Those sharing with a group
For a group, the number of pieces and how they’re individually wrapped matter more than the box’s total weight alone. For example, Jumbo says its 250 g merci box contains individually wrapped bars.
Which option is right for you?
First, decide whether the chocolate is a personal Sinterklaas gift or something you want to share with a group during the procession.
Those buying a recognisable Sinterklaas gift
A figure or chocolate letter makes it clear straight away that the gift is for the occasion. Albert Heijn features Sinterklaas figures in its seasonal range, while Lidl mentions chocolate letters.
Gift-givers checking for allergens
If you’re buying for someone with a food allergy, checking the exact packaging should come before choosing flavours or shapes. The NVWA highlights the allergen information required on pre-packed foods. Also check for any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check that the ingredients are suitable for the recipients. Then choose between a recognisable Sinterklaas gift and chocolate that you can share in individual portions.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the exact packaging. | If I’m taking chocolate for someone with a food allergy, I need to be able to assess whether they can eat it. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Pieces and packaging | Compare the number of pieces and the total weight, and check whether the pieces are individually wrapped. | When sharing with a group, I want to know in advance whether there are enough individual portions. This is the first consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Sinterklaas theme | Check whether the shape or packaging suits Sinterklaas and whether the size is right for the recipient. | For a personal gift, I mainly want it to be recognisable as a Sinterklaas present. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Size | Choose the total weight and number of pieces to suit one recipient or a group; check availability at your store. | I don’t want to take a large sharing box if I’m only buying a small token gift. For around 18% of consumers, choosing the right size is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a mix of flavours without reading the label
A box containing different chocolates and fillings may also contain different allergens or warnings about possible cross-contamination. Having an individual wrapper for each piece doesn’t automatically make the whole box suitable for everyone there.
Before buying, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging, even if the box is wrapped as a gift.
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Mistaking a festive shape for a sharing box
A chocolate letter or Sinterklaas figure suits the occasion, but it won’t necessarily provide individual portions for a group.
If you’re sharing with a group, compare the number of pieces and the type of packaging. For a personal gift, choose something that suits the recipient.
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Assuming it’ll be available in every shop
Seasonal products can vary from shop to shop. ALDI warns that special-offer products can sell out quickly, while PLUS says that a displayed merci box isn’t available at the selected shop.
Check your chosen shop or delivery options shortly before the procession.
If the product isn’t available there, you may need to make an extra trip to another shop.
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Treating ontbijtkoek as the same kind of gift
Peijnenburg sells ontbijtkoek and snacks. These are a different product category from a box of chocolates or a chocolate letter.
Choose ontbijtkoek only if you deliberately want to give a spiced cake or snack alternative instead of chocolate.
Brands and shops to explore
These examples can help you find the type of product you’re looking for. Check the specific item and its availability at the shop where you plan to buy it.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn features both Sinterklaas chocolate and chocolate gifts.
- Its seasonal range includes Sinterklaas figures and filled chocolate figures, making them recognisable festive gifts.
- Check each item to see whether it’s a single gift or made up of pieces to share individually, and check availability at your shop.
Jumbo
Jumbo features assorted boxes in its chocolate gifts range.
- According to Jumbo, its 250 g merci box contains twenty individually wrapped bars in eight flavours.
- If you’re sharing a mixed box, read the allergen information before handing it out.
Lidl / Favorina
Lidl mentions chocolate letters in its Sinterklaas range; Favorina is Lidl’s seasonal chocolate range.
- A chocolate letter could be a good choice if the Sinterklaas shape matters more than an assorted box.
- Check the contents of the item you choose and whether it’s available at your shop.
ALDI
ALDI features products including a 250 g merci Finest Selection assorted box as a gift option.
- The box shown is an option if you’d rather give an assortment of chocolates than a figure or letter.
- ALDI warns that special-offer products can sell out quickly, so check availability at your shop.
PLUS
PLUS features gift boxes and chocolate to share.
- PLUS describes its 385 g Celebrations assorted box as a sharing pack.
- A merci box shown wasn’t available at the selected PLUS shop, so check the item with your own shop.
Peijnenburg
Peijnenburg sells ontbijtkoek and snacks, rather than the box of chocolates this gift question is about.
- Worth considering if you deliberately want to swap chocolate for ontbijtkoek.
- If you’re looking for a chocolate gift for the procession, choose a different product category.
Chocolate products on Joybuy
These chocolate assortments and sharing packs could work as gifts or for handing out. For each product, check whether the contents, portions and packaging suit your plans for the procession. A recognisable Sinterklaas shape is different from a general chocolate mix.
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Celebrations assorted chocolates 385 g
An assorted chocolate mix to consider if you’re sharing with a group.
Contents: 385 g. If you want to take a portion for everyone, check how many pieces there are and read the label to make sure it’s suitable for the recipients.
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KitKat Mini Milk Chocolate Sharing Bag 284 g
A sharing pack to consider if you want to hand out milk chocolate to several people.
Contents: 284 g. Compare the number of pieces with the size of your group, and check the allergens on the packaging.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A chocolate gift to consider if your choice of flavours matters.
Contents: 288 g. Before sharing, check how each bar is wrapped and read the label, particularly if any recipients need to avoid allergens.
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Lindt Lindor assorted chocolate truffles 200 g
A box of truffles to consider as a personal chocolate gift.
Contents: 200 g. If you want to share the truffles with a group, check the number of pieces, whether they’re individually wrapped and the allergen information.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack 143 g
A small chocolate assortment to consider for a party table or for sharing.
Contents: 143 g. Check how many pieces are in the pack before choosing it for a group, and read the label to make sure it’s suitable for the recipients.
Frequently asked questions
What chocolate is practical for sharing at the procession?
Choose a pack that clearly states how many individual pieces it contains and has enough for your group. Jumbo says its 250 g merci box contains twenty individually wrapped bars. Also check the label for the people you plan to give them to.
Does a Sinterklaas gift have to be a chocolate letter or figure?
No. A letter or figure emphasises the festive theme, while an assorted box can be more convenient if several people want to choose a piece. Whichever you choose, check how many portions you’ll get and whether the ingredients are suitable for the recipients.
What should I look for on a box of chocolates?
At the very least, read the ingredients and clearly stated allergens on the exact box, as well as any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The NVWA stresses that pre-packed foods must provide readable information about their contents. If it’s a mixed box, don’t rely on the name or picture alone.
How should I store chocolate after the procession?
Follow the storage advice and best-before date on the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can keep chocolates in a kitchen cupboard after opening. A white bloom on chocolate is caused by fat rising to the surface and isn’t harmful.