King’s Day gift buyers
You’re looking for something for one person and want to give them a box of assorted chocolates, rather than a packet of biscuits to have with coffee.
Which option is right for you?
Hosts
You’re putting something out for visitors or for everyone to enjoy with coffee. In that case, the quantity, number of biscuits and how easy they are to share all matter.
Shoppers checking ingredients
Before you buy, check that the ingredients and allergen information are suitable for the person you’re buying for. Even when a product has a specific dietary label, you’ll still need to check the other ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re buying a gift or something to share. Then compare products of the same type by quantity and portions, and check the label if anyone has allergies or dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gift or biscuits with coffee | Check whether you’re buying a box of assorted chocolates or a packet of chocolate biscuits. | If I’m buying for one person, I want a recognisable chocolate gift, not mainly biscuits to serve. That’s the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Sharing and portions | Compare the number of pieces and check whether they’re individually wrapped or packed in portions. | When I have visitors, I want to be able to share the biscuits without the packet being finished straight away. That’s the main need for around 25% of consumers. |
| Choosing the right pack size | Compare the net weight of products of the same type with the number of people and occasions you’re catering for. | When I shop, I want to buy enough, but not to judge by the appearance of the packaging alone. Around 31% of consumers prioritise getting the right amount. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any specific dietary labelling on the exact product packaging. | If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in this particular box or packet. For around 19% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a packet of biscuits when you’re looking for a gift
Chocolate biscuits with a topping or filling aren’t the same as a box of assorted chocolates. For example, according to Jumbo, the merci Luxe Gift Box contains individually wrapped chocolates.
First decide whether you’re buying something for one person or putting biscuits out for several people to share.
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Looking only at the size of the packet
The packaging doesn’t always make it obvious how many biscuits you can share. For example, ALDI lists Biscotto Chocolate Biscuits as a pack of 20, weighing 250 g.
Check both the net weight and the number of biscuits before deciding how many packets you need.
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Assuming a dietary label is a complete allergen check
According to the product information, Verkade GV Oaties Milk Chocolate, which is labelled gluten-free, also contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts. So a single label doesn’t tell you everything that might matter to the person you’re buying for.
For every purchase, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the exact product packaging.
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Assuming the range never changes
A product you’ve seen before may not be available in the same way when you shop. Lidl labels some chocolate and bakery products as available in store only.
Check the latest product information shortly before you buy, then read the physical packaging.
Brands to consider
Verkade
Among the varieties reviewed, Verkade offers both filled chocolate biscuits and an Oaties variety specifically labelled gluten-free.
- Albert Heijn lists Tops with a cream filling and milk chocolate topping in a 100 g pack, and Chocorondjes with a milk cream filling and milk chocolate in a 150 g pack.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by variety, so check the packaging of the product you choose.
Lotus Biscoff
Worth considering if you’re looking for speculoos and want to distinguish between a standard biscuit and a chocolate sandwich variety.
- Jumbo lists Lotus Biscoff biscuits in a 250 g pack and a chocolate sandwich variety in a 154 g pack.
- A chocolate sandwich biscuit isn’t the same as a box of assorted chocolates to give as a gift.
Biscotto
An ALDI own brand with a chocolate biscuit pack that clearly states the number of biscuits.
- ALDI describes a pack of 20 biscuits weighing 250 g, with the biscuits wrapped in pairs.
- Check the packaging of the exact variety for allergen information.
Sondey
A Lidl own brand with a range of biscuits and snacks.
- Lidl also lists vegan options in the Sondey range.
- That doesn’t mean that a particular Sondey variety is vegan or contains chocolate, so check each product individually.
Products for gifts and coffee tables
These Joybuy products include chocolate biscuits for a coffee break and chocolate assortments you could consider as gifts. They’re different types of product, so first decide what you need them for, then check the packaging.
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Lu Scholiertje Milk Chocolate Biscuits 150 g
An option if you want to serve chocolate biscuits with coffee rather than give a box of chocolates as a gift.
Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergen information.
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Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik Pistachio Paste Milk Chocolate 10x12.5g
The pack of ten portions could suit anyone looking to share or take a chocolate snack with them.
The product name states that it contains 10 portions of 12.5 g. Before sharing, check the latest allergen information.
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Verkade Gv Oaties Milk Chocolate 150 g
A biscuit option to look into if you’re looking for a product specifically labelled gluten-free.
Joybuy’s product information describes this variety as gluten-free, but also lists milk, oats and soya, and says it may contain nuts. Check the claim and all allergen information on the current packaging.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted 385 g
An assortment of chocolates to consider as a gift or to put out on the table; these aren’t chocolate biscuits.
The product name states 385 g. If you’re buying this as a gift for someone with allergies, check the current packaging.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A chocolate gift to consider if you want to give a selection of flavours instead of biscuits to have with coffee.
The product name states 288 g. Before giving it as a gift, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is a box of chocolates the same as chocolate biscuits for King’s Day?
No, they’re different products for different occasions. If you’re looking for a gift with assorted chocolates, choose a chocolate box; chocolate biscuits are better suited to coffee or a shared treat.
How do I work out how many chocolate biscuits I need?
Check both the number of biscuits and the net weight, and take into account how many people you’re catering for and what else you’re serving. For example, ALDI lists Biscotto Chocolate Biscuits as a pack of 20 weighing 250 g; Jumbo lists Jumbo Milk Chocolate Biscuits as a pack of 9 weighing 125 g.
How should I store the biscuits or box of chocolates?
Follow the storage instructions on the exact product packaging. Albert Heijn says to reseal the Verkade Chocorondjes packaging after opening; for the merci gift box, Jumbo says to protect it from heat.
Where can I check the allergen information?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the product you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly stated on the labels of pre-packed foods; a dietary label doesn’t replace checking for other allergens.
Does everyone have the day off for a coffee get-together on King’s Day?
No. According to the Dutch government, King’s Day on 27 April is an official public holiday, but not everyone automatically has the day off. Agree a time to get together before deciding how many people to buy for.