For a conference buffet, you can choose a dark chocolate option if you don’t want to serve milk chocolate. However, check the label even then: AH and Jumbo, among others, state that their dark chocolate options may contain milk. Choose milk chocolate only if milk and lactose are not exclusion criteria for your guests. Then tailor the quantity, allergen information and storage to how you’ll be serving the rice cakes.
You want to be able to tell guests clearly which allergens the rice cakes contain. Check the packaging for your chosen option, and keep the information available if you serve the rice cakes without their packaging.
You need to work out how many packs you’ll need. Pack weight, number of pieces and stated servings can help with your planning, but they don’t necessarily tell you whether each rice cake is individually wrapped.
You’re transporting the rice cakes to a venue or putting them out for an extended period. The storage instructions for your chosen product will determine how to protect your stock from heat and moisture.
For your conference buffet, first decide which allergens you need to communicate when serving the rice cakes. Then choose the type of chocolate, work out how many you’ll need and decide how best to store them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and information at the point of serving | Check the current pack to see which allergens the product contains and which it may contain. If serving the rice cakes without their packaging, make sure information about the allergens they contain is available where they’re served, as advised by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. | If I’m serving the rice cakes without their packaging, I want to give guests accurate information rather than assume that labels such as ‘dark chocolate’ or ‘gluten-free’ mean they’re free from other allergens. For around 33% of consumers, allergen information is the main consideration when choosing. |
| Quantity and serving | Compare pack weight, number of pieces and stated servings. Work out how many rice cakes you want to put out for each break. | For a large coffee break, I want to buy enough rice cakes without opening every pack straight away. The quantity needed is the most important factor for around 27% of consumers. |
| Type of chocolate and product range | Check whether the product is made with dark or milk chocolate, and whether the option you’ve chosen carries an organic certification. Assess the ingredients and allergens separately. | If I want to offer a choice of dark, milk and organic options, it needs to suit both my buffet and my guests. For around 20% of consumers, this product choice is the deciding factor. |
| Storage during the buffet | Read the packaging for instructions on transport, storage and keeping the product after opening. Jumbo says its Dark Chocolate Coating should be protected from heat and moisture and stored below 25 °C. | For a warm reception room or a long-running buffet, I want to store the stock according to the instructions on the label. For around 20% of consumers, how the buffet is run is their main concern. |
According to Albert Heijn, AH rice cakes with dark chocolate are gluten-free, but may contain milk, sesame seeds and lactose. The dark chocolate options examined from Jumbo also state that they may contain milk.
Use the allergen information on the packaging of the product actually delivered. Don’t infer it from the type of chocolate alone.
Jumbo says its Dark Chocolate Coating rice cakes should be protected from heat and moisture and stored below 25 °C. Leaving them out on a warm buffet for a long time may not comply with these instructions.
Keep reserve packs sealed and top up the display at each break. Check the storage instructions for other options.
Albert Heijn notes that the ingredient and allergen information for its products may change. Any buffet card prepared in advance should therefore match the option that’s delivered.
Check the packaging when your order arrives, before finalising the allergen information for serving.
Albert Heijn has rice cakes with dark chocolate and milk chocolate in the ranges examined, both in 150 g packs.
Jumbo has a standard 150 g dark chocolate option, labelled as 3 x 3 pieces, as well as a 100 g organic dark chocolate option.
PLUS lists Choco Rice Cakes in a 150 g pack, an option to consider when planning a PLUS order.
ALDI lists 150 g Goud Gebakken rice cakes in options including milk or dark chocolate.
The Zonnatura option examined is an organic rice cake with dark chocolate in a 100 g pack.
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that, when serving unpackaged food, you must tell customers about the allergens it contains at the point where you offer it. Check the packaging of your chosen rice cakes before putting them out.
No. For the dark chocolate options examined, Albert Heijn and Jumbo state that they may contain milk. Check the allergen statement for the exact product rather than relying on the ‘dark chocolate’ description alone.
No. According to Albert Heijn, AH rice cakes with dark chocolate are gluten-free, but may contain milk, sesame seeds and lactose. For other allergens, always check the separate statement on the current label.
Follow the storage instructions for your chosen option and keep reserve stock sealed for as long as possible. Jumbo says its Dark Chocolate Coating should be protected from heat and moisture and stored below 25 °C; for the options examined, Albert Heijn recommends storing the rice cakes in a sealed container after opening.
