Visitors bringing a gift for the host
You’re bringing chocolate as a separate gift for the host, while the homemade oliebollen remain the treat for everyone to enjoy during the visit.
Who is each option for?
Hosts setting out a sharing platter
You’re looking for chocolates or other chocolate treats that guests can help themselves to alongside the oliebollen. The quantity and contents of the pack matter too.
Shoppers who prefer speculoos
You specifically want a Lotus Biscoff biscuit or speculoos flavour to complement your oliebollen, rather than a classic box of chocolates.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the chocolate is a gift or something to put on the table. If anyone needs to avoid certain ingredients or allergens, check the packaging before choosing based on presentation, quantity or flavour.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gift presentation | Check whether it’s a gift box and whether the packaging is suitable for the occasion. | I want to give the host something separately from the oliebollen. For around 27% of consumers, gift presentation comes first. |
| Sharing with guests | Compare the net weight in grams and, if stated, the number of pieces. | For a table with several guests, I want to put out chocolate that everyone can help themselves to. Around 27% of consumers give sharing top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, including for an assorted box. | If a recipient or guest has a food allergy, I want to know what I can offer before putting the box on the table. Checking the label is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Speculoos flavour | Decide whether you’re looking for a speculoos biscuit or chocolate, then check the product type and ingredients. | I’m mainly looking for Biscoff’s distinctive flavour to enjoy with oliebollen, rather than a box of chocolates. This flavour preference is the deciding factor for around 13% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a gift box is suitable for someone with allergies
The presentation of a box of chocolates tells you nothing about the ingredients in the chocolate or its fillings.
Ask which ingredients are relevant to the recipient or guests, and read the allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information is shown on the label of prepacked foods.
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Forgetting about quantity when serving a group
A box that looks suitable as a gift may not be the best choice if several guests will be helping themselves to the chocolate.
Compare the net weight and, if stated, the number of pieces with the number of people you’re buying chocolate for.
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Treating Biscoff biscuits and chocolates as the same thing
A speculoos biscuit makes for a different treat and gift from a box of filled chocolates. Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff as a crunchy speculoos biscuit.
First decide whether you want a gift for the host, chocolate to share or a speculoos biscuit in particular.
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Relying only on an earlier product description
An ingredients list you looked at previously may not match the packaging you buy. For Lotus Biscoff, Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging.
When you buy the product and before serving it, check the label and best-before date on the pack you’ve chosen.
Brands and shops to consider
Lotus Biscoff
A good option if you’re specifically looking for a speculoos biscuit to go with your oliebollen. Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff as crunchy speculoos.
- A different product from filled chocolates.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose.
Albert Heijn
A shop to browse if you’re looking for a separate chocolate gift: Albert Heijn stocks options including a 400 g merci Gift Box.
- The ‘gift box’ label makes the intended use clear.
- Check the packaging of the product you actually buy for ingredients and allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo has separate categories for chocolate gifts and for chocolates and pralines. This makes it easier to compare a gift with chocolate to share.
- The product categories help you choose between giving a gift and serving chocolate.
- Check the contents, fillings and allergens for each pack you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists 200 g chocolate pralines as an example of a pack for a chocolate treat.
- The stated net weight helps you plan for a shared table.
- Check which pack is available at your local shop, and read its label.
ALDI
ALDI lists 300 g Choceur pralines with milk chocolate and a crunchy filling.
- The stated pack size gives you a useful reference for a table with several guests.
- Check the current packaging of the pralines you choose for ingredients and allergens.
Chocolate for a gift or to share
These Joybuy chocolate packs are worth considering as a gift or to share alongside oliebollen. Focus on whether the pack size suits your plans. If you’re specifically looking for a speculoos biscuit, you’ll need a different product.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted 385 g
An assortment of chocolates to put on the table alongside oliebollen or take as a gift.
Net weight: 385 g. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before sharing.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A chocolate gift to take to someone making oliebollen.
Net weight: 288 g. Whether you’re giving it as a gift or sharing it, check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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Lindt LINDOR Cornet Assorted 200 g
An assortment of chocolates to give as a gift or serve alongside the oliebollen.
Net weight: 200 g. Check the ingredients and allergens on this pack before serving the chocolate.
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Lindt Creation Petits Desserts Ball 173 g
A chocolate treat to put out for guests alongside the oliebollen.
Net weight: 173 g. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before serving.
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merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
A smaller amount of chocolate to take as a thank-you gift when visiting someone for oliebollen.
Net weight: 125 g. Check the current packaging to see which ingredients and allergens are relevant to the recipient.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check for allergens when giving a box of chocolates as a gift?
Yes, especially if the recipient or a guest has a food allergy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information is shown on the label of prepacked foods. Check the current packaging before giving or serving the chocolate.
Can I bring Lotus Biscoff instead of chocolates?
You can if you specifically want to bring a speculoos biscuit, but it serves a different purpose from a box of chocolates. Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff as a speculoos biscuit. If you want to give the host a separate chocolate gift, choose a chocolate product instead.
What should I choose if several guests want chocolate with their oliebollen?
Check the net weight and consider what kind of chocolate you want to put on the table. An assortment offers a choice, but check the fillings and allergens on the pack you choose before guests help themselves.
How should I store chocolates while making oliebollen?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and keep chocolate away from the heat of the deep-fat fryer. Jumbo advises storing its 200 g Lindt LINDOR Assorted Chocolates in a cool, dry place. Check the instructions for the product you buy.