If you need a quick Christmas gift
You’re looking for chocolate you can give as a gift without any preparation. Albert Heijn offers a range of chocolate gifts; check the contents and packaging of the box you choose.
Who is each option suitable for?
If you’re making your own party treats
You want to use aniseed sprinkles as a topping on chocolate treats for the Christmas table. Jumbo, for example, describes profiteroles dipped in chocolate and then sprinkled with aniseed sprinkles.
If you’re buying for guests with allergies
You need to be able to check the ingredients and allergens for each product you choose. The De Ruijter Pink and White aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo contain wheat; don’t assume that other varieties or chocolate boxes have the same ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to give a gift on its own or make treats yourself. Then make sure the quantity and labels are right for the people you’re buying for.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to give as a gift | Check that it’s a chocolate gift and see what’s included in the box you choose. | If I want to give one person a gift without baking, I’m looking for something ready to give. Around 36% of consumers put a ready-made gift first. |
| Making your own treats | As well as aniseed sprinkles, you’ll need chocolate and a base, such as profiteroles. | For treats on a party platter, I want to put something together myself and use aniseed sprinkles as a topping. Making something yourself is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Checking allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on every product you choose, including any warnings about cross-contamination. | If I’m buying for someone with a food allergy, I need to check the exact variety before serving anything. This is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Getting the right quantity | Compare the contents with the number of recipients or the amount you plan to make for the party. | I want to buy enough for everyone taking part, without mistaking the size of the box for the amount inside. Around 14% of consumers choose mainly based on getting the right quantity. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking aniseed sprinkles for a chocolate box
Aniseed sprinkles are a sweet topping, not a ready-made selection of chocolates. Jumbo uses them in a recipe to decorate chocolate profiteroles.
If you want to give a gift straight away, look for a chocolate box. If you want to make treats yourself, remember to get the chocolate and base as well.
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Assuming all varieties contain the same allergens
The De Ruijter Pink and White aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo contain wheat. That doesn’t tell you which allergens are in another variety or a chocolate box.
Read the label for every product and take account of any warnings about possible cross-contamination if they’re relevant to the recipient.
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Judging only by the outside of the box
The packaging doesn’t necessarily tell you how much chocolate you can hand out or how many aniseed sprinkles you’ll need for your treats.
Decide how many people you’re buying for, then compare the contents and weight of the products you’ve chosen.
Brands and shops to consider
De Ruijter
Worth considering if you’re looking for aniseed sprinkles to top a homemade treat, rather than a ready-made chocolate box.
- Jumbo describes the Pink and White aniseed sprinkles as sugar-coated aniseed, which can also be used on cakes and other bakes.
- The Pink and White variety contains wheat; check the label of the variety you buy.
Albert Heijn
A shop where you can compare chocolate gifts for a ready-made Christmas present.
- The range shown by Albert Heijn includes different types of chocolate gifts, including gift boxes and tasting selections.
- Check the contents, ingredients and allergens for each box, as these can vary from one product to another.
Jumbo
A shop where you can find aniseed sprinkles and a recipe to inspire your own chocolate treats.
- Jumbo explains how to decorate profiteroles with chocolate and aniseed sprinkles.
- Following a recipe doesn’t automatically make the ingredients or finished treats suitable for every guest with an allergy.
Products for both options
A chocolate selection is a good choice if you want to hand out chocolates; aniseed sprinkles are for anyone who wants to make their own chocolate treats. If you’re buying a gift, check separately whether the packaging is suitable for giving.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
A chocolate selection to give as a small token. Check that the packaging is right for the way you want to present it as a gift, and read the current label for allergen information.
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De Ruijter Mice Blue White 330 g
Aniseed sprinkles for anyone who wants to decorate homemade chocolate treats. This isn’t a chocolate box: buy the chocolate and a base separately, and check the label for this variety before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Are aniseed sprinkles the same as a chocolate box?
No. The De Ruijter Pink and White aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo are sugar-coated aniseed, used as a sweet topping. You’ll need a separate chocolate box for a ready-made chocolate gift.
How do you use aniseed sprinkles on chocolate treats for Christmas?
Add the aniseed sprinkles as a topping before the chocolate sets. Jumbo describes a recipe where profiteroles are dipped in chocolate and then sprinkled with aniseed sprinkles; check the labels of all the ingredients you use.
Should you check the allergens in the chocolate and aniseed sprinkles separately?
Yes. Read the label on every product you choose, including any warnings about cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen labelling on food labels; wheat is listed for the De Ruijter Pink and White aniseed sprinkles described by Jumbo.