Which option is right for you?

If you’re looking for a gift or a dessert to share

You want a box to put out for guests or take along, with a selection they can choose from. Albert Heijn and Jumbo have dedicated ranges of chocolate gifts.

If you need to avoid certain ingredients

You want to know which allergens and any alcohol are in your chosen product before buying. Check the specific packaging, whether you’re choosing pralines or currant buns.

If you’re after a sweet roll

You’re looking for currant buns to enjoy with a meal or as a snack, not an assortment of chocolates to give as a gift or share for dessert.

What should you look for when choosing?

Chocolate box or praline selection

Choose this if: you want to take a gift with you or serve a selection of chocolates to share for dessert.

Bear in mind: ingredients vary from one box to another; some pralines contain allergens and alcohol.

Currant buns

Choose these if: you’re looking for sweet rolls to enjoy with a meal or as a snack.

Bear in mind: currant buns don’t offer the presentation or variety of a chocolate box.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Presentation and variety Check whether the box contains an assortment and how the chocolates are arranged. If I’m taking something for guests, I want them to be able to choose from different chocolates. For around 45% of consumers, presentation and variety come first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest ingredients and allergen information; check for alcohol too, if needed. If someone at the table needs to avoid an ingredient, I want to be able to check the box or buns I’ve chosen. Around 33% of consumers say checking ingredients is their priority.
Product type and storage Decide whether you’re looking for buns or a gift box, and follow the product’s storage instructions. If I’m looking for something to have with a meal, I don’t want to accidentally choose a chocolate box. The right product type is the first consideration for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming currant buns are a substitute for a chocolate gift

    Currant buns are sweet rolls, while Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer chocolate gifts as a separate product category. They’re therefore suited to different occasions.

    Before choosing, decide whether you want to serve buns or give a box of chocolates as a gift or share it with others.

  • Relying on the brand name to tell you about ingredients

    Ingredients vary from product to product. The pralines and currant buns listed by PLUS and Jumbo contain different allergens; some pralines are also listed as containing alcohol.

    Read the label on the exact pack you’re buying. For unwrapped products, ask for allergen information.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre and the Dutch baking industry, bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. The ingredients of one currant bun therefore won’t tell you about all other currant buns.

    Check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt was used in the product you’ve chosen.

  • Assuming a praline box shown online will definitely be available

    A product listing doesn’t mean the box you’ve chosen will be available at every shop. A similar-looking box may also contain different ingredients.

    Check current availability and, if you choose a substitute, read its label again.

Brands to consider

Merci

Jumbo and Albert Heijn list Merci boxes in their chocolate gift ranges.

  • There are different box options to compare by contents and presentation.
  • Check the flavours, ingredients and availability of each box at your chosen shop.

Celebrations

Jumbo and Albert Heijn list Celebrations mixes among their chocolate gifts.

  • A mixed pack offers a selection of chocolates to share.
  • If you need to avoid an ingredient, don’t assume a product is suitable based on its brand name; read the label on the mix you’ve chosen.

Tony's Chocolonely

Albert Heijn and Jumbo list gift and mixed packs from Tony's Chocolonely, among other options.

  • The pack types listed can be compared by contents and presentation.
  • Check the specific pack; a retailer listing doesn’t guarantee it will be available in every shop.

Bel'Chic

PLUS lists a 350 g box of Bel'Chic cream pralines for anyone looking for filled chocolates.

  • The product listing describes a box of cream pralines.
  • According to PLUS, the pralines contain milk, soya and nuts, and should be stored in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C.

Hamlet

PLUS lists Hamlet Pralines Italia as a gift box containing a selection of chocolates and fillings.

  • This product is a good fit if you want to serve an assortment of pralines.
  • According to PLUS, this product contains milk, hazelnuts, soya and alcohol, among other ingredients. It is listed as originating from Belgium; check current availability too.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do currant buns always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. Don’t assume all currant buns have the same ingredients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre and the Dutch baking industry say that bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask your baker.

Where can I find allergen information for chocolate or currant buns?

For pre-packed products, this information is on the label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must be provided there. For unwrapped products, ask the seller which allergens are present before you buy.

How should I store a box of pralines until the evening?

Follow the storage instructions on the box you’ve chosen. PLUS says to store its Bel'Chic praline box in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C. Don’t assume the same temperature applies to other pralines.

Are Hamlet Pralines Italia made in Italy?

No. PLUS lists Belgium as the country of origin for Hamlet Pralines Italia. The word Italia in a product name doesn’t, by itself, tell you where a product comes from or whether it’s available.