Gift-givers who need to consider allergies
If the recipient has a food allergy, the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging are essential. Check for any warning that the product may contain other allergens, too.
Who is this gift for?
Gift-givers looking for something to enjoy with a cuppa
A box of individually wrapped chocolates can be handy if the recipient wants to serve them with coffee or tea, or share them with guests. For example, the merci Assorti Doos described by Jumbo contains 20 individually wrapped pieces.
Gift-givers who care most about the amount in the box
If you’re looking for a larger box to give or share, compare the pack weight and number of pieces. ALDI, for example, lists 300 g boxes of Choceur pralines and 400 g boxes of Moser Roth chocolates.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the recipient would prefer a selection of different chocolates or a chocolate-covered spiced biscuit. Then check the packaging and ingredients of the specific product. A biscuit isn’t the same as an assortment of chocolates, even if both contain chocolate.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. Also look for any warning that the product may contain allergens. | If someone has an allergy, I wouldn’t choose a box based only on its name or picture. This check is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Flavour and type of treat | See which chocolates and fillings are in the box, or choose spiced biscuits covered in chocolate. | If the recipient has strong flavour preferences, I want to know whether an assortment or a biscuit is the better fit. Around 27% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Presentation and sharing | Check the number of pieces, whether they’re individually wrapped and the pack weight. | If I’m serving something with coffee when guests visit, I want a treat that’s easy to put on the table. This is the top consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity and availability | Compare the pack weights and check that the box you want is available when you need it. | If I want to bring a larger box, its contents need to suit the occasion. This is the first consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a mixed box without reading the label
Different chocolates in one box can contain different ingredients and allergens. Albert Heijn’s listing for the merci Gift Box, for example, includes milk, hazelnut, almond and soya, as well as a warning that it may contain peanuts and egg.
Before giving the gift, read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging, especially if you know the recipient has an allergy.
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Mistaking chocolate biscuits for chocolates
The chocolate-covered Biscoff described by Lotus Bakeries is a spiced biscuit with a chocolate coating, not a box of assorted chocolates or fillings.
Choose this type of treat if the recipient enjoys spiced biscuits. If different chocolates and fillings are what make the gift, look for an assortment instead.
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Comparing only the size of the box
The weight doesn’t tell you how many individual pieces are inside or how easy they are to share. For example, Albert Heijn’s 400 g merci Gift Box contains 32 individually wrapped chocolates.
As well as the weight, compare the number of pieces and the packaging if the gift will be served at a get-together.
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Forgetting storage advice and shelf life
Heat and the time until you give the gift are worth considering if you’re buying chocolate in advance. The Voedingscentrum explains that the best-before date relates to the product’s quality.
Check the date and condition of the packaging, and follow the storage advice on the label. Jumbo says its merci Assorti Doos should be protected from heat.
Brands to consider
merci
Assorted chocolates for anyone who wants to give or share a selection.
- Jumbo describes a 250 g Assorti Doos with eight varieties and 20 individually wrapped pieces; Albert Heijn lists 32 pieces in its 400 g Gift Box.
- With a mixed assortment, you’ll need to check the ingredients and allergens in the specific box you choose.
Lotus Biscoff
A biscuit alternative for someone who particularly enjoys spiced biscuits covered in chocolate.
- Lotus Bakeries describes its chocolate-covered Biscoff as crunchy spiced biscuits coated in chocolate.
- This isn’t an assortment of chocolates; as with any product, check the ingredients of the specific variety you choose.
Choceur
A praline option for anyone looking for a box to give or share.
- ALDI describes its 300 g Choceur pralines as milk chocolate with a crunchy filling.
- If you’re looking for different fillings, check the ingredients of the specific pack.
Moser Roth
An assortment of chocolates for anyone looking for a larger box.
- ALDI describes its 400 g Belgian chocolates as having creamy fillings.
- Check the packaging of the box you choose to see which flavours and allergens it actually contains.
Albert Heijn
A retailer with a range of different chocolate gifts to compare.
- The range includes a merci Gift Box, Lindor chocolates and truffles.
- A range category alone won’t tell you whether a particular product is suitable. Check the product information and packaging for details.
Chocolate assortments on Joybuy
These packs are worth considering if you’re looking for a selection of different chocolates to give or share. Compare the type of chocolate, quantity and packaging in each box. Choosing chocolate-covered spiced biscuits is a separate consideration.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A chocolate assortment to give as a gift or share with guests. If it matters to your choice, check the number of pieces and allergen information on the packaging.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A gift pack for someone who enjoys trying different chocolates. Check the packaging to see which flavours are included, and check the allergen information before giving it as a gift.
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merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A smaller chocolate collection for a little token gift. If they’ll influence your choice, check the flavour selection and allergen information on the packaging.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
A chocolate assortment to share. If you’re giving it as a Mother’s Day gift, check the presentation, ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check the allergens in a chocolate gift?
Yes, especially if the recipient has a food allergy. Check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging, including any warnings that the product may contain allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
Is an assorted box a better choice for Mother’s Day than chocolate biscuits?
An assorted box is a good choice if the recipient wants to try different chocolates or share the gift. Chocolate-covered Biscoff biscuits are better if they particularly enjoy spiced biscuits. Biscuits aren’t a substitute for an assortment of chocolates, so choose according to their taste and the occasion.
How should I store chocolate before giving it as a gift?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and check the best-before date before giving the gift. Jumbo advises keeping its merci Assorti Doos away from heat. The Voedingscentrum explains that the best-before date relates to the product’s quality.
Can I rely on online product information for allergen details?
Use online information to compare products in advance, but check the current packaging if you’re choosing a product for someone with an allergy. Ingredients and allergen information can change, so check the box you’ve chosen shortly before giving it.