Who is this choice relevant to?

People buying everyday office supplies

If you want to offer something on several working days, choosing the right portion size is especially useful. For example, Peijnenburg and Albert Heijn offer breakfast cake in sliced or individually wrapped formats.

People comparing product labels

If you’re buying for different colleagues, you can compare the ingredients, nutritional values, portion sizes and allergens in the products you’re considering. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking beyond the front of the pack.

People organising a thank-you

For a leaving do, a visit or a team get-together, a box of chocolates may suit the occasion better than a pack for the usual snack supply. Before sharing, check which allergens are listed on the specific box and how it should be stored.

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.

Common mistakes

  • Relying on a single nutrition claim

    A claim about fibre or added sugars alone doesn’t tell you what’s in the full ingredients list and nutrition table for a particular breakfast cake.

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing the ingredients and nutritional values on the label. If you’re comparing different portion sizes, check the values both per 100 g and per portion.

  • Putting out a box of chocolates without its label

    The pralines in the Jumbo range reviewed list milk, hazelnut, almond and soya, among other ingredients. When sharing a treat, colleagues should be able to check the information on the box you’ve actually chosen.

    Keep the packaging with the treats and share the allergen information in advance. Arrange a separate alternative if anyone needs one.

  • Choosing a product before confirming your order

    A specific product may not be available at your chosen store or delivery location. This matters particularly if you need the box of chocolates for a leaving do or visit on a set date.

    Check your chosen store or delivery postcode before making final plans for the treat.

    Finding a replacement product may take extra time or require a trip to the shops.

  • Assuming all breakfast cake contains iodine-enriched baker’s salt

    Whether iodine-enriched salt matters for your choice depends on the ingredients in that particular breakfast cake. Don’t assume all packs use the same recipe.

    Check the ingredients list or the latest product specifications for the version you want to buy.

Brands to compare

Peijnenburg

Offers breakfast cake in formats including sliced and individually wrapped options, making it easier to organise a regular supply.

  • According to Peijnenburg, the pack of eight individually wrapped slices contains portions of 28 g each.
  • Check the exact product: Peijnenburg says its no-added-sugar version contains xylitol and may contain milk and nuts, among other allergens.

Albert Heijn

Offers different types of breakfast cake, including plain and wholemeal sliced options.

  • The range of formats lets you choose a pack that suits sharing in the office.
  • Check the product page and the packaging of your final choice; an organic chocolate breakfast cake previously shown was listed as discontinued.

Koek & Bakker bij ALDI

Offers a 485 g sliced zero breakfast cake as an option for sharing around the office.

  • ALDI describes this version as pre-sliced and containing no added sugars.
  • For a nutritional or allergen comparison, read the label on your chosen pack and check availability at your store.

Jumbo

Alongside breakfast cake, it also offers pralines as a possible choice for an office treat.

  • A box of pralines is a good fit for a thank-you or celebration.
  • The Jumbo pralines reviewed list milk, nuts and soya, among other ingredients; check the label on the specific box when you buy.

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.

Snelle Jelle Breakfast Cake Less Sugar-Free 250 g

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.

View at Joybuy
Milka Happy Birthday Milk Cream Pralines 110 g

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.

View at Joybuy
g'woon wholemeal sliced breakfast cake 485 g

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.

View at Joybuy
Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g

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.

View at Joybuy
Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffles 200 g

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.

View at Joybuy

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.