Self-service buffet organisers
You want to put out something that guests can easily help themselves to. So look at the product format, number of pieces and packaging, rather than just the weight of the box.
Which option is right for you?
Hosts planning a speculaas-themed buffet
You’re looking for that unmistakable speculaas flavour. Check whether the chocolate you choose actually contains speculaas, speculoos or speculaas pieces; a general assortment of chocolates may not.
Organisers catering for guests with allergies
You want to check the ingredients and any precautionary allergen warnings for your chosen product before serving it. Keep the packaging so guests can check the information for themselves.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what matters most for your buffet: speculaas flavour, a variety of chocolates or a product without chocolate. Then compare the portions, packaging and ingredients of the products you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to share and variety | Check the number of pieces, the packaging format and whether the box contains one flavour or several. | If guests are helping themselves, I want to know whether there are enough easy-to-share pieces and suitable flavours. Around 29% of consumers put ease of sharing and variety first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen product on the packaging, including any precautionary warnings. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what I’m serving. For around 29% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
| Speculaas flavour | Check whether the product name and ingredients mention speculaas, speculoos, biscuit pieces or speculaas spices. | If speculaas is the theme, I don’t want to assume a festive box contains that flavour when it may not. Around 24% of consumers prioritise a recognisable speculaas combination. |
| Availability and shelf life | Check current availability and, if buying in advance, follow the use-by date and storage instructions on the packaging. | I don’t want my buffet to depend on one seasonal product that may be unavailable just before Christmas. For around 18% of consumers, being able to plan ahead is the main concern. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a box of chocolates contains speculaas
An assortment of different chocolate flavours doesn’t necessarily include speculaas. That makes it less suitable if this flavour is central to your buffet theme.
Check the product name and ingredients before choosing a chocolate gift as a speculaas product.
-
Relying solely on the online ingredients list
Ingredients can vary between product variants or recipes. If you’re catering for guests with allergies, the information on the exact packaging you receive is what matters.
Check the packaging again before serving the product, and keep it available for guests who want to read the label.
-
Planning your buffet around a single seasonal product
A particular speculaas chocolate product may disappear from the range between planning and buying. For example, Jumbo says its 150 g speculaas truffles are no longer in its online range.
Decide in advance whether another speculaas chocolate product, plain speculaas or a general box of chocolates would also work for your buffet.
-
Buying early without considering storage
For a sealed box of chocolates, the best-before date and storage conditions matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises following the storage instructions and date on the packaging.
Check that the packaging is intact and that you can store the product as directed until the buffet.
Relevant brands and retailers
Lotus Biscoff
A brand to consider if you’re specifically looking for speculoos with chocolate, which is more of a biscuit product than an assorted box of chocolates.
- Lotus Biscoff lists its chocolate-covered speculoos in a pack of 7 × 3 pieces.
- The ingredients for this product include wheat, milk and soya. Check the packaging if your guests have allergies.
Verkade
A good option if you’re looking for a chocolate product with speculaas pieces to add a festive touch to your buffet.
- Verkade describes a chocolate heart containing pieces of speculaas.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and current availability of the variant you choose.
Tony's Chocolonely
An option to consider when gift packaging or a choice of chocolate products matters more than a specific speculaas flavour.
- The Dutch online shop features gift boxes, tasting selections and personalised bars, among other products.
- Check the flavours, allergens and availability of the specific pack you choose.
Albert Heijn
A retailer to consider if you want to pick out chocolate gifts alongside the rest of your buffet shopping.
- Albert Heijn has a category featuring a range of chocolate gifts.
- A range overview doesn’t tell you whether a specific item is in stock; check each product separately.
Jumbo
A retailer to consider when comparing chocolate gifts and other products for your buffet.
- Jumbo features a range of chocolate gifts in its product overview.
- Jumbo says its 150 g Chocolade Truffels Speculaas are no longer in its online range.
Lidl / Mister CHOC
Worth considering if you want to browse products containing speculoos while shopping in store.
- Lidl lists Mister CHOC Speculoos creamy as a 400 g product available in store only.
- Check the packaging in store for the product format, ingredients and allergens before deciding whether it’s right for your buffet.
Chocolate products for your buffet
These Joybuy products are suitable if you’re looking for a chocolate gift or treat. They are not confirmed speculaas chocolate products: choose them only if speculaas flavour isn’t essential, or serve speculaas separately.
Image unavailable
Merci Petits Chocolate Collection 125 g
Worth considering if you want to offer a choice of chocolate flavours and speculaas flavour isn’t essential.
The pack lists 125 g. Before serving, check the number of pieces, the packaging format and the allergens for the variant you receive.
Image unavailable
Lindt Lindor Cornet Assorted 200 g
A selection of chocolates for anyone looking for variety, without assuming that it contains speculaas.
The pack lists 200 g. Check how many truffles it contains, how they’re packaged and which allergens are listed on the pack.
Image unavailable
Milka Thank You Pralines Milk Cream 110 g
An option if you’re looking for a chocolate gift but don’t need a speculaas flavour or an assortment of different flavours.
The pack lists 110 g. Check the number of pralines, the packaging format and the allergens before putting them out for guests.
Frequently asked questions
Does a box of chocolates always contain speculaas?
No, a box of chocolates may contain only other flavours. If that flavour matters for your buffet, check the product name and ingredients for speculaas, speculoos, biscuit pieces or speculaas spices.
Which allergens should I check in speculaas with chocolate?
Always check the label of the variant you choose. Lotus Biscoff lists wheat, milk and soya among the ingredients in its chocolate-covered speculoos; ingredients and any precautionary allergen warnings may differ for other products.
Can I buy chocolates well ahead of Boxing Day?
Yes, provided you can store the sealed pack according to the storage instructions and the best-before date works with your plans. For sealed boxes of chocolates, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises following the date and storage instructions on the packaging.
How can guests check allergen information at a private buffet?
Keep the packaging for the product you’re serving available so guests can read the label for themselves. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels for prepacked foods; this information can help you check the products you’re serving.
Can I count on a particular speculaas chocolate product being available for Boxing Day?
It’s best to plan an alternative and check availability shortly before you buy. For example, Jumbo says its 150 g Chocolade Truffels Speculaas are no longer in its online range; check the status of other products separately.