Hosts who want to serve something sweet
Would you like to serve something with coffee or tea after the savoury snacks? Keep the chocolate separate from the savoury platter and bring it out later.
Who is a chocolate box for?
Guests bringing a small gift
Looking for a box the recipient can share later? Consider the selection, packaging and size, and choose one that suits the occasion.
Hosts who need to consider allergens
If food allergies are a concern for your guests, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact box you plan to serve. A product photo or general product name isn’t enough.
What should you look for?
First decide whether the chocolate is a gift or a sweet finish to your gathering. Then check the allergens, serving style and quantity.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keep savoury and sweet separate | Decide whether you’ll give the box as a gift or serve it after the savoury snacks. | If you want to finish your gathering with something sweet, give the chocolate its own moment, separate from the savoury platter. Around 25% of consumers would consider this their main priority. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, and check for any cross-contamination warnings. | If you’re buying for someone with a food allergy, you’ll want to know whether this particular box is suitable to serve. Around 31% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Sharing or gifting | Check the number of pieces, whether they’re individually wrapped and how the box is presented. | If you want to offer guests something easily or give a presentable gift, the way the chocolate is served will play a big part in your choice. Around 25% of consumers would consider this their main priority. |
| Quantity | Compare the net weight and number of pieces; weight alone won’t tell you how many individual portions you’ll get. | For a larger group, you’ll want to work out whether there’s enough for everyone without relying on the size of the box. Around 19% of consumers would focus mainly on this. |
Common buying mistakes
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Buying chocolate instead of savoury party snacks
Savoury party snacks are small, savoury bites, so a chocolate box serves a different purpose at the table.
Arrange the savoury platter separately and save the chocolate for after your gathering or to give as a gift.
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Assuming a mixed box is suitable for everyone
An assortment may contain ingredients that matter to guests with food allergies. A warning about possible cross-contamination could also affect your choice.
Read the packaging of the exact box you’re buying. If someone has an allergy, check with them which information is important.
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Judging by the size of the box alone
A larger pack doesn’t necessarily mean more individually wrapped pieces or the presentation you’re looking for in a gift.
Compare the net weight, number of pieces and how the chocolate is packaged.
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Leaving chocolate next to hot snacks
Heat can affect chocolate. For chocolates, it’s also important to follow the storage instructions on the specific packaging.
Store the box as directed on the label and only bring the chocolate out when you’re ready to serve it.
Brands to consider
merci
Jumbo’s merci Assorti Doos is an example of chocolate you could share after your gathering or give as a gift.
- According to Jumbo, this box contains 20 individually wrapped bars in eight chocolate varieties.
- A varied selection doesn’t mean it’s suitable for someone with a food allergy; check the packaging of the box you choose.
Lindt
Lindt LINDOR Assorted is a selection of chocolates for anyone looking for a small chocolate gift or a sweet treat after a gathering.
- For this variety, Albert Heijn lists chocolates with milk chocolate, hazelnut chocolate, white chocolate and extra dark chocolate.
- Check the packaging of the variety you’re buying for its ingredients and allergens.
Moser Roth
Moser Roth is a brand to consider if you’re looking for enough chocolates to share with a group.
- ALDI Nederland lists a 400 g assortment of Belgian chocolates under this brand.
- The weight doesn’t tell you how many pieces are in the pack or which ingredients it contains, so check the product information.
Choceur
Choceur offers chocolate and pralines in a range of packs, including a 300 g praline pack listed by ALDI Nederland.
- The different pack sizes give you options to compare if you’re looking for chocolate to share with several people.
- An overview of the range doesn’t replace checking the ingredients list and storage instructions for the exact product.
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Biscoff is an option for anyone looking for a caramelised flavour with coffee after a gathering, rather than an alternative with the same mix of ingredients as assorted chocolates.
- Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a crunchy biscuit to enjoy with coffee.
- A Biscoff biscuit and a chocolate gift featuring Biscoff are different types of product, so check exactly what you’re buying.
Chocolate for a separate sweet moment
These chocolate products suit different plans for after savoury snacks: a box to give as a gift, an assortment to share or individual sweet portions. The sharing pouch isn’t a gift box, so choose the format that suits how and when you’ll serve it.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A chocolate gift to give or share after the savoury course.
The pack contains 288 g. Check the current allergen information before serving.
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merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
A small chocolate collection to give as a thank-you or serve after a gathering.
The pack contains 125 g. If you’re buying for someone else, check the current ingredients and allergen information.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack 143 g
A chocolate assortment for sharing as a separate sweet treat after the savoury snacks.
The pack contains 143 g. Check the packaging to see how many pieces you can share, and check the allergens.
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Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
Chocolate with matcha and wafer, ideal for sharing out as individual pieces after a gathering.
The pack lists 9 pieces and 104,4 g. Before buying, check the best-before date and the allergens on the packaging.
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M&M's Minis Milk Chocolate More To Share Pouch Bag 176 g
A sharing pouch for a sweet treat after savoury snacks, rather than for anyone specifically looking to give a chocolate box as a gift.
The pack contains 176 g. Check the allergens before offering the contents to your guests.
Frequently asked questions
Does a chocolate box go with savoury party snacks?
Not as a replacement for the savoury bites. Serve the chocolate separately after your gathering, bring it out with coffee or tea, or give the box as a gift.
Should I check the allergens in chocolates?
Yes. Check the packaging of the exact box you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the allergen information on food labels; also read any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
Is the ingredients list on a product page enough?
Use it to help you decide, but check the packaging before serving too. Ingredients and allergen information can vary between products or change over time.
How should I store an opened box of chocolates?
Follow the storage instructions and best-before information on the packaging. Reseal an opened box and keep the chocolates away from hot party snacks.