A chocolate assortment may seem easy to choose, until you have to decide between chocolates, pralines, chocolate bars, truffles and snacks from the UK and abroad. A large pack is not automatically better value, and a luxurious appearance says little about what is inside. If you focus only on the brand name, packaging or discount, you could end up with chocolate that is unsuitable for the recipient, softens quickly or is not appropriate because of allergens.
This guide helps you compare a chocolate mix based on contents, weight, flavour profile, allergens and occasion. That way, you can choose more confidently when looking for a chocolate gift, chocolate gift hamper or chocolate to share.
A box weighing several hundred grams may seem appealing for a party, but check what it contains first. Does it consist of individually wrapped portions, one large chocolate bar or a mix of different flavours? For a birthday or drinks gathering, small portions are often more practical than a single bar that needs to be broken up repeatedly.
Words such as “creamy”, “intense” or “artisan” mainly describe the experience you can expect. So look for specific information such as milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate, the cocoa percentage where stated, the filling and the net weight. According to information provided by some brands, sustainability or quality programmes may also apply; always check the packaging and the latest product information for details.
Chocolate often contains milk, soya, gluten, peanuts, hazelnuts or almonds. Even a product with no visible nuts may, according to the label, contain traces. European food information rules require allergens to be clearly listed. Read the ingredients list and allergen information before ordering, particularly when giving chocolate as a gift to someone else.
Do not compare only the price of the pack; also look at the price per 100 grams and the number of portions. A 110 g box of pralines works differently as a gift from a multipack containing six small tubes. For a party, a 385 g pack may be more practical, while 90 to 150 g is better suited to a personal gift.
Also check whether the contents are fixed. With mixed products, the proportion of flavours may vary. Merci, for example, states that the ratio of the different flavours may vary for production-related reasons.
Pay attention to the following points:
Why it suits this profile: The 385 g pack is designed for sharing and contains a mix of familiar chocolate flavours. This makes it a practical choice for families, visitors or a party.
The product information clearly states that this is an assortment in a sharing pack. Do check the allergens, however: milk, peanut, wheat, soya and egg are among those listed.
385 g contents; a variety of chocolate specialities; suitable for putting on the table and sharing.
Why it suits this profile: If you are looking for a compact treat with milk chocolate and a soft filling, this is a clearly described 100 g bar.
The product description specifies the milk chocolate, soft filling and weight. The label lists milk, soya, lactose and gluten; nuts may also be present.
100 g format; milk chocolate with a soft filling; suitable as a snack or small chocolate gift.
Why it suits this profile: This pack contains six small bars of milk and dark chocolate, including varieties with nougat, salted caramel, hazelnuts and almonds. Ideal for tasting, sharing or giving as a gift.
The six individual bars make the contents clear and prevent one flavour from dominating the entire pack. Do check the allergen information for milk, egg, soya, almond and hazelnut.
288 g total; six small chocolate bars; multiple flavours and stated minimum cocoa percentages for each type of chocolate.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
It varies from pack to pack. An assortment may consist of chocolates, pralines, filled chocolates, chocolate bars, biscuits or chocolate snacks. Always check the product description, net weight and ingredients list to find out exactly what you will receive.
Store chocolate according to the instructions on the packaging, usually in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat and moisture. Seal opened packaging securely. Refrigeration is not normally necessary and condensation can affect the texture and flavour.
Choose a pack with individual portions or several small bars. This allows recipients to choose their own flavour and makes sharing easy. With mixed gift packs, however, check that all varieties are suitable for any allergies and dietary requirements.