Buying chocolate treats seems simple enough, until you have to choose between milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolates, bars and sharing bags. Eye-catching packaging also tells you little about what’s inside. If you focus only on the brand, discount or pack size, you could end up with something that doesn’t suit the occasion, your allergies or your personal taste.
Use this practical guide to focus on the things that really matter when choosing chocolate snacks.
A multipack might look tempting for a film night or party, but check the net weight and number of portions first. An 800-gram bag is handy for sharing, while a box of individually wrapped portions is a better choice if you want to keep track of how much you hand out.
Compare the price per 100 grams, and consider whether you’ll use the product within a reasonable time. Chocolate can lose its texture if exposed to heat or moisture, or if it’s left open for too long.
Milk, dark and white chocolate differ in their cocoa content and ingredients. Some products contain other vegetable fats as well as cocoa butter. You’ll find this information in the ingredients list, and it can affect the flavour and mouthfeel.
With a product such as Lindt Excellence 78% Cacao, the cocoa content is clearly stated. In chocolates and filled bars, some of the weight comes from praline, caramel, wafer or filling. So don’t just look at the front of the pack – check the full product description too.
Chocolate containing nuts, milk or soya isn’t suitable for everyone. Even a “may contain” warning is worth checking if you have an allergy. Examples from the range include:
Always check the label on the packaging. Ingredients can change, so the packaging is the best source of up-to-date information.
Choose milk chocolate if you’re after a smooth, creamy taste. Dark chocolate usually has a more intense cocoa flavour. A high percentage, such as 85% cocoa in AE Chocodate Dark Chocolate, won’t necessarily suit everyone. The dates and almonds give it a different balance of flavours from a plain dark chocolate bar.
If you have a sweet tooth, chocolate with caramel, a coloured sugar shell or a soft filling could be just the thing. Try M&M’s Salted Caramel Chocolate Bites, Chokotoff or Milka Thank You Pralines.
Individually wrapped treats are handy for handing out. According to the product information, Nestlé Mini Smarties contains 18 individual packs. KitKat Mini Chunky comes in a box of 15 individually wrapped mini bars. These options are useful for families, party bags or keeping a stash in the cupboard.
For a gift, chocolates or an assortment are often a better choice than a big bag of chocolate sweets. Lindt Lindor Cornet Assorted and Milka Thank You Pralines offer different flavours or a softer filling, making them a lovely option to serve to guests.
If you’re looking for halal or vegetarian options, check the details for the specific product. AE Chocodate Milk Chocolate is described as halal-certified, vegetarian and gluten-free. The dark chocolate version is also listed as vegetarian. This information comes from the manufacturer or retailer, so check the packaging and certification details at the time of purchase.
Store chocolate according to the instructions: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, but not necessarily in the fridge. Seal opened bags tightly to help prevent moisture getting in and other smells being absorbed.
Why it suits this shopper: A familiar-sized treat for a film night, a visit or a quick snack. The colourful sugar shell and milk chocolate make it an easy option to share.
The 125-gram pack is a manageable size, so you’re less likely to buy too much for a small occasion. Allergens such as milk and soya are listed.
125 grams; bite-sized milk chocolate; ideal for sharing during a film night or an informal visit.
Why it suits this shopper: A great choice if you’re after a pronounced dark chocolate flavour and a clearly stated high cocoa percentage, without a filling or sugar shell.
The minimum cocoa content of 78% is clearly stated, so you don’t have to rely on vague terms such as ‘intense’ or ‘rich’.
100 grams; at least 78% cocoa; thin dark chocolate bar with a short ingredients list.
Why it suits this shopper: The box of 15 individually wrapped mini bars is handy for families, party bags, taking to the office or keeping a supply for different occasions.
The individual wrappers limit exposure to air and moisture once the box is opened. The presence of wheat, gluten, milk and soya is clearly indicated.
15 mini bars; 250 grams in total; milk chocolate with a crispy wafer; easy to hand out.
Why it suits this shopper: Dates and almonds coated in milk chocolate offer a change from the usual chocolate bar. The individually wrapped pieces are ideal for gifting or sharing.
The product information states that it is halal-certified, suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free. Milk, soya and almonds are also explicitly listed as allergens.
90 grams; dates with whole almonds; individually wrapped; described as halal-certified and vegetarian in the product information.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
It depends on the occasion. M&M’s, Smarties and KitKat Mini Chunky are handy thanks to their small or individually wrapped portions. For a larger group, M&M’s Peanut Chocolate Bites in an 800-gram pack or M&M’s Salted Caramel Chocolate Bites in a 367-gram pack may be a better fit. Always check the allergen information for products containing nuts.
Store chocolate in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal an opened bag or box tightly. For products with a shorter shelf life, such as some imported matcha products, be sure to check the date on the packaging.
Choose packaging that suits the occasion, and check the recipient’s flavour preferences beforehand. Lindt Lindor Assorted, Milka Thank You Pralines and AE Chocodate are possible chocolate gift options. If the recipient has allergies, always check for milk, soya, peanuts, almonds and other nuts.