Last-minute gift shoppers after security
Want to pick up a chocolate gift after passing through security? Schiphol lists Chocolate House in Lounge 1, after security. Check in store which packs are suitable for giving straight away.
Who is each option best for?
Shoppers looking for a Dutch souvenir to use
Chocolate sprinkles are a considered choice if the recipient wants to use them on bread or as a topping. According to Schiphol, Albert Heijn is on Plaza, before security; check which varieties are available there.
Travellers who need to check allergens
Ingredients vary between types of chocolate sprinkles. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists milk and soya, among other ingredients, in certain De Ruijter and Venz varieties. Read the label on the pack you buy.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether the gift should be ready to eat and present, or intended for use at home. Then consider when you can shop and what you need to check about the product along your route.
Chocolate gift
Choose this if: you want a gift that’s ready to give, even if you’re shopping after security; Schiphol lists Chocolate House in Lounge 1.
Bear in mind: the range in store may differ from the chocolate products shown on Schiphol’s website.
Chocolate sprinkles
Choose this if: the recipient will use them as a Dutch-style bread topping or sprinkle; Albert Heijn at Schiphol Plaza is before security.
Bear in mind: chocolate sprinkles aren’t a ready-made chocolate gift, and you’ll need to check in store for the variety you want.
| Consideration | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to give as a gift | Check whether the chocolate packaging suits the occasion and whether the recipient can eat what’s inside. | If I want to hand over the gift straight away, I’m looking for something that can be eaten or shared without any further explanation. For around 42% of consumers, being ready to give is the top priority. |
| Dutch souvenir to use | For chocolate sprinkles, check the type of topping and the quantity; according to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains eight portions. | For someone who enjoys trying new toppings on bread or at breakfast, I want to bring home something Dutch that they’ll actually use. Around 33% of consumers say that a useful souvenir is their top priority. |
| Easy to take with you | Check when you’ll pass the shop, read the allergen label and check the import rules for your destination. | If my travel time or the recipient’s dietary needs limit my choice, the product also needs to be practical to take along. These travel considerations matter most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming chocolate sprinkles can replace any box of chocolates
Chocolate sprinkles are meant to be used as a bread topping or decoration. If the recipient has no use for them, they won’t serve the same purpose as a chocolate gift that’s ready to give.
Choose chocolate sprinkles if you know the recipient will use them; otherwise, choose a box of chocolates that suits the occasion.
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Planning to visit the supermarket only after security
Schiphol places Albert Heijn on Plaza, before security, and Chocolate House in Lounge 1, after security. So when you want to shop determines which route you can take.
Plan to visit the supermarket before security if you’re looking for chocolate sprinkles.
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Skipping the label on dark or mixed chocolate sprinkles
A flavour name doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed on the packaging. What’s more, ingredients can vary between the different parts of mixed products.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you choose, especially if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
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Assuming an online product listing means it’s in store
A chocolate product shown online or a supermarket’s range won’t tell you which specific pack will be in store on the day you travel.
Check the range, packaging condition and best-before date in store before you choose.
Brands to consider
De Ruijter
A brand to look at if you’re after chocolate sprinkles or flakes as a Dutch souvenir to use.
- According to Albert Heijn, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains eight portions of different types of chocolate sprinkles and flakes.
- Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids. Check the allergens for each variety too; the brand name doesn’t tell you what’s in stock at Schiphol.
Venz
A chocolate sprinkles brand for anyone looking for a pack to use at home.
- Jumbo lists a 400 g pack of Venz Puur.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, this variety contains milk and soya and may contain lactose. Check the label, and don’t assume it’s available at Schiphol.
Lindt
A chocolate brand with gift-ready packaging in the chocolate range shown by Schiphol.
- Schiphol shows the Lindt Trio Pack Hazelnut, 3 × 300 g, as a chocolate gift.
- The variety mentioned contains hazelnuts. If you have allergies, check the packaging and ask in store whether this item is available.
Coco & Sebas
A chocolate shop listed by Schiphol for travellers who want to choose a gift in person.
- Schiphol describes a range of chocolate products from Coco & Sebas.
- Check the individual packs and ingredients in store before choosing a gift.
Products for both gift options
These Joybuy products show two different options: chocolate to give as a gift, and De Ruijter products for someone who uses chocolate sprinkles or flakes. A Joybuy listing doesn’t mean the same item is available in a shop at Schiphol.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate selection to consider as a small treat; check the packaging if presentation matters for your gift.
Quantity: 125 g. Read the current ingredients and allergen label before buying.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift pack for anyone who wants to take chocolate with them rather than a product to use as a bread topping.
Quantity: 288 g. If you have allergies, check the ingredients on the pack you choose.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles, 200 g
Dark chocolate sprinkles for someone who wants to use this Dutch-style bread topping, rather than as a substitute for a box of chocolates that’s ready to give.
Quantity: 200 g. Check the current label for ingredients and allergens.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast, 200 g
A flake topping to consider if the recipient would rather use a topping than eat a chocolate gift straight away.
Quantity: 200 g. Check the packaging for the exact ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take chocolate sprinkles or solid chocolate in my hand luggage from Schiphol?
Solid chocolate sprinkles and solid chocolate are not normally covered by the liquids rules for spreads or liquid food. Schiphol makes this distinction in its hand luggage information; also check the import rules for your destination.
Where can I buy chocolate sprinkles if I’m flying from Schiphol?
Look before security at Albert Heijn on Plaza, the supermarket listed there by Schiphol. Check in store whether the variety you want is available; for chocolate after security, Schiphol lists Chocolate House in Lounge 1.
Which allergens should I check in chocolate sprinkles?
Check the allergens for the exact variety, as they vary from product to product. For example, Jumbo lists milk and soya for Venz Puur and says it may contain lactose; check the current label every time you buy.