Which option is right for you?

If you want to hand out chocolate easily

Guests can help themselves to individually wrapped chocolate pieces, so you won’t need to cut or portion anything. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe their Merci boxes as containing pieces like these.

If you need to consider allergens

For a mixed group, the ingredient list for the specific box matters more than the name of the assortment. Also check for warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

If you mean kano biscuits

Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe kano biscuits as biscuits filled with almond paste. If you’re looking for these to serve with coffee or tea, compare them separately from chocolates and chocolate boxes.

What should you look for when choosing?

Chocolate assortment

Choose this if: you want to hand out a selection of chocolate pieces without having to serve them; the Merci boxes described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo contain individually wrapped pieces.

Bear in mind: ingredients and allergens vary from box to box, and the Merci chocolate described should be protected from heat.

Kano biscuits filled with almond paste

Choose this if: you mean the biscuits that Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe as kano biscuits filled with almond paste.

Bear in mind: kano biscuits aren’t a chocolate assortment; check the ingredients and allergens on their own packaging.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Allergens and ingredients Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the packaging of the product you choose. If a guest has an allergy, I want to be able to work out which box I can offer them. For around 42% of consumers, checking allergens is the top priority.
Sharing and choice of flavours Check how many individual pieces the box contains and which types of chocolate it includes. I want guests to be able to help themselves to a piece and choose from several flavours. For around 33% of consumers, ease of sharing is the main concern.
Heat and type of product Check the storage instructions and decide whether you’re looking for chocolate or kano biscuits filled with almond paste. For an outdoor party, I want to know how to store the treats and be sure I’m buying the right type of product. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Treating kano biscuits and chocolate boxes as the same product

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe kano biscuits as biscuits filled with almond paste. Their ingredients and how you serve them are therefore different from those of a chocolate box.

    First decide whether you want to offer biscuits, chocolates or individually wrapped chocolate, then compare products within that category.

  • Assuming a mixed box is suitable for everyone

    The Merci assortment box described by Jumbo contains milk, hazelnuts, almonds and soya, among other ingredients; it also carries warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

    Ask which allergens are relevant to your guests and read the current label on the exact box you’re buying.

  • Leaving chocolate outside for too long

    The Merci product information described says the chocolate should be protected from heat. A spot in direct sunlight isn’t suitable for storing it.

    Follow the instructions on the packaging and, in warm weather, put out smaller amounts at a time.

  • Assuming an old product listing means it’s still available

    Albert Heijn’s listing for AH BASIC Kano's is marked ‘Discontinued’. It describes the product, but doesn’t mean it’s currently available to buy.

    Check what’s available from the retailer you want to order from before buying.

Brands and retailers to consider

merci

The Merci boxes described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo contain an assortment of individually wrapped chocolate pieces.

  • The pieces are individually wrapped, so you can hand them out without cutting anything.
  • The assortments described contain various allergens; check the label on the box you choose and protect the chocolate from heat.

Verkade

Verkade describes Duo'tjes Chocolade and Tops Melkchocolade as chocolate biscuit products, not as an assortment of chocolates.

  • These products are a biscuit option if you’d rather serve biscuits with coffee or tea.
  • Don’t compare them with a box of chocolates; if any guests have allergies, check the ingredients of the specific product.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both a Merci gift box of individually wrapped chocolates and AH BASIC Kano's filled with almond paste.

  • The product descriptions help you distinguish between a chocolate assortment and kano biscuits.
  • The listing for AH BASIC Kano's is marked ‘Discontinued’; check current availability separately.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a Merci chocolate assortment and, separately, Jumbo Kano's made with butter and almond paste.

  • The product descriptions make it clear which option is chocolate and which is a biscuit.
  • Don’t assume the ingredients or allergens of one product apply to the other; check the relevant packaging.

Products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are kano biscuits a type of chocolate box?

No. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe kano biscuits as biscuits filled with almond paste. If you’re looking for chocolate to hand out, choose a chocolate box or individual chocolates rather than these biscuits.

Is a chocolate assortment suitable for guests with a nut, milk or soya allergy?

You can’t tell from the word ‘assortment’ alone. The Merci box described by Jumbo contains milk, hazelnuts, almonds and soya, and lists the possible presence of other allergens. If someone has an allergy, check the current label on the specific box.

Can I put a box of chocolates outside during a garden party?

That depends on the storage instructions and the conditions outside. The Merci product information described says to protect the chocolate from heat, so follow the label and don’t leave the box in direct sunlight unnecessarily.

What information should I check on a prepacked box of chocolates?

At the very least, check the ingredients, allergens, best-before date and any storage instructions on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods.