Who is this choice relevant to?

If you need a quick thank-you gift

You want to pick up a small box during a regular shop that you can give straight away. Individually wrapped chocolates, such as those in the merci box described by Jumbo, make it easy to share the contents.

If you're buying for several people

Whether it's for a household, a visit or a small team, you'll want to know how many individual chocolates are in the box. Albert Heijn lists 32 in its 400 g merci Gift Box.

If you need to consider allergens

If you know that someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the label on the exact box. An assorted box may contain several allergens, and the ingredients in another variety may not be the same.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you're looking for a snack or a chocolate gift. If it's a gift, compare the number of pieces, the packaging and the label on the box you plan to buy.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it's important to
A small thank-you gift Check the size and the number of individually wrapped chocolates. I want to pick up something small during my shop that I can give straight away; for around 36% of consumers, a thank-you gift that's ready to give is the top priority.
Sharing Compare the number of pieces and the total contents of each box. I want to bring enough individual portions for a household or small team. Being able to share is the first consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings about possible traces on the current packaging. If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check the exact box before giving it to them; around 21% of consumers prioritise this check.
Gift packaging See whether the packaging suits the occasion and check what's inside. For a visit or a thank-you, I want the packaging to work as a gift without needing to wrap it. For around 14% of consumers, presentation matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Judging the box by its front alone

    Jumbo lists milk, almond, hazelnut and soya among the ingredients in its 250 g merci Assorted Box; it also mentions the possible presence of other allergens. Similar packaging doesn't tell you exactly what's in your box.

    Read the label on the exact product before buying, especially if you need to take an allergy or intolerance into account.

  • Treating egg cakes and boxes of chocolates as the same type of product

    Bolletje describes its Brosse Eierkoek as a snack. That's different from an assorted box that you want to buy as a chocolate gift.

    Decide first whether you're looking for a snack or a gift, then compare products within that category.

  • Storing the box of chocolates somewhere warm

    For its 250 g merci Assorted Box, Jumbo advises protecting the chocolate from heat.

    Check the storage instructions for your box and keep it away from heat sources before giving it as a gift.

  • Assuming a product page means it's currently available

    Just because you've found a box of chocolates online doesn't mean it'll be available when you need a last-minute gift.

    Check current availability before counting on a particular box, and consider keeping another size in mind if necessary.

Brands and retailers to consider

merci

Assorted chocolates in individually wrapped pieces, including boxes listed by Jumbo and Albert Heijn.

  • Jumbo lists 20 pieces and eight chocolate specialities in its 250 g Assorted Box; Albert Heijn lists 32 pieces in its 400 g Gift Box.
  • The boxes reviewed list several allergens, so check the packaging of the variety you're buying.

Verkade

Verkade offers chocolate products and chocolate-coated biscuits for an informal sharing occasion.

  • Its chocolate range offers a different product format from a classic gift box.
  • If you're buying it as a gift, check the packaging, contents and allergens for each product.

Albert Heijn

A retailer that stocks, among other things, a 400 g merci Gift Box.

  • The product listing specifies 32 individually wrapped chocolates and provides ingredients and allergen information.
  • Albert Heijn notes that product information may change, so check the packaging on the box you receive too.

Jumbo

A retailer with a chocolate gift category and a range of box sizes.

  • The product listing for the merci Assorted Box specifies the number of pieces and variety of flavours.
  • Contents and allergens vary by product, so compare the exact boxes rather than looking at the category alone.

ALDI

A retailer that lists, among other things, a 250 g merci Finest Selection as packaged chocolate.

  • ALDI describes the packaging of this specific product as suitable for giving as a gift.
  • Check current availability if you want to pick up the box during a particular shop.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I check the label on a packaged box of chocolates?

Yes, especially if the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for pre-packed foods is shown on the label, so read the packaging of the exact product.

Do all assorted boxes contain the same allergens?

No, the ingredients vary from product to product. For its 250 g merci Chocolate Assorted Box, Jumbo lists almond, hazelnut, milk and soya among the ingredients, as well as warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. Don't assume the same applies to another box.

How should I store a box of chocolates before giving it as a gift?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of your box. For its 250 g merci Assorted Box, Jumbo advises protecting the chocolate from heat.

Is a box of chocolates I find online immediately available?

Not necessarily. Check current availability and delivery or collection options before planning to buy a particular box as a last-minute gift.