Gift-givers shopping for one or more people
A chocolate letter makes a personal and instantly recognisable gift for Sinterklaas evening. If you’d like something to share, consider a box of assorted chocolate specialities or a tasting selection.
Which option is right for whom?
Anyone planning a treat to serve at the table
You can prepare crispbread with chocolate sprinkles individually for each person. Remember to consider the crispbread, portion sizes and ingredients of both products.
Anyone who needs to check for allergens
Ingredients vary between boxes, letters and chocolate sprinkle varieties. Always read the information on the packaging you choose, even if you’re already familiar with another product from the same brand.
What should you consider when choosing?
Chocolate box or tasting selection
Ideal for: a gift to share or a selection of different flavours to choose from.
Consider: an assortment may contain a range of ingredients and allergens; check every variety in the packaging you choose.
Chocolate letter
Ideal for: one recipient who would appreciate a familiar Sinterklaas gift.
Consider: a single letter offers less choice than an assortment, and ingredients vary between varieties.
Crispbread with chocolate sprinkles
Ideal for: a shared occasion when you’re preparing crispbread yourself.
Consider: you’ll need a base product and some preparation; chocolate sprinkles on their own aren’t a packaged chocolate gift.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gift format | Decide whether the gift is for one person or to share; check what’s inside and how many pieces there are. | Would you like to give one person a recognisable Sinterklaas gift, or choose something several people can open and share? Around 31% of consumers put finding the right gift format first. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the exact packaging. | If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know which parts of the gift are suitable before handing it over. An estimated 31% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Flavours and sharing | Compare the flavours listed, the contents and the number of individual pieces or bars. | For a group, you may prefer to offer a choice rather than give everyone the same chocolate flavour. Around 23% of consumers value variety and shareability most. |
| A treat to serve at the table | Choose a base product too, and check the labels and storage instructions for both the crispbread and the chocolate sprinkles. | If you enjoy preparing something to share at the table, crispbread with chocolate sprinkles may suit your plans better than a wrapped gift. An estimated 15% of consumers put this kind of ready-to-serve treat first. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming an assorted box will automatically suit everyone
Different chocolates can contain different ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority notes that allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly identifiable in the ingredients list.
Read all the information on the box or letter you’ve chosen before buying, and again before serving it. Don’t rely on the flavour name alone.
-
Treating chocolate sprinkles as a ready-made gift
Chocolate sprinkles are a bread topping. To serve crispbread with chocolate sprinkles, you’ll need to put the treat together and serve it yourself.
Choose this option for a treat at the table. If someone needs a packaged gift that’s ready to give, a box or letter is a more suitable choice.
You’ll also need crispbread and, if required, other toppings or serving items.
-
Applying the note about iodine to chocolate
According to the RIVM, iodine is added to baker’s salt. This in itself tells you nothing about the contents of a chocolate box, letter or chocolate sprinkles.
If the composition of the crispbread matters to your choice, read the label for that base product separately.
Brands and product ranges to consider
De Ruijter
Chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to serve crispbread with a chocolate topping as a treat at the table.
- Albert Heijn describes Hagelfeest as a mix of chocolate sprinkles and vanilla-flavoured sprinkles.
- The listed ingredients include milk, soya and wheat, among others. Check the packaging you choose; chocolate sprinkles aren’t a complete gift.
Venz
Dark chocolate sprinkles as a topping for a treat you put together yourself.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the dark variety described contains at least 32% cocoa solids.
- The ingredient information lists milk and soya. Read the label on the specific pack before serving.
Verkade
A chocolate letter for an individual Sinterklaas gift.
- Albert Heijn presents the 135 g white S-letter as a treat for a shoe or for Sinterklaas evening.
- This variety contains milk and soya and may contain nuts; a single letter also doesn’t offer a choice of flavours.
Tony’s Chocolonely
A tasting selection for anyone who wants to let others try or share different bars.
- Tony’s Chocolonely describes its tasting selection as a pack of six small bars.
- Ingredients and possible traces vary between bars. Check the packaging if allergens are a concern.
merci
Finest Selection is an assorted box for anyone looking for a chocolate gift to share.
- merci Netherlands describes Finest Selection as containing eight chocolate specialities and lists 250 g and 400 g packs.
- Check the ingredients of the box you choose, especially if anyone receiving it needs to avoid certain allergens.
Chocolate gifts and chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy
These products suit two ways of celebrating Sinterklaas evening: chocolate to give as a gift or share, and chocolate sprinkles for crispbread you prepare yourself. A chocolate letter is another option, discussed above.
Image unavailable
merci Finest Selection 400 g
A box of chocolates for anyone who wants to offer a variety or share a gift.
merci Netherlands describes Finest Selection as containing eight chocolate specialities. If allergens are a concern, check the ingredients on the packaging you choose.
Image unavailable
Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack 288 g
A chocolate gift pack for anyone who wants to offer something to taste together.
Check the packaging to see which bars and allergens are included in this specific pack; don’t assume it has the same contents as another tasting selection from the brand.
Image unavailable
merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
A chocolate collection to consider for an individual recipient.
Compare the contents and ingredients on the packaging with the number of people you’re buying for.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Chocoladehagelslag Puur 390 g
Chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to prepare crispbread as a treat for the table, not for anyone looking for a ready-made gift.
Buy crispbread separately and check the ingredients on both packs.
Image unavailable
Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack 143 g
A chocolate assortment to consider when you’re looking for something to share.
If you’re buying for several people, check the number of pieces, flavours and allergens on the packaging you choose.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a chocolate box instead of a chocolate letter?
For Sinterklaas evening, choose a box if you want to share chocolate or offer a range of flavours; choose a letter if you’re giving one person a personal Sinterklaas gift. With an assortment, check that the ingredients in every item are suitable for the people receiving it.
How do I check for allergens in a chocolate gift or chocolate sprinkles?
Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the exact packaging you’re going to give or serve. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly distinguishable from the other ingredients. For an assortment, check the information for each item too.
How should I store chocolate and chocolate sprinkles until Sinterklaas evening?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for each product you choose. If you’re preparing a treat for the table, check the instructions for the crispbread too rather than assuming the same storage advice applies to everything.
Does iodine in baker’s salt tell me anything about a chocolate box or chocolate sprinkles?
No, not as a general rule about those chocolate products. The RIVM describes the addition of iodine to baker’s salt. If you’re also serving crispbread and want to know what it contains, read the label on the specific crispbread product.