Organisers of large coffee breaks
They want to hand out treats quickly and count in advance how many portions are available. For example, Albert Heijn lists Lotus Biscoff Speculoos XL as containing ten bags, each with two biscuits.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Organisers thanking speakers or business contacts
They’re looking for a presentation box that can serve as a small gift. An assortment gives the recipient a choice; Jumbo describes a merci box containing eight varieties of chocolate.
Caterers responsible for allergen information
They need to be able to check which allergens are present in the products they choose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that businesses must inform consumers about the allergens present in food sold without packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the treats are for a coffee break or as a thank-you. Then check the portions and allergen information on the packaging you intend to use.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this most? |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of handing out | Count the individual portions and check how many biscuits or chocolates each one contains. Albert Heijn lists Lotus Biscoff Speculoos XL as containing ten bags, each with two biscuits. | When I’m buying for a busy coffee break, I want to be able to count the portions and lay them out quickly. Around 42% of consumers say ease of handing out is their top priority. |
| Gift presentation | Check the presentation packaging, the number of pieces and the varieties included. The merci box described by Jumbo contains 20 individually wrapped bars in eight varieties. | For a speaker or business contact, I’d rather give a more thoughtful thank-you than a standard biscuit with coffee. Gift presentation matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Check the latest ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible traces. If serving food without packaging, make sure guests can get information about the allergens present before eating, as required by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. | When I’m arranging food for a group, I need to be able to tell people with allergies what’s being served. Clear allergen information is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a vegan label means a product is allergen-free
Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff Speculoos XL as suitable for vegans, but also lists wheat and soya. A dietary label doesn’t replace an allergen check.
Read the latest packaging before offering the product to guests with specific dietary requirements.
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Judging a box of chocolates by its outer packaging
An assortment may contain several ingredients and allergens. For the merci box described by Jumbo, milk, almonds, hazelnuts and soya are among the relevant allergens.
Before buying, check the full allergen information for the box you’ve chosen, including any warnings about possible traces.
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Counting a gift box as a set portion for a break
A box of individually wrapped chocolates isn’t automatically suited to giving one piece to each attendee. The merci box described by Jumbo contains 20 bars.
Decide how many pieces you want to hand out and check that the box contains enough before buying for a large group.
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Serving unwrapped biscuits or chocolate without allergen information
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses must inform consumers about allergens present in food sold without packaging.
Keep the product packaging or checked allergen information available where you’re serving the food, so guests can refer to it before eating.
Brands and retailers to consider
Lotus Biscoff
Speculoos biscuits to enjoy with coffee or tea. Alongside a regular pack, Albert Heijn lists an XL version with ten bags of two biscuits each.
- The XL pack described makes it easy to count the sealed portions in advance.
- The vegan label for this version doesn’t mean it’s free from wheat or soya; check the latest label.
merci
Chocolate assortments for thank-yous or handing out small treats. Jumbo describes a 250 g box with 20 individually wrapped bars in eight varieties.
- The box reviewed combines presentation packaging with a choice of different varieties.
- Check the allergens in the whole assortment and follow the storage advice to protect it from heat.
Choceur
ALDI’s chocolate brand. ALDI lists products including 300 g pralines with a crunchy filling.
- A box of pralines offers a different presentation from individual biscuits with coffee.
- For catering, check the ingredients, allergens and portions on the packaging of the variety you choose.
Sondey
Lidl’s biscuit brand, including a speculoos product for in-store purchases.
- The speculoos product offers a biscuit option for a coffee break.
- Before serving, check the packaging for portion sizes, ingredients and allergens.
Albert Heijn
A retailer, not a product brand. Its product information can help you compare the portion sizes of Lotus Biscoff packs.
- The XL version described lists the number of bags and biscuits in each bag.
- Use the latest product label for your final allergen check.
Jumbo
A retailer, not a product brand. The merci assortment box described shows what you can compare when choosing a box of chocolates.
- The product information lists the number of bars, the varieties and storage advice.
- Check the latest packaging for ingredients and allergens before handing it out.
Products for breaks and thank-yous
These Joybuy products include biscuits for a coffee break and a chocolate gift box for saying thank you. Compare the contents with the number of attendees, and always check the latest packaging when serving.
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Hellema Smoeltjes Speculaas, 8 pieces, 200 g
A speculoos option for a coffee break. Check how many biscuits you want to give each attendee and read the latest allergen information.
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LU Scholiertje milk chocolate biscuits, 150 g
For anyone who’d like a milk chocolate biscuit with their coffee. Before buying for a group, check the portion sizes and allergens on the latest packaging.
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Tony's Chocolonely chocolate gift box, 288 g
A chocolate gift box to consider as a thank-you. Check what’s inside, whether the pieces can be handed out individually, and which allergens are relevant to the intended recipients.
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g'woon Coffee Biscuits, 250 g
A biscuit option to enjoy with coffee or tea. Check the packaging to see how many biscuits you can hand out, how they’re packed and which allergens are listed.
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Lotus Biscoff speculoos biscuits, 250 g
A speculoos option for a coffee break. Check that the pack suits the way you want to serve the biscuits, and read the latest label carefully, especially the information about wheat and soya.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have allergen information available when catering?
Yes. If you’re a business serving food to consumers without packaging, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says you must inform them about the allergens present. Make sure this information is available before the food is eaten. For pre-packaged food, allergen information is shown on the label.
Are vegan biscuits suitable for everyone with dietary requirements?
No. A vegan label doesn’t mean a biscuit is free from allergens. Albert Heijn describes Lotus Biscoff Speculoos XL as suitable for vegans, but also lists wheat and soya. Check the latest packaging for the specific ingredients and allergens that are relevant to your guests.
How should I store boxes of chocolates during a conference?
Follow the storage advice on the box you’ve chosen, and protect the chocolate from heat if the packaging says to do so. Jumbo explicitly mentions this for the merci box described; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises following the storage instructions and best-before date on unopened packaging.