Host or carer
Looking for something easy to put on the table and share with coffee guests. If it’s a thank-you gift, the presentation of a box of chocolates might matter; for a casual coffee break, a pack of speculaas biscuits may be enough.
Who are you buying for?
Buyer mindful of portions
Wants to know in advance how many biscuits or chocolates will be served, and checks the portion size and nutritional information on the packaging.
Buyer with specific dietary considerations
Checks that the ingredients, allergens and texture are suitable for the recipient. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses that older people’s nutritional needs can vary, so there’s no one-size-fits-all choice for everyone.
What should you consider?
Plain speculaas biscuits
Best for: a casual coffee break when you want to serve a biscuit; Lotus Biscoff itself suggests enjoying them with coffee.
Bear in mind: their crunchy texture may not be suitable if chewing or swallowing is difficult.
Box of chocolates
Best for: a thank-you gift or a coffee break where guests can choose from different chocolates.
Bear in mind: boxes vary in contents, portion sizes and allergens; the fact that it’s an assortment doesn’t tell you much about these.
Chocolate-coated speculaas
Best for: someone who’d like both speculaas and chocolate with their coffee.
Bear in mind: the biscuit is crunchy. Check its nutritional value on the label rather than assuming this option is a lighter choice.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing or giving as a gift | Check the pack size, variety of flavours and whether the contents can be handed out in individual portions. | If I’m bringing something for several coffee guests, I want everyone to be able to choose and share easily. For around 40% of consumers, sharing or giving as a gift is the priority. |
| Portion size and nutritional value | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g on a like-for-like basis, and think about how much you actually want to serve. | I want to offer a small treat and know how it fits into someone’s usual diet. Around 30% of consumers give portion size and nutritional value the highest priority. |
| Ease of eating and allergens | Check the current ingredients and allergen information, and make sure the texture is suitable for the recipient. | If someone has a known allergy or difficulty chewing, I don’t want to rely on the appearance of the box alone. For around 20% of consumers, suitability for the individual matters most. |
| A familiar flavour | Choose the type of speculaas you want and check that its texture and ingredients suit the recipient. | For a simple coffee break, I’d prefer the flavour of speculaas to gift packaging. This is the main consideration for around 10% of consumers. |
Pitfalls to avoid when buying
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Choosing chocolate because you expect it to be healthier
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes chocolate as high in calories and saturated fat. Choosing a box of chocolates is therefore not a health-focused choice.
Choose based on flavour, how easy it is to share and the portion you want to serve, rather than an assumed health benefit.
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Buying the same treat for every older person
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, illness, reduced appetite and other individual circumstances can affect what someone needs or is able to eat.
Before buying, ask about any known allergies, difficulties chewing or swallowing, and personal dietary requirements.
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Reading only the front of the pack
A product name or claim doesn’t tell you which ingredients and nutritional values apply to the particular variety you’ve chosen.
Use the current ingredients list and nutritional information to compare products on a like-for-like basis. Then check how many pieces you want to serve.
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Putting out a large box without planning portions
A large pack doesn’t tell you how many biscuits or chocolates are intended for one coffee break.
Decide in advance what you’ll put on the table, and follow the storage instructions for the rest of the pack.
Brands to consider
Lotus Biscoff
Lotus Biscoff presents its speculaas biscuits as a treat to enjoy with coffee and also offers a chocolate-coated variety.
- A useful option if you’re choosing between plain speculaas biscuits and a chocolate-coated variety.
- Your choice still depends on the texture, ingredients and portion size of the specific pack.
merci
merci offers chocolate assortments that work well as a thank-you gift or for sharing.
- Jumbo describes merci chocolates as individually wrapped and suitable for handing out or serving with coffee.
- Check the contents, allergens and portion sizes of each box; the general description of the brand doesn’t necessarily apply to every variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo has online categories for chocolate gifts, bonbons and pralines, making it easy to compare different types of box.
- A useful starting point for comparing packaging and product types.
- Check the details of the specific box; being part of the range doesn’t mean it’s suitable for the recipient.
Products to enjoy with coffee or share
These products offer two options for a coffee break: speculaas biscuits to serve, and chocolate boxes to take along or share. Check whether the contents and portion sizes of each product suit your plans.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack – 288 g
A box of chocolates to take along or share when visiting someone.
Contents: 288 g. Check the current packaging if individual portions, allergens or texture are important.
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merci Petits Chocolate Collection – 125 g
A chocolate collection to take along as a small thank-you gift or serve with coffee.
Contents: 125 g. Before choosing this box for a particular recipient, check the number of pieces, individual wrapping, allergens and texture.
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g'woon Almond Speculaas – 400 g
A speculaas option for anyone who’d rather serve biscuits than a box of chocolates with coffee.
Contents: 400 g; the product name mentions almonds. Check the current label if allergies are a concern, and make sure the texture is suitable if chewing or swallowing is difficult.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack – 143 g
A chocolate assortment for a casual get-together.
Contents: 143 g. Check the current packaging for the selection, number of pieces, allergens and whether the chocolates can be shared in individual portions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a box of chocolates a healthy choice for older people?
No. Don’t choose a box of chocolates because you expect it to have health benefits. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that chocolate is high in calories and saturated fat. When serving a treat, decide on the portion size and take any individual dietary requirements into account.
What should I check if the recipient has type 2 diabetes?
Don’t rely on a general claim that speculaas or chocolate is suitable for people with diabetes. Check the portion size and nutritional information on the current packaging, and make your choice in line with the person’s dietary advice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that tailored advice may be needed.
Should I check for allergens in speculaas biscuits and boxes of chocolates?
Yes. If someone has a known allergy, always check the current packaging for the specific variety you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods; ingredients can vary between biscuits and chocolates.
How should I store a box of chocolates or a pack of speculaas biscuits?
Follow the use-by or best-before date and any storage instructions on the specific pack. Check the label again once it’s open, as instructions can vary between products.