Buying chocolate without disappointment: how to choose bars, wafers and international snacks

Buying chocolate online seems simple, but the huge choice can make it tricky to know what to pick. Are you looking for milk chocolate for yourself, a chocolate gift or international chocolate to share? Packaging, flavour descriptions and portion sizes aren’t the only things to consider.

Three common pitfalls:

• A large pack doesn’t always mean a large amount inside. A bag may contain several small portions, while a bar may be designed to break into pieces.
• Flavour names can set expectations. “Strawberry”, “caramel” or “almond” might refer to flavouring, pieces, powder or a combination. So be sure to check the ingredients list.
• Allergens and country of origin are easy to overlook. Ingredients and warnings on Japanese chocolate, Korean snacks and other imported products may be presented differently from what you’re used to.

What should you look for when buying chocolate?

1. Check the weight, portions and occasion

A 180 g bar is handy for sharing, while a product with individually wrapped portions may be more convenient for travelling or keeping at the office. For example, KitKat Gold Wafer Chocolate Salted Caramel Flavor comes in 9 pieces. Nestle KitKat Strawberry Short Cake contains 9 portions of 11.6 g each.

If you’re buying a chocolate gift, presentation is also worth considering. An assortment with several flavours, such as Merci Petits, offers variety. For a birthday, treat or get-together, sharing chocolate and bags with multiple portions are often more practical than individual bars.

2. Compare the type of chocolate and its flavour

The base makes a big difference:

• Milk chocolate contains milk ingredients and generally has a softer, creamier flavour.
• Dark chocolate has a higher proportion of cocoa solids. For example, AE Chocodate Dark Chocolate contains at least 85% cocoa solids in the chocolate.
• White chocolate contains cocoa butter, milk ingredients and sugar, but no cocoa mass, unlike milk and dark chocolate.
• Chocolate wafers combine a crisp biscuit layer with a chocolate coating.
• Chocolate with nuts adds texture, but calls for extra attention to allergens.

Always check the product information. For example, according to its product description, Tony’s Chocolonely White Raspberry Cracklesugar is white chocolate with raspberry and popping candy. KitKat Strawberry combines strawberry with a wafer texture. These are specific product features; the taste is a matter of personal preference.

3. Check ingredients, allergens and storage instructions

For imported snacks, look out for milk, soya, wheat, peanuts, almonds and other nuts. According to the product information, Lotte Pepero Almond & Chocolate contains wheat, milk, soya and almonds. KitKat Gold also lists wheat, milk and soya, and may be made on shared equipment that also handles ingredients such as egg, almonds and sesame.

Store chocolate according to the label: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In high temperatures, the coating may soften. If the chocolate then sets again, a white film may appear as fats separate. This affects its appearance and possibly its texture. When your order arrives, also check the packaging and use-by information.

Our recommendations by type of shopper

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners

G'woon Dark Chocolate Letter 135g

Why it suits this shopper: The 135 g pack is a manageable size for a treat, gift or quiet moment of tasting. The letter you receive is selected at random.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight is clearly stated, and the product information explains that the letter is chosen at random. So you’ll know in advance that you can’t choose a specific letter.

Key benefit & highlights

135 g pack; dark chocolate; ideal as a small gift or treat.

Ideal for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Milka Bar Broken Hazelnuts - 90 g

Why it suits this shopper: According to the product description, this milk chocolate bar pairs smooth chocolate with 9% hazelnut pieces for a distinct texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The hazelnut content is clearly stated, so you don’t have to rely on the flavour name or picture alone.

Key benefit & highlights

90 g size; 9% hazelnut pieces; ideal for milk chocolate lovers who enjoy a bit of crunch.

Ideal for: Specific occasions & frequent snackers

KitKat Gold Wafer Chocolate Salted Caramel Flavor 9 Pieces

Why it suits this shopper: Nine individually wrapped wafers are handy for breaks, treats and occasions when you want to share out portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives both the number of pieces and the allergens. This makes it easier to judge the pack size and whether it’s suitable for you.

Key benefit & highlights

9 pieces; crisp wafer; chocolate with a salted caramel flavour, according to the product description.

Ideal for: Gifts and sharing

Merci Petits Chocolate Collection - 125 g

Why it suits this shopper: According to the product information, the collection includes seven different flavours and small chocolates, making it easy to share.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explains the variety. Do bear in mind that the proportions of each flavour may vary.

Key benefit & highlights

125 g; seven listed flavour varieties; ideal as a chocolate gift or for sharing.

Frequently asked questions about buying chocolate

Which chocolate makes a good gift?

An assortment of small pieces is a practical choice if you’re not sure what the recipient likes. According to the product information, Merci Petits contains seven different flavours. For a more personal gift, you could choose a distinctive bar such as Toblerone, or a product with a particular flavour, such as raspberry, caramel or nuts.

How should you store chocolate after buying it online?

Store chocolate in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Keeping it in a stable environment helps limit changes to its texture and appearance. Always check the storage advice on the packaging. If the packaging is damaged, it’s best not to use the product.

What should you look for in international chocolate?

Check the weight, ingredients, allergens, best-before date and number of portions. Japanese chocolate and Korean snacks may have flavour combinations and pack sizes that differ from Dutch products. If you’re looking for a small portion, for example, you could try Meito Pukupukutai Chocolate Wafer, at 16.5 g per pack. If you’d prefer a larger bag to share, consider M&M’s Minis Milk Chocolate More To Share, at 176 g.