Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want to bring chocolate to share

If you’re looking for a gift or a treat to enjoy after a shared Indonesian rijsttafel. Individually wrapped chocolates, such as those in the Merci Gift Box described by Albert Heijn, are easy to hand out.

If you’re considering flakes as an alternative

If you want to know whether chocolate flakes serve the same purpose as a box of chocolates. Albert Heijn and Jumbo categorise flakes as sweet spreads and toppings, so they’re used differently from a box of chocolates.

If you need to take allergens into account

If you want to share chocolate with others, you’ll need to check the ingredients on the packaging you choose. The boxes of chocolates described contain various allergens or state that traces may be present.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re looking for a gift to share or for a spread or topping. If you’re choosing a box of chocolates, compare the label and how the chocolates are wrapped.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Product type Check whether the packaging contains flakes for spreading or sprinkling, or chocolates to share. If you’re buying a box, check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped. If I’m bringing chocolate as a gift, I don’t want to turn up with a pack of bread spread. For around 40% of consumers, choosing the right product type is the top priority.
Allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, including for individually wrapped chocolates. Also look for statements such as ‘may contain’. When I share chocolate with guests, I need to know which ingredients and possible traces are listed on the packaging. For around 30% of consumers, checking this comes first.
Sharing and presentation Compare the number of chocolates, individual wrapping, flavours and storage advice. For example, the Bel’Chic cream pralines described by PLUS should be stored in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C. I want to be able to put something out after the meal that guests can easily help themselves to. For around 30% of consumers, ease of sharing and presentation are the top priorities.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking flakes for a gift box

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo categorise flakes as sweet spreads and toppings, while chocolates and pralines are a separate chocolate category. So if you want something to hand out, you could end up with the wrong type of product.

    Before comparing flavours, decide whether you need a topping or chocolates you can bring as a gift.

  • Judging by the packaging alone

    A festive box doesn’t tell you whether its contents are suitable for every guest. The boxes of chocolates described contain ingredients such as milk, nuts or soya, and some varieties state that other allergens may be present.

    Before buying, check the label on the exact box you plan to share, including the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces.

  • Assuming a product page means it’s currently available

    A product page with a description doesn’t necessarily mean you can order the box right now.

    Check that the specific pack is currently available just before you order.

Brands to consider

De Ruijter

Worth considering if you’re looking for chocolate flakes as a spread or topping, rather than as a substitute for a box of chocolates.

  • The chocolate flakes described are intended as a topping for things such as yoghurt, porridge or cakes.
  • Flakes aren’t a box of individually wrapped chocolates to hand out. Check the ingredients of the variety you choose too.

Merci

A good choice if you want to hand out chocolates individually: the 400 g Gift Box described by Albert Heijn contains 32 individually wrapped chocolates.

  • The box described includes both milk and dark chocolate varieties.
  • This variety contains ingredients including milk, hazelnut, almond and soya, and may contain peanuts and egg. Check the packaging for the guests you’re sharing with.

Bel’Chic

Worth considering if you’re looking for a box of cream pralines: the 350 g pack described by PLUS contains pralines with a smooth cream filling.

  • A box of cream pralines offers a different kind of chocolate to share from individually wrapped chocolates.
  • Check the allergens for this variety and follow the storage advice: keep in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are chocolate flakes an alternative to a box of chocolates as a gift?

Not if you want to hand out chocolates. Albert Heijn and Jumbo categorise flakes as sweet spreads or toppings, and chocolates as a different product category. Choose flakes if you’re looking for a spread or topping instead.

Which allergens should I check in a box of chocolates?

Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the requirement to list allergens on food labels; the boxes of chocolates described here list ingredients including milk, nuts and soya.

How should I store cream pralines?

Follow the storage advice on the packaging you buy. For the Bel’Chic cream pralines described by PLUS, the advice is to store them in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C. Don’t assume this temperature applies to other chocolates without checking their labels.