Gift-givers looking for something to share
If you’re looking for a thank-you gift or a treat to offer visitors, a chocolate box with individually wrapped pieces is ready to share. Just check that the box contains enough for everyone.
Who might each option suit?
Shoppers looking to stock up on breakfast cake
If you want something for several breakfasts or snacks, you can choose between sliced cake and individually wrapped portions. Jumbo and PLUS offer a range of breakfast cake options, so pick the packaging that suits how you’ll use it.
Shoppers who need to check the label carefully
If you’re buying for someone with an allergy or specific dietary requirements, prioritise the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for the exact product over its presentation. Also check the packaging you actually receive.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to give a gift or stock up. Then compare the portions and labels of the products that suit your needs.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Gifting and sharing | Check how many pieces are included, whether they’re individually wrapped and how the box is presented. | If I’m taking a thank-you gift, I want to be able to offer it without cutting it up. For around 42% of consumers, ease of gifting and sharing comes first. |
| Stocking up and portions | Compare sliced cake with individually wrapped portions, and choose a pack size that suits you. | For breakfast or a snack, I want to be able to grab a portion on several occasions; for around 33% of consumers, the convenience of having a supply is the top priority. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the allergen information and compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion. | If I’m buying for someone with an allergy or specific dietary requirements, the ingredients need to be suitable. Checking the label comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Choosing a chocolate box without checking the allergens
According to Jumbo, the 250 g Merci Assorti Doos contains milk, soya, hazelnuts and almonds, among other ingredients. It may also contain egg, other nuts and peanuts. So attractive gift packaging doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for the recipient.
If necessary, ask about allergies and check the allergen information on the exact box before giving it as a gift.
-
Judging by the type of product rather than its nutritional information
A chocolate box and breakfast cake can differ considerably in portion size and ingredients. Breakfast cake varieties don’t automatically have the same nutritional values either.
Compare the nutritional values of the products you’re considering per 100 g, then look at the portion you plan to serve or eat.
-
Assuming the online product description will always stay the same
Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information can change when products are updated. This is especially important if you’re buying for someone else.
When your order arrives, check the label on the packaging you’ve received too, particularly if a specific allergen or ingredient matters.
-
Checking delivery availability only after choosing a product
A chocolate box for a planned occasion won’t be much use if it arrives afterwards. Available delivery slots, stock and ordering conditions depend on the retailer and your order.
First check your postcode, delivery slot and ordering conditions; then choose the product you’d like to add.
Brands to consider
Peijnenburg
A brand worth considering if you’re looking to stock up on breakfast cake for several occasions. Jumbo offers sliced, unsliced and individually wrapped varieties, among others.
- The range of packaging options lets you choose between a larger cake and individual portions.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you choose; the brand name alone won’t tell you how they differ.
merci
A chocolate brand to compare if you’re buying a gift or a treat to share. Jumbo offers a 250 g Assorti Doos, among other options, with individually wrapped pieces.
- According to Jumbo, the box contains 20 pieces in eight varieties, so you know in advance how many there are to share.
- The same box lists several allergens, so check the label on the packaging you choose for the recipient.
PLUS
A supermarket own-brand option if you want to order breakfast cake with your online groceries. PLUS offers various breakfast cake varieties alongside Peijnenburg products.
- You can match the packaging and variety to the number of occasions you’re buying for.
- Check the exact product and delivery options for your order before choosing a variety.
Products for gifting or stocking up
These Joybuy products cover two different needs: chocolate to give or share, and breakfast cake for several occasions. For chocolate products, check the packaging carefully: a product containing several pieces isn’t necessarily a gift box.
No image available
Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate selection to consider if you’re looking for a small thank-you gift. Check the presentation, number of pieces and allergens on the packaging before choosing it as a gift.
No image available
Snelle Jelle Less Sugar-Free breakfast cake, 250 g
A breakfast cake option if you’re looking for portions to enjoy between meals. The words ‘Less Sugar-Free’ in the product name don’t mean the cake is sugar-free; check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging.
No image available
Milka Thank You milk cream pralines, 110 g
A box of pralines to consider as a small chocolate gift. If you’re buying for several people, check how many pralines are included and how they’re presented. Also check the allergens for the person you’re giving them to.
No image available
g'woon wholemeal breakfast cake, sliced, 485 g
The 485 g sliced pack is a good choice if you want breakfast cake at home for several occasions. Carefully check the ingredients and allergens on the latest label, especially if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
No image available
Nestle Kitkat Strawberry Short Cake, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
The pack of nine may suit a small treat to share. If you’re giving it as a gift, check how the pieces are wrapped and what the outer packaging looks like. If anyone has allergies, read the label.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chocolate box always a better gift than breakfast cake?
No, it depends on what you want to give. A box of individually wrapped pieces is handy if you want to share them straight away; breakfast cake is a better fit if the recipient could use something to keep for several occasions.
How do I compare the nutritional values of breakfast cake and chocolate?
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then consider the portion you’ll actually choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 92 kcal for an average 30 g slice of breakfast cake; Jumbo lists nutritional values per 100 g for the 250 g Merci Assorti Doos. These different portions can’t be compared directly.
What should I check if I’m giving chocolate to someone with allergies?
Check the allergen information on the exact packaging and, if you’re unsure, ask what the recipient can eat. According to Jumbo, the 250 g Merci Assorti Doos contains milk, soya, hazelnuts and almonds, among other ingredients, and may also contain egg, other nuts and peanuts.
Does all breakfast cake contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume it does: the ingredients depend on the breakfast cake you choose. If iodised baker’s salt is important to your choice, check the ingredients list on the packaging you receive.
Can I have a chocolate box delivered with my groceries in time?
You can only tell once you’ve checked the postcode, available delivery slots and ordering conditions for your order. Before choosing a gift, also check whether the specific product is available for your chosen delivery slot.