Choose a chocolate box if you’d like to take a gift along on your Christmas food shop or share the chocolates with others. Egg cakes are better suited to a snack break than as a substitute for a chocolate gift. Whichever you choose, check the packaging, ingredients, allergens and storage advice for the product you buy.
You’re looking for something to take along when visiting someone at Christmas, such as a box with a range of chocolate flavours or individually wrapped pieces. Albert Heijn lists chocolate gifts in a separate category; Jumbo describes a merci box with individually wrapped bars.
You’re buying for someone whose choice is affected by ingredients or allergens. If so, check the information on the exact packaging: both chocolate assortments and egg cakes may contain allergens.
You’d like to pick up something for a separate snack break as well as a possible gift. Albert Heijn lists egg cakes among its sweet snacks; Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek as a snack.
Choose this when: You want to take a chocolate gift along or share an assortment with others.
What to consider: If the box contains different types of chocolate, check the ingredients and allergens for the recipient.
Choose these when: You’re specifically looking for a cake for a snack break, perhaps alongside a gift.
What to consider: An egg cake isn’t automatically a substitute for a chocolate gift; remember to check the allergens here too.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gifting and sharing | Look at the packaging and check the number of pieces if you plan to share the chocolates. | If I’m taking something to a Christmas visit, I want the recipient to be able to give it away or share it. This gifting and sharing purpose is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging, including any warnings about traces. | If I’m buying a gift for someone with a food allergy, I need to first check which ingredients are suitable. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Extra snack | Decide whether you’re looking for a gift or a cake for a separate snack break. | I’ve already got something for the visit and am mainly looking for a sweet snack to have at home. For around 25% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
A box containing different types of chocolate may also contain different allergens. The 250 g merci Chocolade Assorti Doos described by Jumbo contains milk, nuts and soya, among other ingredients, and may contain egg and peanuts.
Ask about any relevant allergies or dietary requirements, then read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging you’re actually buying.
Albert Heijn lists egg cakes among its sweet snacks and chocolate gifts in a separate category. They’re therefore suited to a different occasion.
First decide whether you want something to give as a gift, share or take along as a snack. Choose egg cakes if the recipient specifically prefers cake, or as an extra to go with a gift.
Jumbo advises keeping the merci Chocolade Assorti Doos away from heat. Instructions may vary depending on the product you choose.
Read the storage advice and best-before date on the packaging before putting the box away until your Christmas visit.
Range and stock can change between planning your shop and making your purchase.
Just before you buy, check that the packaging you want is available from your chosen shop and review the latest product information.
Worth considering for egg cakes as a snack, rather than for choosing a chocolate box.
A chocolate option if you’re looking for a particular type of chocolate.
Lists chocolate gifts and egg cakes in separate product categories.
Offers chocolate gifts and pralines, among other products, for giving or sharing.
A shop to browse for chocolate and sweet treats for your food shop.
An option for browsing pralines and other chocolate products.
These chocolate assortments are worth considering if you’re choosing a gift or something to share as part of your Christmas food shop. Check whether the presentation, quantity and ingredients on each pack are right for your recipient; egg cakes remain a separate snack option.
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A chocolate collection to consider as a small gift. The pack contains 125 g; if you plan to share it, check the number of pieces, and read the allergen information on the exact packaging for the recipient.
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A chocolate assortment to consider as a gift. The pack contains 200 g; check the presentation and number of pieces if you plan to share it, and check the allergens for the recipient.
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A chocolate assortment to consider for a get-together. The pack contains 143 g; if you’re buying it as a gift, look at the presentation and check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.
No. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are labelled on food; both the merci box described by Jumbo and Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek contain allergens that may be relevant to the recipient.
Egg cakes are best suited to someone who specifically wants cake, or if you’re looking for an extra snack. Albert Heijn lists egg cakes among its sweet snacks and chocolate gifts separately, so choose according to the occasion.
Follow the storage advice and best-before date on the packaging you choose. For the merci Chocolade Assorti Doos, Jumbo advises keeping it away from heat.
No. Check availability just before placing your order. A product page may still be visible even when the packaging you want is unavailable.
