Which option is right for you?

Host looking to hand out chocolate

If guests can help themselves, individually wrapped pieces and a suitable number of chocolates per box are practical points to compare. Jumbo and Albert Heijn offer these kinds of chocolate assortments.

Buying a gift for a special occasion

For a gift for the host or someone celebrating a birthday, the packaging, number of pieces and mix of flavours matter as well as the weight. Albert Heijn offers chocolate gifts in a range of sizes.

Organiser catering for guests with allergies

If any guests have food allergies, the information on the exact packaging is essential. A chocolate assortment might contain milk, nuts and soya, for example. Check in advance which ingredients are relevant to your guests.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re putting out chocolate for several guests or bringing a gift for one person. If you’re actually looking for currant buns, compare bakery products rather than boxes of chocolates.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Easy to share Check how many pieces are individually wrapped and how many pieces are in the box. If I’m putting out chocolate for several guests, I want everyone to be able to help themselves; around 40% of consumers put ease of sharing first.
Gift and contents Compare the gift packaging, number of pieces and flavours listed. If I’m bringing something for one host or birthday guest, I want to choose a box that suits them. Gift presentation is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.
Allergens and storage Read the allergen information and any warnings on the packaging you’ve chosen. Also check the best-before date and storage advice. If guests need to avoid certain foods because of allergies, I want to know exactly what’s in the box before putting it out. For around 30% of consumers, checking the label comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a mixed box of chocolates is suitable for every guest

    An assortment may contain a range of allergens. Jumbo’s information for its Merci Assorted Chocolates Box lists milk, hazelnuts, almonds and soya, among other ingredients, as well as warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

    Ask guests with relevant allergies in advance what they need to avoid, and read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the packaging you buy.

  • Putting the chocolate out early in a warm spot

    According to the product information, the assortment box mentioned should be protected from heat. Storage advice may differ for other chocolate products.

    Follow the label and, once outside, put the box out in a sheltered spot that isn’t warm.

  • Treating currant buns and boxes of chocolates as interchangeable options

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt is used in bread and bread substitutes; this tells you nothing about what’s in a box of chocolates. And just because a brand is known for bakery products, that doesn’t automatically make it a supplier of chocolate gifts.

    Decide whether you’re looking for a bakery treat or chocolate. Then check the ingredients information for the product you actually want to buy.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s chocolate gifts category includes a range of gift packaging and box sizes.

  • You can compare a smaller gift box with a larger sharing box and check the contents listed for each.
  • Always check the packaging of the item you choose for ingredients, nutritional information and allergens; product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists its 250 g Merci Assorted Chocolates Box as containing 20 individually wrapped chocolate bars.

  • The stated number of pieces helps you decide whether the box is suitable for the number of people you want to share it with.
  • The listed allergens and warnings mean it may not be a suitable choice for every guest.

Bolletje

Bolletje is known, among other things, for crispbread. That’s a bakery product, not a box of chocolates.

  • The brand may be relevant if you decide to look at bakery products.
  • Don’t assume anything about currant buns or chocolate gifts based on the brand name or information about crispbread.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is individually wrapped chocolate handy for sharing at a garden party?

It can be handy if guests need to be able to help themselves. Jumbo lists its 250 g Merci Assorted Chocolates Box as containing 20 individually wrapped bars. For a different box, compare the actual number of pieces and check the ingredients too.

Which allergens should I check in a box of chocolates?

Check the label on the exact box for any allergens that are relevant to your guests. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed. Jumbo’s product information for the Merci Assorted Chocolates Box lists milk, hazelnuts, almonds and soya, among other ingredients, as well as warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

How should I store chocolate for an outdoor party?

Follow the storage advice on the packaging and don’t leave the chocolate somewhere warm. For unopened boxes of chocolates, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends checking the best-before date. Jumbo says its Merci assortment should be protected from heat.

Does the comment about iodine in baker’s salt have anything to do with a box of chocolates?

No, it doesn’t tell you what’s in a box of chocolates. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses baker’s salt in relation to bread and bread substitutes. If you choose currant buns instead of chocolate, check the ingredients on the label or ask the baker.