for anyone who wants to offer a range of flavours or give a present.
If guests need to be able to help themselves from the box, check whether the pieces are individually wrapped. If allergies are a concern, check the current packaging.
No image available
Milka Choco Wafer Milk, 180 g
A chocolate wafer for anyone who wants to put out wafers alongside other snacks, rather than a mixed box of chocolates.
Check how many individual pieces there are for your group and, if allergies are a concern, read the current packaging.
No image available
Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 pieces, 104.4g
A pack of nine pieces for anyone who wants to offer a matcha and chocolate option at a snack night.
Check the best-before date on the packaging before your planned serving date. If allergies are a concern, read the current ingredient information too.
No image available
Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A smaller chocolate collection to consider as a thank-you gift.
If you want to share the chocolates with a group, check how many pieces there are and whether they’re individually wrapped. Check for allergens using the current packaging.
No image available
Smarties Milk Chocolate Tubes, 6 × 34 g
Six tubes for anyone who wants to offer one per person during a snack night, rather than a mixed box of chocolates.
If you’re buying for guests with allergies, check the current allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Are aniseed sprinkles an alternative to a box of chocolates?
No, not if you’re looking for chocolate for a snack night. De Ruijter describes aniseed sprinkles as sugar-coated aniseed seeds traditionally eaten on rusks to celebrate a birth.
How do I choose the number of chocolates for a small group?
First, count how many people you want to offer something to, then compare that with the number of individual pieces in the box. For example, Albert Heijn lists 35 pieces in Celebrations Assortiments mix, 32 sticks in Merci Geschenkdoos and 22 minis in Tony’s Chocolonely Tiny’s gift box. These are pack sizes, not recommendations for a portion per person.
Where can I check allergens in a pre-packed box of chocolates?
Check the allergen information on the packaging you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label. If you’re choosing a selection box, check which information applies to the box you’ve chosen.
Is online ingredient information enough to help me choose?
Use online information to shortlist a box, but check the packaging of the one you actually buy. This is especially important if ingredients or allergens determine whether you can offer the chocolates.