Choose Sprits if you mainly want a biscuit to enjoy yourself on the go; choose a box of chocolates if sharing them or giving a gift after you arrive matters more. Check the allergens and best-before date on the packaging for both. With chocolate, it’s also worth checking the storage instructions, especially if the box might get warm during your journey.
If you want to take a biscuit with you without any preparation, a pack of Sprits should suit your snack break. Gift packaging adds little if it’s just for you. Do check that the ingredients and allergens are suitable for you.
If you’re taking something for fellow passengers, for a visit after you arrive or as a thank-you, a box of chocolates with individually wrapped pieces could be handy. Before buying, check how many it contains and whether they’re individually wrapped.
If you have an allergy or coeliac disease, checking the packaging comes before choosing between biscuits and chocolate. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods. Also read the packaging for information about the possible presence of other allergens.
First decide whether you’re taking something for yourself, to share or as a gift. Then check the packaging for allergens, the best-before date and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A snack for yourself on the go | Check that the packaging will fit in your bag and how you can carry it once opened. | I want to enjoy a biscuit on the go without any preparation, and I don’t need to give anything as a gift. For around 36% of consumers, having a snack for themselves comes first. |
| Sharing or giving a gift | Check how many pieces there are, whether they’re individually wrapped and the storage instructions for the box. | If I want to thank someone after I arrive or share something on the way, presentation matters too. Around 36% of consumers prioritise sharing or giving a gift. |
| Allergens and labelling | Read the ingredients, allergens and information about the possible presence of other allergens on the current packaging. | If I need to take an allergy or coeliac disease into account, I can’t rely on the front of the box. Checking allergens is the first priority for around 28% of consumers. |
The Merci and Ferrero Rocher boxes mentioned contain several allergens. Ingredients can also vary between different types in an assortment.
Read the current packaging before buying or sharing the chocolate. If you’re unsure, ask which allergens are relevant to the person receiving it.
The product information for the chocolate products mentioned advises protecting them from heat. This is particularly important if you want the box to look its best when you give it as a gift later.
Keep the box out of direct sunlight and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. If you can’t keep chocolate away from the heat, consider a plain biscuit for your own snack break.
Wrappers and opened packaging need to be dealt with carefully in a shared carriage. NS asks passengers to put their rubbish in the bin.
Only open what you’re going to eat, and gather up wrappers and other rubbish straight away so you can throw them away.
Verkade NoboSprits Original is a crisp biscuit; NoboSprits Milk is coated in milk chocolate.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the 400 g Merci Gift Box contains 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars in eight varieties.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Ferrero Rocher box reviewed contains 16 pieces in a gift box.
This selection includes chocolate for a gift or sharing, as well as speculaas as an alternative if you’d like a plain biscuit for your journey. Speculaas isn’t Sprits, so check whether each product’s packaging suits your plans.
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A chocolate selection for anyone who wants to give a gift or share chocolate after their journey.
The packaging states 288 g. Before sharing, check the current information about allergens, portions and the best-before date. Store the chocolate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
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An option for anyone who wants to take chocolate bars to eat or share, without needing a gift box.
The product name states 9 pieces and 104,4 g. Pay particular attention to the best-before date on the packaging. If you have an allergy, check the label; the product information lists wheat, milk and soya. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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An assorted box of chocolates for anyone who wants to share or give a gift.
The packaging states 385 g. Check the label before offering the chocolates: the product information lists milk, peanuts, wheat, soya and egg, among other ingredients. Also check how the pieces are wrapped, and keep the chocolate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
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A chocolate selection to take along as a small thank-you after your train journey.
The packaging states 125 g. Before sharing the chocolates, check the number of pieces and the allergens on the current label. The product information lists milk, almonds, hazelnuts, soya and wheat, among other ingredients. Store the packaging in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
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An alternative for a snack on the go if a plain biscuit suits you, but Sprits isn’t essential: this product is speculaas.
The packaging states 450 g. The product information lists wheat and possible traces of nuts; if you have an allergy, check the current label. Seal the packaging well after opening and store it in a cool, dry place.
A box of individually wrapped chocolates can be handy if you want to give something to several people. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the 400 g Merci Gift Box contains 32 individually wrapped chocolate bars. Before sharing them, check that the allergens are suitable for the people receiving them.
Yes. If an allergy or coeliac disease is relevant, check the label on the packaging you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the mandatory labelling of 14 allergens; also look for information about the possible presence of other allergens.
Protect the box from heat and direct sunlight during your journey. The product information for the Merci and Ferrero Rocher boxes mentioned advises protecting them from heat or storing them away from it. Follow the advice on the packaging you’re taking with you.
Clear away wrappers and other rubbish straight away. NS asks passengers to put their rubbish in the bin, so only open what you plan to eat or share, and be considerate of your fellow passengers.
