Hoteliers offering a welcome or thank-you treat
You’re looking for a treat that feels thoughtful. A choice of flavours and individually wrapped portions may matter more than a standard snack portion.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hoteliers providing a regular in-room snack
You want to leave out something simple to serve with coffee, with portion size, packaging and storage as your main considerations.
Hoteliers who need to provide allergen information
You need up-to-date information for every item you offer, so guests can check which ingredients and allergens are relevant to them.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether your coffee service calls for a gift or a regular snack. Then compare the exact products by portion size, storage advice and allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gift appeal and choice of flavours | Check whether the box contains individually wrapped portions and the flavours you want. Also check the storage advice for the place where you plan to leave it. | If the coffee is part of a thank-you, I want to leave out a treat that gives guests a choice. Around 40% of consumers put this gift appeal first. |
| Regular snack portion | Compare the weight per item, the number of items and the individual packaging. Albert Heijn lists a 30 g portion for AH Eierkoeken; according to the product information on Albert Heijn, Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek melk is individually wrapped. | For a daily coffee snack, I want to leave a manageable portion in each room without making it feel like a gift. For around 30% of consumers, practical serving is the top priority. |
| Allergen information | Check the label on the exact product and make sure guests can access the latest information. Don’t rely solely on the product category or an earlier online description. | When guests ask what’s in their treat, I want to be able to give them reliable information about the item on offer. For around 30% of consumers, this clarity is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all egg cakes are the same
A plain egg cake and one with a milk coating don’t necessarily have the same ingredients, nutritional values or portion size. For example, Albert Heijn lists 94 kcal per plain AH egg cake; don’t apply that figure to a different variety.
Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and per portion on the packaging of the product you actually plan to offer.
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Leaving out a box of chocolates without considering where it will go
The chocolate products described should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat and moisture. A spot beside a warm appliance or in direct sunlight may not be suitable.
Check the storage advice on the box you’ve chosen and assess the location in the room before using it as a regular spot.
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Assuming a choice of flavours means it suits every guest
The chocolate and egg cake varieties described contain different allergens. Ingredients and warnings about possible traces can also vary within the same product category.
Keep the latest information for every product you offer to hand, and don’t present a product as suitable for someone with an allergy without product-specific confirmation.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Worth considering if you want to serve egg cakes individually: Albert Heijn describes Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek melk as individually wrapped.
- Individual wrapping can make it easier to serve one to each guest.
- This variety contains egg, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients. Check the label for warnings about possible traces too.
Verkade
Verkade sells both biscuits and chocolate, making it a useful brand to consider when comparing these product categories.
- The two categories give you a starting point for comparing a biscuit treat with a chocolate gift.
- Check the packaging, ingredients and storage conditions for each specific product; the brand category alone won’t tell you this.
Albert Heijn
A useful reference for a portion-sized egg cake and an individually wrapped selection of chocolates.
- Albert Heijn lists 12 portions of 30 g and 94 kcal per cake for AH Eierkoeken.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information on the current packaging.
Jumbo
Worth considering when looking at egg cakes and chocolate gifts as separate product categories.
- Jumbo offers different sizes of egg cake, as well as a chocolate gift category.
- Choose based on the specific product and the delivery and product information that apply to your purchase, rather than the category alone.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I give guests allergen information about the snack in their room?
Make sure guests and staff can consult the latest allergen information for the packaging of the product on offer. Koninklijke Horeca Nederland stresses the importance of providing information about the allergens present when guests ask; check this information for each specific product, even if you offer several flavours.
What should I look for on the label of a pre-packaged treat?
Check the ingredients, allergens, nutrition information and any storage instructions on the packaging you plan to leave out. According to Business.gov.nl, food labelling information for products on the Dutch market must be available in Dutch.
Can I leave a box of chocolates anywhere in a hotel room?
No, not if that spot conflicts with the storage advice for the box you’ve chosen. Check whether the product needs to be kept cool and dry; if so, avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and moisture.
Is online product information enough to check for allergens?
Use the current packaging as your final check for the product you’re offering. Albert Heijn warns that ingredient and allergen information can change, so an older product description may not match the packaging you have in front of you.