Choose Dutch syrup waffles if you mainly want to put out a biscuit with the coffee that guests can help themselves to. A box of chocolates is a better fit if you’re looking for a thank-you gift, individually wrapped pieces or a choice of flavours. For either option, check the portions and the label. With chocolate, also bear in mind the storage instructions during transport and before serving.
You want to put something on the table for several guests to help themselves to, without much preparation. A pack of mini Dutch syrup waffles and a chocolate assortment are two different options. Focus on the number of pieces and the packaging.
You want something that feels like a thoughtful gesture, too. A box of individually wrapped chocolates or a tin of Dutch syrup waffles presented as a gift may be a better fit than an ordinary sharing bag.
If allergies or alcohol are a concern for any of your guests, start with the specific packaging. Check the ingredients and allergens on the product you’re actually buying, even if you already know the brand.
First decide whether the treat is mainly for the coffee table or as a thank-you gift. Then check that the packaging suits your group and that you can store it as instructed.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee and sharing | Check the number of pieces and whether guests can easily help themselves. Lidl lists approximately 37 mini butter Dutch syrup waffles per 316 g pack. | If I want to put something out with the coffee, I want everyone to be able to help themselves to a biscuit without any preparation. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this ease of sharing. |
| Gift presentation | Check whether you want a gift box and whether the pieces are individually wrapped. Albert Heijn lists 32 individually wrapped bars in its 400 g Merci Gift Box. | If you want to thank a host, you want the packaging to feel like a thoughtful gesture, too. For around 20% of consumers, presentation is the first consideration. |
| Ingredients | Check the current label for allergens. For pralines, also check whether they contain alcohol. If necessary, ask the group about any relevant allergies in advance. | If someone at the table has an allergy or wants to avoid alcohol, I don’t want to rely on the front of the box. Around 33% of consumers prioritise checking the ingredients. |
| Practical availability | Check in good time whether you can get your chosen pack from your shop or through your preferred ordering method. Lidl states that its mini Dutch syrup waffles are available in store only. | If I need the treat for a particular occasion, I want to know whether I can collect it or have it delivered in time. For around 20% of consumers, this is the main practical consideration. |
A pack containing different chocolates doesn’t mean that every guest can eat them. The Celebrations mix described by PLUS contains milk, peanuts, wheat, soya and egg, among other ingredients, and may contain nuts.
If you’re hosting a small group, ask about any relevant allergies if necessary and read the label on the exact pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that prepacked products must show allergen information on the label.
Storage instructions can determine whether a box is practical to take with you. PLUS says its Belchic cream pralines should be stored in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C.
Read the storage instructions for your chosen box before buying, and take them into account during transport and storage.
A box of pralines isn’t necessarily alcohol-free: PLUS’s product information lists 0.3% alcohol for its Belchic cream pralines.
For your chosen variety, check the ingredients and stated alcohol percentage if this matters for the occasion or your guests.
Daelmans is a Dutch syrup waffle brand with its own Dutch online shop.
Albert Heijn lists products including the 400 g Merci Gift Box.
PLUS lists both a Celebrations assortment for sharing and a box of Belchic cream pralines.
Lidl lists a pack of Sondey mini butter Dutch syrup waffles for an informal coffee table.
These Joybuy products show a range of chocolate options for a coffee morning, from gift boxes to assortments and a sharing bag. If you’re looking for Dutch syrup waffles to serve with coffee, use the selection criteria above. A sharing bag won’t have the same presentation as a gift box.
Image unavailable
A chocolate gift to consider if you’d like to take something along to a coffee morning. Check whether the pieces are individually wrapped if you want to hand them out separately.
Contents: 288 g. Check the current label if allergens are a concern for your guests.
Image unavailable
A chocolate assortment to put on the table when guests would like a choice of different chocolates. Check the number of pieces if you want to plan the portions in advance.
Contents: 385 g. If allergies are a concern, read the label on the pack you’re buying.
Image unavailable
A smaller chocolate collection to consider if the treat is mainly intended as a thank-you gift. If you plan to hand out individual pieces, check how the chocolates are packaged.
Contents: 125 g. If allergies are a concern, check the ingredients on the current label.
Image unavailable
A sharing bag for an informal treat on the table, rather than a box of chocolates to give as a gift. If individual portions are important, think in advance about how you’ll serve the contents.
Contents: 176 g. Check the current label if allergens are a concern.
Image unavailable
A chocolate assortment to consider for an informal coffee table. Check the number of pieces and the packaging if you’d like to give everyone something individually.
Contents: 143 g. Read the current label for ingredients and allergens.
Choose Dutch syrup waffles if you mainly want to serve a biscuit with the coffee; choose a box of chocolates if the thank-you gift or presentation matters more. Before deciding, consider the size of your group, the packaging and the ingredients for either option.
Read the allergen information on the label of the exact pack, and if necessary ask in advance which allergies you need to consider. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that prepacked products must show allergen information on the label. Don’t rely on the product name or type of assortment alone.
Check the ingredients again whenever you buy the same product. The variety you choose and its current label are what matter if you need to take allergens into account.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose, including during transport. PLUS says its Belchic cream pralines should be stored in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C; that guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other boxes of chocolates.
No, you can’t assume that all pralines are alcohol-free. PLUS lists 0.3% alcohol for its Belchic cream pralines. For a different box, check the ingredients and product information for that specific variety.
