If you want to give someone a gift
If you want to give a host or colleague a little something, a chocolate gift is a familiar choice. Albert Heijn and Jumbo have dedicated categories for this kind of gift packaging.
Which option is right for whom?
If you want to put something on the table
A chocolate selection can offer a range of flavours for several guests. Before sharing it, check the ingredients and allergens listed on the box.
If you’re hosting an informal coffee get-together
If it’s not a gift, Dutch egg cakes can make a simple treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek as a snack; if guests have allergies, check the label on biscuits too.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether you want to give something to someone or share it with your guests. Then choose the right size and check the packaging for allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gift appeal | Check whether it comes in gift packaging and compare the net weight. | I want something I can give straight to a host or colleague. For around 44% of consumers, gift appeal comes first. |
| Sharing and choice of flavours | Check the number of items or portions, the flavours and the allergens listed on the packaging. | If several guests will be sharing, I want to know whether there’s enough choice without overlooking any allergies. Sharing is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Informal coffee break | Decide whether you’re looking for a treat to put on the table, then check the quantity and allergens. | For coffee or tea, I just need something simple, not a gift to hand over. Around 23% of consumers say an informal treat is their top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming Dutch egg cakes are an obvious Christmas gift
A snack to put on the table doesn’t always serve the same purpose as a gift you hand to someone.
Choose a chocolate gift if giving something is the main aim; save Dutch egg cakes for an informal get-together.
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Assuming a mixed box will suit every guest
Different types of chocolate may contain different allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information on the label is important for people with food allergies.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact product, and if someone has a severe allergy, check in advance what’s suitable for them.
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Counting on a seasonal product without checking stock
Christmas chocolate is part of seasonal ranges, so your preferred product may not necessarily be available when you go shopping.
Check stock shortly before the party and consider whether a standard box of chocolates would also suit your needs.
Having to find something else at the last minute takes extra time.
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Overlooking the storage advice
If you buy a box well ahead of the party, store it according to the instructions on the packaging until you’re ready to give or share it.
Check the best-before date, storage advice and packaging before giving the product as a gift or putting it out on the table.
Brands and shops to explore
Bolletje
An option for Dutch egg cakes at an informal coffee get-together, rather than a box of chocolates as a gift.
- Bolletje presents Brosse Eierkoek as a snack.
- Check the allergens on the label of your chosen variety before serving it to guests.
Verkade
A chocolate brand to explore if a bar or another product to share is also an option.
- Verkade’s range includes milk, white and dark chocolate, as well as hazelnut chocolate.
- Check whether the size and packaging of each product are right for a gift or for sharing at the table.
Albert Heijn
A shop where you can compare chocolate gifts by packaging and size.
- Albert Heijn has a dedicated category for chocolate gifts, including gift boxes.
- Check the latest product information and label for the box you choose.
Jumbo
A shop where you can compare gift boxes and chocolate selections.
- Jumbo’s chocolate gifts category includes both selections and gift boxes.
- A variety of flavours doesn’t mean a product is suitable for people with allergies; check each product individually.
Lidl
A shop to explore if a Christmas theme matters to you.
- Lidl points to its Deluxe range for Christmas gifts and products for the festive table.
- Check the specific product and packaging if you’re looking to give a box of chocolates.
Aldi
A shop to explore for seasonal chocolate and festive biscuits.
- Aldi includes chocolate and biscuits in its Christmas range.
- Check which seasonal products are available shortly before you buy, and read the label of your chosen product.
Chocolate for a gift or party table
These Joybuy products are chocolate options to give as a gift or share at a Christmas party. Pay particular attention to the size, and if you’re sharing with a group, check how many individual pieces are in the pack.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate tasting pack to give as a gift or enjoy together.
Net weight: 288 g. Check the allergens, best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A chocolate selection to put out on the party table or give as a gift.
Net weight: 385 g. If you’re planning portions for a group, check how many individual chocolates are in the pack, and read the allergen information on the packaging.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A smaller chocolate gift, perhaps for a host or colleague.
Net weight: 125 g. If you want to share the collection with several guests, check the packaging for the number of chocolates inside; remember to check the allergens too.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
A chocolate selection for guests to enjoy together.
Net weight: 143 g. Check the number of portions for your group and read the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Are Dutch egg cakes suitable as a Christmas gift?
Dutch egg cakes are best as an informal treat with coffee or tea. If you want to give something to a host or colleague, a chocolate gift is a more obvious choice. Bolletje presents its Brosse Eierkoek as a snack, while Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer dedicated chocolate gifts.
How do I choose chocolate to share with several guests?
For a chocolate selection, check the net weight and the number of individual pieces or portions on the packaging. Different flavours offer more choice, but be sure to check the ingredients and allergens across the whole box too.
Which allergens should I check in Dutch egg cakes and chocolate?
Read the allergen information for the exact product you’re buying, as ingredients vary from one product to another. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the allergen information on labels. If guests have food allergies, don’t rely on the brand name or product image alone.
How should I store a box of chocolates until the Christmas party?
Follow the storage advice and best-before date on the packaging, and check the box before giving it as a gift. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a white coating on chocolate may be fat that has come to the surface. Check the product and packaging individually before serving the chocolate.
Can I rely on seasonal Christmas chocolate being available?
Check current stock if you have a specific Christmas product in mind. Aldi describes festive chocolate and biscuits as seasonal products, but that doesn’t guarantee that the item you want will be available when you shop.