Joybuy Insights

Buying chocolate: how to choose bars and snacks that suit your taste

Buying chocolate might seem straightforward, until you have to choose between milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate wafers, filled bars and international snacks. A striking packet doesn’t tell you much about flavour, allergens or portion size. With a few simple checks, you can avoid a disappointing purchase and find something for yourself, to share, or as a chocolate gift more quickly.

Three pitfalls when buying chocolate

1. A flavour name doesn’t always tell the full story

“Gold”, “premium”, “dark milk” or “almond” mainly describes how a product is positioned. So always check the ingredients and the cocoa content percentage. A bar with nuts, for example, may contain relatively few nuts. Milka Broken Hazelnuts states 9% hazelnut pieces, while Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Hazelnut contains 10% hazelnut according to the product specification.

2. A larger size isn’t always better value

A bar of 180 or 300 grams might look appealing for a family or party, but it’s less practical if you want to keep small portions. Individually wrapped snacks, such as Chocodate or Smarties tubes, are more convenient for sharing. Don’t just look at the packet price; also check the weight per portion and the best-before date.

3. “Suitable for” needs checking on the label

A product may be labelled as vegetarian, halal or gluten-free, but always check the current packaging and product specification. The manufacturer can change the recipe. Also look out for warnings such as “may contain”. This is especially important with chocolate containing hazelnuts, chocolate with almonds, and wafers, where multiple allergens may be present.

Key specifications to compare

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or something in between?

Milk chocolate usually contains milk solids and has a softer, sweeter taste. Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate states a minimum of 32% cocoa content. If you’re after a stronger cocoa flavour, look at dark chocolate with a higher percentage. Tony’s Chocolonely Pure 70% Dark Chocolate states a minimum of 70% cocoa in both the product name and specification.

A middle ground is dark milk. Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Milk Chocolate states 42% cocoa content. This can suit those who want a more intense chocolate taste but still appreciate a creamy texture. The cocoa percentage doesn’t tell you everything: sugar, milk, fillings and nuts all influence the overall flavour too.

Texture and filling

First, decide what kind of bite you’re after:

  • Creamy bar: for example Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate or Milka.
  • Crunchy snack: Lu Mikado, Pocky or KitKat.
  • Chocolate with hazelnuts: Milka Broken Hazelnuts and Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Hazelnut.
  • Chocolate with almonds: Toblerone or Chocodate.
  • Filled chocolate: Côte d’Or BonBonBloc, Gofrik or a Dubai-style bar with pistachio.

With filled products, check that the filling is clearly listed in the ingredients. Toblerone, for example, states honey and 10% almond nougat. Lu Mikado consists of biscuit sticks with a coating of 49% milk chocolate according to the product description.

Allergens, dietary preferences and origin

Milk, soya, gluten, nuts and egg are common in chocolate snacks. Gofrik Pistachio contains, according to the product information, biscuit, pistachio cream and pistachio pieces, and is offered as a halal product. Chocodate Milk Chocolate Almond Dates is listed as halal, vegetarian and gluten-free according to the product specification. The product does contain milk, soya and almonds.

With international products, such as Japanese chocolate, it’s especially important to check the Dutch-language product information and packaging. KitKat Strawberry Short Cake contains, according to the stated ingredients, wheat, milk and soya. The packet contains nine individual wafers, which can be handy for sharing.

When it comes to sustainability claims, check the source. According to Tony’s Chocolonely’s own information, the brand focuses on a slave-free cocoa supply chain. According to the product information for Smarties, the cocoa is linked to the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and Rainforest Alliance. Treat this as information from the brands and check the current packaging for details.

Our recommendations by buyer profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar - 90 g

Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar - 90 g

Why this suits the profile: A smaller size makes it easy to try a well-known milk chocolate bar without committing to a large packet straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight is clearly stated and the product specification lists a minimum of 32% cocoa content. This lets you compare size and composition concretely.

Key benefit & highlights

90 grams, vegetarian according to the product information, and suitable as a small treat.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Toblerone Chocolate Bar Milk Almond Nougat - 100 g

Toblerone Chocolate Bar Milk Almond Nougat - 100 g

Why this suits the profile: The combination of milk chocolate, honey and almond nougat offers a recognisable flavour and a shape that’s ideal for sharing or giving as a gift.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the filling and allergens: 10% almond nougat and the presence of milk, almonds, egg and soya.

Key benefit & highlights

100 grams, clear ingredient information and a shareable structure.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users
Lu Mikado Milk Chocolate Biscuit Sticks - 75 g

Lu Mikado Milk Chocolate Biscuit Sticks - 75 g

Why this suits the profile: The packet contains three portions of eleven biscuit sticks each. That’s practical for guests, dessert decoration or a snack on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It’s not an ambiguously filled bar: the product description clearly states biscuit sticks and 49% milk chocolate. Gluten, milk and soya are listed as allergens.

Key benefit & highlights

75 grams, three separate packaging sections and suitable for desserts.

Suitable for: Lovers of international flavours
Nestle Kitkat Strawberry Short Cake 9pcs 104.4g

Nestle Kitkat Strawberry Short Cake 9pcs 104.4g

Why this suits the profile: This Japanese chocolate combines wafers with a strawberry flavour and comes in nine individual pieces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flavour, number of pieces and total content are all specified. Do check the current packaging and allergen information again before buying.

Key benefit & highlights

9 x 11.6 grams, crunchy wafer and a distinctive strawberry shortcake flavour.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying chocolate

Which chocolate is suitable as a gift?

Choose a packet that’s easy to present and share. Toblerone, Tony’s Chocolonely or individually wrapped Chocodate products can be suitable for this. If you’re buying a gift for someone with allergies, always check the ingredients and warnings on the label beforehand.

How should you store chocolate after buying it?

Store chocolate according to the product instructions in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Seal opened packets tightly. At high temperatures, the chocolate may soften or develop a white bloom due to fat separation; KitKat states that according to the product information this can be normal.

Which chocolate is suitable for sharing?

For sharing, chocolate snacks with individual portions are practical, such as Smarties Milk Chocolate Tubes, KitKat with nine pieces, Lu Mikado or Chocodate with individually wrapped dates. Pay attention to the total number of portions, the allergens and the best-before date. That way, you’re not just paying for an eye-catching packet, but for a size that really suits how you’ll use it.