Hosts who want to make serving easy
A box of individually wrapped chocolates lets guests choose for themselves, without having to break anything up. For example, Jumbo describes a merci assortment of individually wrapped bars.
Which box is right for whom?
If you’re taking a small gift for a coffee visit
For a thank-you gift, both the presentation and what’s inside the box matter. Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer both chocolate assortments and gift boxes, so choose the format that suits the occasion.
If you need to take allergies into account
Ingredients and warnings can vary between products in an assorted box. If necessary, ask your guests what they need to avoid, and read the packaging of the specific box you plan to serve.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you mainly want the chocolates to be easy to pass around or to give as a thoughtful gesture. Then compare the contents with the number of guests, and check the packaging for allergens before serving.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing at the table | Check how many pieces there are and whether they’re individually wrapped. The 250 g merci box described by Jumbo contains 20 wrapped bars in eight varieties. | If I want friends to be able to help themselves, I want to pass the box around without having to divide up the chocolate. For around 36% of consumers, ease of sharing is the top priority. |
| Presentation and choice of flavours | Look at the gift packaging and check which types of chocolate or fillings are included. | When I take a box as a thank-you gift, I look for an attractive presentation with more than one flavour. For around 29% of consumers, this kind of thoughtful gift is the main reason for choosing. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients list and any warnings such as ‘may contain’ on the current packaging. | If a guest has a food allergy, I want to check the specific packaging before serving the chocolate. Checking allergens is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Quantity for the group | Compare the net weight and, if stated, the number of individual portions with the number of guests. | When there are more people around the coffee table, I want to know whether everyone will be able to choose something from the box. For around 14% of consumers, having enough in the box is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Offering a mixed box to everyone without checking
An assortment may contain several allergens. The merci box described by Jumbo lists milk, soya, almonds and hazelnuts, among other ingredients, and also warns that other ingredients may be present.
If someone has a relevant allergy, ask in advance what they need to avoid. Then check the ingredients list and ‘may contain’ warning on the specific packaging.
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Relying solely on the online product information
Ingredients and allergen information can change. That’s why Albert Heijn advises customers to check the packaging itself.
Compare different types of boxes online, but use the current packaging to decide what to serve your guests.
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Estimating how many guests a box will serve from its weight alone
Two boxes of a similar weight may contain different formats: individually wrapped chocolates, small bars and individual chocolates aren’t all served in the same way.
As well as checking the net weight, look at the number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped, if this information is shown on the box.
Brands to consider
merci
Assorted chocolates to take with you or put out on the table.
- Jumbo describes a 250 g box containing 20 individually wrapped bars in eight varieties.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by assortment, so check the packaging of the one you choose before serving.
Lindt LINDOR
Assorted chocolates for anyone who’d rather take a box of individual chocolates than individually wrapped bars.
- Jumbo features a 200 g mixed LINDOR box alongside other chocolates and pralines.
- Check the ingredients on each box; the mix described lists milk, soya, barley and hazelnut, among other ingredients.
Celebrations
A mix of chocolate and biscuits for casual sharing when you’d like to offer both kinds of treats.
- The gift tub described combines various chocolate and biscuit products.
- With this kind of mix, it’s especially important to check the full ingredients and allergen information.
Moser Roth
A brand in ALDI’s range, including chocolates and truffles.
- ALDI lists several types of chocolate in this product range.
- Check the box you choose for its contents, serving format and allergens.
Choceur
An ALDI product range that includes pralines as an alternative to a branded gift box.
- ALDI describes 300 g Choceur pralines with a crispy filling.
- Check the packaging if the precise ingredients or allergens matter to your guests.
Chocolate and biscuits to enjoy with coffee
This selection includes chocolate assortments to share or take with you. The LU biscuits are a separate option if you’d rather serve biscuits than a box of chocolates with coffee.
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merci Finest Selection 400 g
A chocolate assortment to put on the table when you want guests to choose for themselves. Check the packaging for the contents and allergens before serving.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A gift box to take along if you’d like to share chocolate over coffee. Check the current packaging if the ingredients or allergens matter to your group.
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Lu Scholiertje Milk Chocolate Biscuits 150 g
Milk chocolate biscuits for anyone who isn’t looking for a box of chocolates to have with coffee. Check the packaging to see how many portions you can serve, and check the allergens before serving.
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merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
A smaller chocolate assortment to take as a thoughtful gift. If you’re sharing it with a group, check the packaging to see how many chocolates it contains and whether they’re individually wrapped.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack 143 g
A chocolate assortment for casual sharing at the table. If you want every guest to have a choice, check the packaging for the number of pieces and the mix of flavours. Also read the allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check the allergens in a box of chocolates for guests?
Yes, especially if a guest has a food allergy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens which must be declared are listed on the label. For an assorted selection, read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the box you actually buy.
Can I rely on the ingredients listed in the online product description?
Use the online description to compare products, but check the packaging itself before serving. Albert Heijn points out that ingredients and allergen information, among other details, can change.
How can I tell whether a box of chocolates will be enough for my guests?
Compare the net weight with the number of pieces or portions stated on the packaging. Also check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped; this makes it easier to see how you can share them around the table.
Are coffee biscuits an alternative to a box of chocolates?
Yes, if you want to serve something with coffee and aren’t looking for a chocolate gift. A biscuit such as Lotus Biscoff or a chocolate biscuit is a different type of product from a box of individual chocolates or an assortment. Check the ingredients and allergens of each product you choose.