For sharing at an informal get-together
If you want to put out something sweet with a drink, without making a gift of it, a pack of Dutch egg cakes is one option. Check how many cakes are in the pack and whether there are enough for your group.
Which option is right for you?
For a small thank-you gift
If you want the treat to feel like a thoughtful gesture too, a box of chocolates may be better suited to the occasion. An assortment also lets guests choose from different flavours.
For shoppers mindful of dietary requirements
If you’re buying for someone who needs to avoid certain allergens, check the specific packaging. A gluten-free Dutch egg cake is not automatically free from egg, milk or soya.
What should you consider when choosing?
Before choosing something to serve with drinks on the terrace, decide whether you mainly want something simple to share, a thank-you gift, or an option that caters for dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to share | Count the cakes or portions and compare the total with the number of people in your group. | If I want to put out a cake for everyone at an impromptu get-together, the main thing is whether the pack contains enough portions. For around 40% of consumers, ease of sharing comes first. |
| A thank-you gift and choice of flavours | Check the packaging, the flavours and the number of individual pieces. | If I want to thank someone, presentation and a choice of flavours matter more to me than just one type of biscuit. Around 40% of consumers prioritise that gift-giving gesture and variety. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the variant you’ve chosen. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in the treat before I take it along. For around 20% of consumers, checking for allergens is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Leaving a box of chocolates in the sun
Heat can affect the appearance and quality of chocolate, especially if you’re giving the box as a gift.
Carry the box somewhere sheltered and don’t leave it in direct sunlight on the terrace for long.
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Confusing gluten-free with allergen-free
The gluten-free Dutch egg cake described by Albert Heijn still contains egg, milk and soya. So a gluten-free label doesn’t mean it’s free from these other allergens.
Check the latest packaging for all the allergens your guest needs to avoid.
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Assuming everyone can eat Dutch egg cakes or chocolate
The regular AH Eierkoeken and Merci Gift Box described contain different allergens. That means one choice for the whole group may not be suitable for one of your guests.
Ask about any relevant allergies and, if necessary, choose a separate alternative with clear labelling on the packaging.
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Relying only on product information you’ve read before
Ingredients and allergen information can change, so the packaging on the product you buy is important when making your final choice.
Read the label again before serving the treat.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Bolletje
De Brosse Eierkoek is one option if you want to share Dutch egg cakes with an informal drink.
- Bolletje says the cake gets its light texture from whipped egg.
- The product information lists egg, milk, soya and gluten-containing cereals among the allergens. Check the packaging for any possible traces listed too.
AH
The regular and gluten-free AH Eierkoeken show why, when catering for dietary requirements, you need to choose the right variant rather than just the product category.
- According to Albert Heijn, the regular pack described contains 12 portions of 30 g, with 94 kcal per cake.
- The gluten-free variant described still contains egg, milk and soya. Check the latest packaging for any allergens relevant to your group.
Merci
The Gift Box described is a good fit for a thank-you, with a choice of different types of chocolate for guests.
- According to Albert Heijn, this Gift Box contains 32 individually wrapped chocolates in different varieties.
- This particular box contains milk, hazelnut, almond and soya, among other ingredients. Keep the chocolate away from the heat and check the latest allergen information.
Chocolate gifts and assorted packs on Joybuy
These products suit a chocolate gift or an assortment to share. Compare the packaging and check how many individual portions you can serve before buying.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift to consider for a thank-you or for sharing.
Contents: 288 g. Check the number of bars, the packaging and the allergens listed on the latest packaging.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate collection to consider as a small thank-you gift.
Contents: 125 g. If you’re planning a portion for every guest, check how many pieces are included and read the allergen information on the packaging.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A chocolate assortment to share with a group.
Contents: 385 g. Check the packaging to see how many individual portions are included and which allergens are listed.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
A chocolate assortment for an informal get-together.
Contents: 143 g. Check the number of pieces and the allergens on the latest packaging before choosing it for a group.
Frequently asked questions
When are Dutch egg cakes more convenient than a box of chocolates?
Dutch egg cakes are a good fit for an informal drink if you want to put out one cake per person. According to Albert Heijn, the regular pack described contains 12 portions of 30 g; also check that the allergens are suitable for your guests.
Is a regular Dutch egg cake suitable for someone who eats gluten-free?
Don’t assume a regular Dutch egg cake is suitable: the regular AH Eierkoeken described contain gluten-containing cereals. Albert Heijn also sells a clearly labelled gluten-free variant, but it still contains egg, milk and soya. So read the label on the variant you buy.
How should I take a box of chocolates to the terrace?
Carry the box somewhere sheltered and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. Don’t leave it in the full sun outside for long, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Can I ask about allergens in unpackaged snacks at a café or restaurant terrace?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, professional providers of unpackaged food in the Netherlands must give customers information about the 14 designated allergens. Ask about the allergens in the specific snack being served.