Who is each option suitable for?

For anyone looking for a classic box

They want to give chocolates or pralines and are mindful of how much chocolate is in the pack. ALDI’s boxes of chocolates and pralines show the types of products to consider; check that the contents and presentation are right for the recipient.

For anyone who wants to share the chocolate

They are looking for individually wrapped pieces to share with colleagues, guests or several recipients. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the merci gift box reviewed contains 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars, while the Tony’s Chocolonely Tiny’s gift box reviewed contains 22 pieces.

For lovers of chocolate biscuits

They would rather give a chocolate biscuit than a box of chocolates. Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Belgian Chocolate suits that preference, but may not be right for someone expecting an assortment of pralines.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether the recipient is expecting chocolates or chocolate biscuits. Then compare the contents and packaging, and read the label if ingredients or allergens matter to them.

What to considerWhat to check when buyingWho it matters to
Net weight Compare the weight in grams of similar types of chocolate and check how many pieces are in the pack. If I’m looking for a chocolate gift within my budget, I want to know how much chocolate is actually in the box. For around 42% of consumers, the contents matter most.
Sharing and presentation Check whether the pieces are individually wrapped and whether the packaging suits the occasion. For a group, I want to be able to hand out the chocolates; for a thank-you gift, presentation matters to me. For around 33% of consumers, this is the main consideration.
Allergens and product type Read the current label, including for assortments, and distinguish chocolates from chocolate biscuits. When I need to take the recipient’s preferences or allergies into account, I don’t want to rely on the picture on the box. This is the first consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking chocolate biscuits for chocolates

    Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Belgian Chocolate is a biscuit covered in chocolate, not an assortment of chocolates. It may therefore give a different impression of what the gift will be.

    Before buying, decide whether the recipient would prefer a box of chocolates or a biscuit gift.

  • Choosing an assortment without reading the label

    Ingredients and allergens can vary between products in chocolate assortments. A product photo doesn’t provide enough information.

    Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

  • Assuming a product found online is available in store

    Lidl lists the handmade pralines reviewed as available in store only. So a product listing doesn’t necessarily tell you whether it’s available at your local branch.

    Check availability at the store where you plan to buy the gift, and think of an alternative if needed.

Brands to consider

Choceur

ALDI’s own-label range includes a 300 g box of milk chocolate pralines with a crunchy filling.

  • ALDI states that these pralines carry a Rainforest Alliance label.
  • Check that the product you want is available before visiting the store.

Moser Roth

An ALDI chocolate range that includes Belgian chocolates; the pack reviewed contains 400 g.

  • A box of chocolates for anyone looking for a classic chocolate gift.
  • Check which varieties are available at your local store.

merci

According to Albert Heijn, the 400 g gift box reviewed contains 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars.

  • The individually wrapped pieces make this box a practical choice for sharing.
  • Check the label for milk, nuts and soya, among other ingredients; this information applies to the box reviewed, not every merci variety.

Lotus Biscoff

Chocolate-covered speculoos biscuits for anyone specifically looking for a biscuit gift.

  • Albert Heijn describes the product reviewed as suitable for vegans; check the current packaging if this is important.
  • A chocolate biscuit isn’t the same type of product as a box of chocolates.

Lindt

The Lindor assortment box reviewed contains chocolates in different varieties.

  • An assortment box for a recipient who appreciates having a choice of varieties.
  • Check the ingredients of the box in question, especially if hazelnuts, milk or soya are relevant to the recipient.

Chocolate gifts at Joybuy

These two chocolate assortments are options for a gift or thank-you. Compare their net weights and check the packaging if you want to hand out individual pieces; the product names alone don’t tell you whether they are individually wrapped.

Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g

Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack – 288 g

A chocolate gift for anyone looking for a presentation box. The net weight is 288 g; check the packaging if the number of pieces, individual wrapping or allergens matter to the recipient.

View at Joybuy
merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g

merci Petits Chocolate Collection – 125 g

A smaller chocolate collection to consider as a thank-you gift. The net weight is 125 g; check the packaging for the number of pieces, how they are wrapped and the allergens.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Should I check the allergens in a chocolate gift?

Yes, especially if the recipient has an allergy. According to the European information provided by Your Europe, allergens in prepacked foods must be highlighted in the ingredients list. So read the current label on the box you’re buying.

Can I rely on the allergen information on a supermarket website?

Use it as a starting point, but check the packaging itself before serving the product. On the product pages reviewed, Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and allergen information may change.

How should I store a box of chocolates before giving it as a gift?

Follow the instructions on the packaging of the box you choose. The merci box reviewed should be protected from heat; the Lindor chocolates reviewed should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Is a box of chocolates always a better gift if I’m on a budget?

Not necessarily: whether it’s suitable also depends on the recipient and the occasion. As well as the net weight, consider whether you want to hand out individual pieces, what type of product the recipient is expecting and whether the ingredients are suitable.