Organisers of a shared coffee break
If several colleagues need to be able to help themselves, it’s worth considering a box of individually wrapped pieces. For example, Jumbo describes a merci selection box containing individually wrapped chocolates.
Who is each option best suited to?
Anyone giving a small thank-you gift
For a colleague or host, the look of the packaging may matter more than how the portions are divided. Tony’s Chocolonely offers gift boxes and customisable bars, among other options, according to its own gift range.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
If you’re buying for a group or for someone whose dietary needs you don’t know, you’ll need to check the information for the exact box. Look at the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible traces of other allergens.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether you want to hand something out, give it to one person or serve it with breakfast. Jumbo lists sprinkles as a sweet bread topping; if you want a treat you can put out with coffee without any preparation, a box of chocolates is the more obvious choice.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to share | Check the number of pieces and whether they’re individually wrapped. | For a short break, I want colleagues to be able to help themselves without having to serve anything first. Around 31% of consumers put ease of sharing first. |
| Gift appeal | Look at the packaging and check whether you can add a personal message to the item you’ve chosen. | For one recipient, I’m looking for a thoughtful treat that feels like a thank-you, not just something to put on the table. Around 25% of consumers prioritise gift appeal. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the information for the exact box, including any warnings about possible traces of allergens. | If I don’t know what everyone can eat, I want to check whether the chocolate is suitable for those attending before I buy it. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check your chosen shop or delivery option, as well as the product’s current status. | When the coffee break is already planned, I want to be able to choose a box I can get in time. Around 19% of consumers prioritise immediate availability. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming sprinkles are ready to serve as a shared treat
Jumbo categorises De Ruijter sprinkles as a sweet bread topping. Without something suitable to serve them on, they don’t fulfil the same role as a box of chocolates you can put out with coffee.
Choose sprinkles for a breakfast or brunch where there’s something to serve them with; otherwise, choose a treat that can be given or shared straight away.
-
Buying a selection without checking the allergens
Different chocolates in the same box may contain different ingredients and allergens. So, packaging that makes a selection easy to share isn’t automatically suitable for everyone attending.
If necessary, ask about allergies in advance and read the information on the current packaging before buying and serving.
-
Assuming a product shown online is immediately available
Product availability can depend on the store or sales period: PLUS showed a merci gift box that wasn’t available at the selected shop, while Lidl listed chocolate as an in-store item for a limited period.
First select your shop or delivery option, then check whether the exact box will be available in time.
Brands and shops to explore
De Ruijter
Worth considering if your coffee break is also a breakfast or brunch.
- Jumbo categorises De Ruijter sprinkles as a sweet bread topping.
- For a treat you can hand out straight away, you’ll need a different type of product.
Albert Heijn
A shop to browse for chocolate gifts within a supermarket range.
- Albert Heijn has a dedicated category for chocolate gifts.
- Check the packaging, ingredients and availability of each item.
Jumbo
Offers both chocolate gifts and selections that are easy to share.
- The 250 g merci box described by Jumbo contains 20 individually wrapped pieces in eight varieties.
- Check the allergens in the box you choose; the weight alone won’t tell you whether it’s suitable for your group.
Lidl
An option to explore if you’d like to pick up chocolate while doing your food shop.
- Lidl also features chocolate in its in-store range.
- Some items are only available in store and during a specified sales period.
ALDI
A supermarket range where you can browse chocolate, pralines and truffles, among other treats.
- The product categories shown include different types of chocolate.
- Check whether each product is gift-wrapped and how easy it is to share.
PLUS
A shop to browse for chocolate gifts alongside your other shopping.
- PLUS features luxury chocolate and pralines, including a 400 g merci gift box.
- That gift box was shown as unavailable at the selected PLUS store, so check your local shop.
Tony’s Chocolonely
Worth considering if you’re looking for a gift box or a treat with a personal message.
- Tony’s Chocolonely lists gift boxes and customisable bars among its gift options.
- Check that the exact version you want to give is available.
Products for gifting or sharing
These Joybuy products include chocolate assortments, a gift pack, and chocolate bars or tubes that can be handed out individually for a coffee break. Choose according to the recipient, the number of portions you need and the information on the packaging; not every product has the look of a gift box.
Image unavailable
Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A gift pack for one recipient or to enjoy together. The Joybuy product description mentions six small bars; check the current packaging for allergens and whether the bars are individually wrapped if you plan to hand them out.
Image unavailable
Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A 385 g chocolate assortment to consider as a thoughtful treat or something to share. Before buying for a group, check the allergens and look at the packaging to see how many individual portions you can hand out.
Image unavailable
Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A 125 g collection to consider as a small thank-you gift. Read the current allergen information and check how the portions are packaged if you want to share it with several people.
Image unavailable
Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 stuks, 104,4 g
Nine bars for anyone who wants to offer several portions at a coffee break and is specifically looking for matcha with chocolate. Check the allergens and best-before date on the packaging; this isn’t a mixed gift assortment.
Image unavailable
Smarties Milk Chocolate Tubes, 6 × 34 g
Six 34 g tubes for anyone who wants to hand out individual portions. Choose these if sharing matters more than having a traditional gift box, and check the allergens for everyone attending.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve sprinkles with coffee instead of a box of chocolates?
Sprinkles are best suited to a breakfast or brunch where a dish is being served as well. Jumbo categorises De Ruijter sprinkles as a sweet bread topping; for a treat you can give or share straight away, a box of chocolates is a better fit.
Which box is practical for sharing with colleagues?
A box of individually wrapped pieces makes it easier for everyone to help themselves. For example, Jumbo describes a 250 g merci selection box containing 20 individually wrapped pieces in eight varieties. Check that the number of portions is right for your group.
What should I check if I’m handing out chocolate to people with allergies?
Check the allergen information on the exact packaging before buying and serving chocolate. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which specified allergens consumers must be informed about; also look for warnings about possible traces of other allergens.
Why might a box of chocolates be listed online but unavailable?
Availability may depend on the shop you select or the sales period. PLUS showed a merci gift box as unavailable at the selected store, while Lidl listed chocolate that was only available in store for a specified period. So check the exact box with your local shop or delivery option.