Are you looking to buy chocolate snacks for home, a party or as a gift? An online range of Japanese snacks, Turkish wafers and chocolate from Dubai can look tempting. However, a pretty package can tell a different story from the ingredients list. Portion sizes, allergen information and shelf life also vary from product to product.
So pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:
For people with an allergy, the ingredients list is more important than the product photo. Look out in particular for milk, soya, gluten, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and egg. "May contain" usually refers to possible cross-contamination during production. If in doubt, it's wise not to choose the product.
With international chocolate, ingredients on the website can also change. The packaging of the product you receive is therefore the deciding factor. This also applies to Japanese snacks and products from Korea, Turkey or the United Arab Emirates.
Milk chocolate generally has a softer, creamier taste. Dark chocolate often contains a higher proportion of cocoa solids and usually has a more intense flavour. Look at the stated percentage, but don't attach any health claim to it.
A comparison per 100 grams makes different products easier to understand. Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar Caramel Sea Salt states minimum 32% cocoa solids, while AE Chocodate Dark Chocolate states minimum 85% cocoa solids. The two products also differ in form: a chocolate bar versus dates with almonds in a chocolate coating.
Also pay attention to the portion. KitKat Gold consists of nine individual wafers, whereas a 200g or 250g tablet is best for breaking and sharing at home.
For a desk drawer, school bag or travel, individually wrapped snacks are practical. For a birthday or film night, chocolate bars, chocolate biscuits and chocolate wafers are better for sharing. A resealable pack can help keep a larger tablet fresher for longer, but always follow the storage instructions on the label.
Store chocolate and biscuits in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat. At high temperatures, chocolate can soften or develop a white bloom. According to the product information for KitKat Gold, such a change can occur due to the re-solidification of separated fats; the texture and flavour may then change.
Why this fits the profile: The pack contains two portions, making it suitable for taking with you, eating during a break or sharing with someone.
The clear net weight and two-part packaging make it easier to estimate the portion and total quantity in advance.
Japanese biscuit sticks with cookies-and-cream flavour; according to the product information contains wheat, milk and soya.
Why this fits the profile: The combination of milk chocolate, caramel and sea salt is ideal for anyone looking for a recognisable bar with multiple flavour notes.
The product information states the cocoa percentage, the amount of caramel pieces and the presence of sea salt, so the flavour profile can be verified.
90 grams; minimum 32% cocoa solids; according to the product information vegetarian and Fairtrade.
Why this fits the profile: Nine individual wafers are practical for meetings, parties, treats or keeping a stock in the cupboard.
The number of pieces and the weight per piece are stated, so you can better plan how many snacks you need.
Japanese wafer with sea salt caramel flavour; approximately 11.6g per piece; according to the product information contains wheat, milk and soya.
Why this fits the profile: Dates with almonds in milk chocolate offer a different presentation from a standard chocolate bar and are individually wrapped.
The product information lists the allergens, the vegetarian nature and the halal certification; check these details on the packaging too.
Dates, almonds and milk chocolate; according to the product information suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Choose individually wrapped products or boxes with multiple portions. KitKat Gold contains nine wafers and AE Chocodate consists of individual date and almond pieces. For a table with several guests, chocolate bars of 200g or larger are also practical, as long as you keep them cool.
The best-before date is on the packaging. Store chocolate, biscuits and wafers according to the instructions given: usually cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. After opening, a well-sealed pack helps to limit odour, moisture and quality loss. Always check the packaging on receipt and do not use a damaged product.
Check the product information and look for the certification mark or mention on the actual packaging. AE Chocodate Milk Chocolate is listed as halal certified and vegetarian according to the product information provided. Not every chocolate bar without meat ingredients is automatically halal. Also look out for milk, soya, nuts and possible traces of other allergens.