Choose a box of chocolates if you want to pick up a gift with your shopping that’s ready to give straight away. Crushed aniseed sprinkles are a better fit for a Mother’s Day breakfast or homemade baking, provided the recipient likes aniseed. Only combine the two if they both suit the occasion. Check the current label on each product, especially for allergen information and storage instructions.
Looking for an edible gift to pick up with your usual shopping, without having to prepare anything? A box of chocolates is a more recognisable gift than crushed aniseed sprinkles, which are mainly used as a topping or decoration.
Crushed aniseed sprinkles can go well with crispbread, yoghurt or homemade baking if the recipient enjoys aniseed. They’re part of the occasion, rather than an automatic substitute for a box of chocolates.
Buying for someone with a food allergy, or not sure what they like? Check the ingredients and allergen information on the actual packaging you choose, rather than relying on a brand name or product photo.
First decide whether the gift needs to be ready to give straight away or is part of a planned meal. Then check that the flavour and ingredients suit the recipient.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-give gift | Check that it’s a ready-made box of chocolates and that the selection suits the recipient. | When I’m buying a gift with my shopping, I want something I can give without having to prepare breakfast or bake first. For around 44% of consumers, this ready-to-give quality comes first. |
| Breakfast or baking | Think about whether the crushed aniseed sprinkles will be used as a topping or decoration, and whether the recipient likes aniseed. | A shared breakfast or something homemade makes the gift feel more personal to me. Around 33% of consumers give this kind of occasion top priority. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the current label for allergen information and storage instructions; also check that the packaging is intact. | If I’m not sure which ingredients the recipient can eat, I want to find out before buying. For around 23% of consumers, this check matters most. |
Crushed aniseed sprinkles are a topping or decoration. Without a planned breakfast or baking occasion, they serve a different purpose from a box of chocolates you can give straight away.
Decide how you’ll give the gift first: a box of chocolates to hand over straight away, or crushed aniseed sprinkles to go with breakfast or homemade baking.
Different chocolates in the same box can contain different ingredients. Jumbo lists milk, soya, almonds and hazelnuts among the ingredients in the 250 g merci Assorted Chocolate Box, and notes that other allergens may also be present.
Read the allergen information on the current packaging, especially if you’re buying for someone with a food allergy.
Jumbo says the 250 g merci Assorted Chocolate Box should be protected from heat. Damaged packaging can also spoil the presentation of the gift.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and check the box before giving it.
Crushed aniseed sprinkles can go with breakfast or decorate baked goods when the recipient enjoys aniseed.
The 250 g merci Assorted Chocolate Box is an example of a ready-made box containing a selection of chocolates.
Lindt’s Dutch range includes LINDOR truffles and gift boxes.
ALDI Netherlands stocks chocolate and truffles, including products from MOSER ROTH.
These products suit anyone looking for a box of chocolates or truffles that’s ready to give. If you’re looking for something to go with breakfast and crushed aniseed sprinkles, the recipient’s taste is the main thing to consider.
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A box of chocolates for anyone looking for a gift they can give straight away. The pack contains 400 g; check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the box you buy.
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A box of assorted LINDOR truffles for someone who enjoys a range of chocolate flavours. The pack contains 200 g; check the current allergen information before buying.
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A chocolate gift pack for anyone who’d prefer to give bars rather than truffles. The pack contains 288 g; check the label for the ingredients and allergens in this selection.
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A selection of truffles to share at a meal or get-together. The pack contains 173 g; check the current label for allergen information and storage instructions.
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A small box of chocolates to pick up as a thoughtful gift with your shopping. The pack contains 125 g; check that the selection and allergen information suit the recipient.
Only if the recipient likes aniseed and you’re giving them as part of breakfast or a baking occasion. Crushed aniseed sprinkles are a topping or decoration; if you want a chocolate gift that’s ready to give, a box of chocolates is a better choice.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods. Don’t rely on the brand name or information for another variety.
For this variety, Jumbo lists almonds, hazelnuts, milk and soya, among other ingredients, and notes that it may also contain egg, peanuts and other nuts. This doesn’t apply to other merci packs, so check the current label on this box too.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and keep the box intact. Jumbo specifically says that the chocolate in the 250 g merci Assorted Chocolate Box should be protected from heat.
