If you want to say thank you
A box of chocolates can be handed over as a gift or put out for guests. Check whether your chosen box contains an assortment and how many individual chocolates it includes.
Which option is right for you?
If you want guests to help themselves
Individual chocolates or bars of Dutch breakfast cake need no slicing. If you choose a whole, unsliced cake, you’ll need to arrange serving in advance.
If you’d also like to offer a cake option
Dutch breakfast cake comes in different formats, including sliced cake and bars. Compare the ingredients and allergen information for each variety before choosing one for your guests.
What should you look for when choosing?
Box of chocolates
Ideal for: a thank-you or a treat guests can share without cutting, provided the box contains individual chocolates.
Keep in mind: an assortment may contain several allergens, so check the packaging for your guests’ needs.
Dutch breakfast cake
Ideal for: a cake option alongside drinks, served in slices or bars, for example.
Keep in mind: a whole cake needs slicing, and ingredients and allergens vary by variety.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gift and presentation | Check whether the box contains an assortment and how many chocolates it includes. | If I want to thank someone, I need to be able to hand over or put out the treat straight away. For around 37% of consumers, the gift aspect matters most. |
| Easy to share | Compare the number of chocolates, bars or slices with the number of guests, and check whether anything needs cutting. | With a changing group of guests, I want everyone to be able to help themselves. Around 36% of consumers prioritise ease of sharing. |
| Cake option and ingredients | Choose a suitable serving format and read the ingredients and allergen information for that variety. | If I’d rather offer cake too, I want to know what I’m putting out and how to serve it. This is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a box of chocolates without checking the allergens
An assortment can contain different ingredients in each type of chocolate. The Merci Assorted Chocolate Box, 250 g, described by Jumbo contains milk, soya, almonds and hazelnuts, among other ingredients, and may also contain peanuts and egg.
Ask whether anyone has any relevant allergies, and check the current allergen information on the packaging you choose.
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Assuming the total weight tells you how many portions you’ll get
A box of individual chocolates is shared differently from a pack of Dutch breakfast cake that still needs slicing. Weight alone doesn’t tell you how many guests can help themselves.
Count the chocolates, bars or slices, and choose a serving format that suits your group.
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Assuming a product will always be available
A product listed in an online range may not be available at your shop on the day you want to buy it.
Check that your chosen variety is available at your shop or in your delivery area before planning your get-together around it.
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Assuming Dutch breakfast cake is automatically allergen-free
Dutch breakfast cake can also contain ingredients that you’ll need to consider if any guests have allergies. Albert Heijn lists rye, soya, almonds and hazelnuts, among other ingredients, in Peijnenburg Overheerlijk chocolate breakfast cake.
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety you plan to serve.
Brands and shops to explore
Peijnenburg
Dutch breakfast cake for anyone who wants to offer a cake option with drinks.
- Albert Heijn provides ingredients and allergen information for the chocolate variety.
- Check your chosen variety and its current availability; information for one variety doesn’t apply to all Dutch breakfast cakes.
Albert Heijn
A shop with product information for both Dutch breakfast cake and chocolate gifts.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Merci Gift Box, 400 g, contains 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars.
- Check the packaging when you buy, especially if any guests have allergies.
Jumbo
A shop with separate online categories for Dutch breakfast cake and chocolate gifts.
- These categories make it easy to browse both types of product.
- The Merci Assorted Chocolate Box, 250 g, described by Jumbo contains allergens; check that your chosen box is suitable for your guests.
PLUS
A shop with an online range of different types of Dutch breakfast cake.
- The range includes sliced cake and bars.
- A particular gift box may not be available at every selected shop.
ALDI
A shop where you can browse chocolate options as well as Dutch breakfast cake.
- The product pages include a luxury Dutch breakfast cake and praline truffles.
- Check any limited-time products on the day you buy; the breakfast cake mentioned is available while stocks last.
Products for Friday afternoon drinks
This selection of Joybuy products includes chocolate packs for a treat or thank-you, plus sliced Dutch breakfast cake as a cake option. Check how many portions you can serve from each pack.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A gift pack of chocolates to say thank you or share as a treat with drinks.
The pack contains 288 g. Check how many individual chocolates it includes if you’re planning portions for your guests.
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Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
A matcha chocolate option if you want to hand out individual pieces rather than choosing a box with assorted flavours.
The product name states that it contains nine pieces and 104,4 g. Check the best-before date if you’re buying well in advance.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
An assortment of chocolates to put out when you want to give guests a choice.
The pack contains 385 g. Check the number of chocolates on the packaging if you want every guest to be able to have a portion.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A smaller pack of chocolates to give as a thank-you or put out with drinks.
The pack contains 125 g. Check how many chocolates it includes if you’re buying for a group.
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g'woon sliced Dutch breakfast cake, 485 g
A cake option alongside chocolate if you want to serve slices without having to cut a whole cake first.
The sliced Dutch breakfast cake weighs 485 g. Check how many slices there are for portion planning, and read the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a box of chocolates instead of Dutch breakfast cake?
Choose a box of chocolates if the treat is also a thank-you, or if guests need to be able to help themselves without anything being cut. Check how many individual chocolates it contains; sliced Dutch breakfast cake or bars are a better choice if you specifically want to offer a cake option.
Which allergens should I check for Friday afternoon drinks?
Check the allergen information for every product you choose, even if you’re buying Dutch breakfast cake as an alternative to chocolate. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirements for allergen labelling; the allergens present vary from product to product.
Does all Dutch breakfast cake contain iodine from baker’s salt?
Don’t assume so based on the name Dutch breakfast cake. Check the ingredients on the packaging you choose if the type of salt used matters to you.
What should I look for if I’m buying chocolate before Friday afternoon drinks?
Check the best-before date and follow the storage advice on the packaging. Keep chocolate away from heat; the product information for the Merci Gift Box described by Albert Heijn recommends this too.
Can I use online nutritional information to compare products?
Yes. Use online nutritional information to compare products, then check the packaging for your chosen variety when it arrives. Compare values on the same basis, such as per 100 g or per portion.