Joybuy Insights

Choosing chocolate snacks: how to find bars, biscuits and international favourites to suit you

Buying chocolate snacks seems simple until you have to choose between dark chocolate, chocolate biscuits, wafers, filled bars and international treats. Packaging featuring words such as “intense”, “premium” or “extra rich” does not always tell you what you are actually getting. The cocoa percentage, ingredients list and format often give you a clearer picture.

Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer helps you compare marketing language with verifiable product information. That way, you can make a more informed choice, whether you want a snack with your coffee, a supply for home or a chocolate gift.

Three common pitfalls when choosing chocolate snacks

1. A high cocoa percentage does not tell you everything

Dark chocolate with 70%, 78% or 90% cocoa generally has a more powerful cocoa profile than milk chocolate. However, the percentage is not the only factor that determines the flavour. The amount of sugar, the type of cocoa product and any added ingredients also play a part.

A bar with 90% cocoa may be too bitter for some people, while 70% is a more approachable starting point. So look at both the percentage and the nutrition table. For example, Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark states that it contains at least 90% cocoa and 7 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate states that it contains at least 70% cocoa and 29 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

2. “Chocolate” in the name does not always mean a chocolate bar

With chocolate biscuits, chocolate wafers and filled bars, part of the product consists of flour, oil, sugar or filling. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it creates a different snacking experience from a plain dark chocolate bar.

Pay particular attention to where cocoa or chocolate appears in the ingredients list. A biscuit may contain, for example, at least 9% chocolate, as is the case with quduoduo Chunky Cookies. With a wafer or biscuit, the ratio of biscuit, cream and coating also determines how much chocolate you taste in each bite.

3. Allergens and serving size are easy to overlook

Many chocolate snacks contain or may contain traces of milk, soya, nuts, gluten or egg. This also applies to products that may appear at first glance to consist only of chocolate and fruit. Always read the label on the packaging, particularly if you have an allergy or intolerance.

Also check the net weight. A 180 g bar is suitable for sharing or storing in several portions, while a 32 to 72 g bag is more convenient for eating on the go.

The key purchasing criteria explained

Cocoa percentage and flavour

  • 70% cocoa: a distinct dark chocolate flavour that is generally more approachable.
  • 78% cocoa: a more intense option for dark chocolate lovers.
  • 85% to 90% cocoa: a powerful, less sweet choice with a pronounced cocoa flavour.
  • 42% cocoa in dark milk chocolate: a smoother combination of milk, sweetness and a darker flavour profile.

The cocoa percentage is not a health claim and does not automatically indicate the product’s overall nutritional value. Use it mainly as an indicator of flavour.

Ingredients, allergens and added extras

Check whether the snack contains nuts, fruit, biscuits or filling. Chocolate with nuts may contain almonds or hazelnuts, for example. With chocolate with orange, the product may also contain almonds, milk and soya as well as orange.

According to the product information, Lindt Excellence Dark Orange Chocolate contains, among other ingredients, 7% almonds and 7% orange preparation. The AE Chocodate varieties combine dates with almonds and a chocolate coating. According to the product information, these products are suitable for vegetarians, but they do contain milk, soya and nuts.

Format, packaging and storage tips

An individually wrapped snack is practical for a desk, lunch box or treat. A bar is more convenient when you want to decide the portion sizes yourself. Store chocolate in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat or moisture. After buying, check the best-before date on the packaging; this may vary from batch to batch.

For a tasting session, you could combine a dark chocolate bar with a bag of biscuits, a Turkish snack or Korean snacks such as chocolate sticks. With international products, take extra care to check the Dutch or European labelling and allergen information.

Recommended chocolate snacks by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate - 100 g

Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate - 100 g

Why it suits this profile: A 100 g bar containing at least 70% cocoa is a straightforward choice if you want to try dark chocolate without going straight for a very high cocoa percentage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The cocoa percentage and weight are clearly stated in the product information, allowing you to compare the bar with other chocolate bars.

Key benefit & highlights

100 g; at least 70% cocoa; ingredients based on cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter and vanilla.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark - 100 g

Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark - 100 g

Why it suits this profile: Designed for dark chocolate lovers who value a high cocoa percentage and a simple ingredients list.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states at least 90% cocoa and lists possible traces of hazelnuts, nuts, milk and soya.

Key benefit & highlights

100 g; 90% cocoa; 7 g sugar per 100 g according to the supplied nutritional information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent snackers
Tony's Chocolonely Pure 70% Dark Chocolate - 180 g

Tony's Chocolonely Pure 70% Dark Chocolate - 180 g

Why it suits this profile: The 180 g format is ideal for sharing, baking or enjoying over several coffee breaks. According to the product information, the bar is Fairtrade and suitable for vegetarians.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product states that it contains at least 70% cocoa, gives the weight and lists allergens such as soya and possible traces of nuts, egg, milk and gluten.

Key benefit & highlights

180 g; at least 70% cocoa; suitable for sharing, recipes and everyday enjoyment.

Suitable for: Gift-givers and fans of fruity combinations
AE Chocodate Dark Chocolate 90g

AE Chocodate Dark Chocolate 90g

Why it suits this profile: Dates with chocolate and almonds offer an alternative to traditional bars. The compact format is suitable for sharing or giving as a gift.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that the dark chocolate contains 85% cocoa solids and identifies almonds, milk and soya as allergens.

Key benefit & highlights

90 g; at least 85% cocoa in the chocolate; a combination of dates and whole almonds.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Other types to compare

If you prefer texture to a pure chocolate flavour, consider chocolate wafers and biscuits. Franzzi Mellow Dark Chocolate Flavoured Cookies are individually wrapped and weigh 115 grams. For a smaller format, there are Franzzi Premium Cookies at 70 grams. Fans of Turkish chocolate can choose from Ülker and Biscolata products, among others. If you want to try Korean snacks, you will find chocolate sticks such as Samyoung Crunky Big Choco Sticks and LOTTE Pepero.

For a smoother flavour, Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Milk with at least 42% cocoa, Lindt chocolate with 78% cocoa or Lindt Dark Orange with orange and almond are logical points of comparison. When choosing a chocolate gift, pay particular attention to the size, packaging, shelf life and any allergens.

Frequently asked questions about chocolate snacks

Which chocolate snack is suitable for someone who finds dark chocolate too bitter?

Start with a bar containing around 70% cocoa or choose dark milk chocolate. A product with orange, nuts, biscuits or dates can make the flavour milder. A percentage of 85% or 90% is mainly suitable when someone appreciates a powerful cocoa flavour.

How should you store chocolate snacks?

Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Seal opened packaging as securely as possible. With biscuits and wafers, an airtight container helps them stay crisp for longer. Always follow the storage instructions on the label.

Are chocolate biscuits and wafers suitable as a chocolate gift?

They can be, particularly if the recipient enjoys trying international snacks or different textures. For example, combine a bar of Belgian chocolate with chocolate biscuits, a Turkish snack or a box of dates with chocolate. Check the allergens and remaining shelf life beforehand.