What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re buying for everyday breaks or a special occasion. Then choose the format and compare the labels of the products you’re considering.
| What to consider |
What to check when buying |
Who it matters to |
| Sharing and supplies |
Check whether the breakfast cake is sliced or individually wrapped, and how much each portion weighs. Peijnenburg, for example, offers a pack of eight individually wrapped slices weighing 28 g each. |
If colleagues take breaks at different times, I want to be able to put out portions without having to cut a cake each time. For around 46% of consumers, this convenience is the top priority when buying. |
| Labels and allergens |
Compare the ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g and per portion; also read the allergen information for the exact product. A claim on the front of the pack is no substitute for checking, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. |
When sharing a snack, I want to know what it contains and what warnings are on the pack. Around 36% of consumers give checking the label the highest priority. |
| A thank-you or special occasion |
Choose a pack that suits the occasion and check the allergen and storage information. Before ordering, check whether your chosen box is available at your store or for delivery to your address. |
For a leaving do, I’d be more likely to look for a box to give as a gift than a product for the regular break-time supplies. For around 18% of consumers, the occasion is the most important factor. |
Breakfast cake and chocolate for the office
This selection includes breakfast cake for regular office supplies and chocolate for a thank-you or get-together. Compare the portion sizes and, if you’re sharing, check the label on the pack you receive.
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Snelle Jelle Breakfast Cake Less Sugar-Free 250 g
A breakfast cake option to consider for your everyday office supplies. Don’t assume from the product name that the cake is sugar-free; compare the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack.
If you’re sharing it, check the allergen information too: rye and cereals containing gluten are listed for this product, which may also contain nuts and milk.
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Milka Happy Birthday Milk Cream Pralines 110 g
A box of pralines to consider for an office birthday or thank-you. Check how many pieces you want to share, and read the nutritional information on the pack if you’re comparing portions.
Milk, soya and hazelnuts are listed for these pralines. Check the label on the box you receive before sharing them.
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g'woon volkoren ontbijtkoek gesneden 485 g
The sliced version could suit a shared office supply, allowing colleagues to help themselves to a slice. If you’re planning your supplies, check the number of slices and portion size on the pack.
The available product information lists rye, but gives conflicting allergen information. Check the label on the actual pack before sharing the cake.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A box of chocolates to consider for a thank-you or get-together. Before buying, think about how you’ll share the contents if individual portions are important.
Almonds, eggs, hazelnuts, milk and soya are listed for this product, along with warnings that it may contain other allergens. Read the label on the pack you receive.
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Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffles 200 g
A box of chocolate truffles to consider for a special get-together. Check the number of pieces and the outer packaging if presentation or portioning matters for your occasion.
Milk, soya, pistachios and barley containing gluten are listed for this product; it may also contain hazelnuts. Check the label on the box you receive before sharing.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I choose breakfast cake or a box of chocolates for an ordinary working day?
Sliced or individually wrapped breakfast cake is a better choice if you want to offer a regular supply of snacks. Save a box of chocolates for a thank-you or celebration, and check the allergens and storage instructions for the box you choose.
Does ‘no added sugars’ tell me enough about breakfast cake?
No. That claim is no substitute for comparing the ingredients and nutritional values. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises looking beyond the front of the pack; also check the portion size of the breakfast cake you choose.
How can I take allergens into account when sharing an office treat?
Read the label on the pack you actually buy and make the information available before colleagues help themselves. For example, the Jumbo pralines reviewed list milk, nuts and soya; the information may differ for breakfast cake and other boxes of chocolates.
Can I assume breakfast cake contains iodine-enriched baker’s salt?
Don’t assume this is true for every breakfast cake. If iodine-enriched salt matters for your purchase, check the ingredients list or the latest product specifications for the version you’ve chosen.
What should I check if I need a box of chocolates for a specific date?
Before ordering, check availability at your store or for delivery to your address, then follow the storage instructions for the box you choose. The gift box reviewed at PLUS advised keeping it away from heat and wasn’t available at every selected store.