Online, you’ll find a huge range of sweets and chocolate: from chocolate bars and vegan sweets to fruit toffees, liquorice sweets, mochi and international specialities. This wide choice makes it easy to find something you like, but it also increases the risk of making a disappointing purchase. Attractive packaging, for example, says little about the contents, portion size or suitability for people with allergies.
With this practical selection guide, start by checking verifiable product information. You can then compare products more effectively based on flavour, size, ingredients and when you plan to enjoy them.
A 365-gram bag may seem like good value, but it isn’t always the right choice if you’re only looking for a small treat. Check the net weight, the number of individually wrapped portions and the price per 100 grams. A smaller size may be more convenient for taking on the go or when you want to try several flavours.
Words such as “fruity”, “with nuts” or “with honey” don’t tell you how much of that ingredient is actually included. Check the percentages in the ingredients list. For example, Lindt Excellence Caramel Hazelnut lists 12% caramelised hazelnuts and 3% caramel pieces. Côte d'Or BonBonBloc contains 25% praline and 20% soft caramel, according to the product description.
You should also check terms such as vegan on the packaging. A product may contain no milk or gelatine, yet still use other ingredients that don’t match your preferences.
Chocolate containing hazelnuts, almonds or milk isn’t suitable for everyone. In the European Union, the 14 major allergens must be clearly listed. Always check the current packaging as well, particularly for international products. Online product information may change or a translation may be incomplete.
Store sweets and chocolate according to the label: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can affect the texture, flavour and shelf life.
If you’re looking for vegan sweets, don’t just look for the vegan label. Check for gelatine, milk ingredients, beeswax and possible cross-contamination too. Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees and Fruitella Mini Vegan are described as vegan in the product information and contain none of the 14 major EU allergens according to the listed specifications.
When choosing chocolate, the type is often the main consideration:
The nutritional table isn’t a quality assessment, but it can help you compare products. A Nutri-Score E, as shown for some of the chocolate bars and confectionery mentioned, doesn’t mean you can’t choose the product. It is, however, a useful reminder to consider portion size and when you plan to eat it.
Chocolate bars, liquorice sweets or a sharing bag are ideal for a film night. Individually wrapped toffees are more practical as a treat at the office. Mochi has a soft, sticky texture, while nut bars and brittle are distinctly crunchy.
When buying international sweets, pay attention to the ingredients and the language on the packaging. According to the product information, Yuki & Love Mochi Pineapple & Coconut contains, among other things, soya and milk. Yuki & Love Pineapple Cake contains wheat, egg and milk. These products are therefore less suitable if you want to avoid certain ingredients.
Check the best-before date on the packaging. Store opened products in a tightly sealed container or bag. Moisture can change the texture of soft sweets, while heat can cause chocolate to develop a white bloom on the surface. This affects its appearance, but doesn’t automatically mean the product is unsafe. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s advice and don’t use damaged packaging.
Why it suits this profile: The bag contains mini sweets in strawberry, banana and orange flavours. The individual wrapping makes them easy to share.
The size and mini portions make it clear what the pack is intended for: sharing and small treats rather than one large, indivisible portion.
According to the product information, it is vegan, contains fruit juice, natural flavourings and colourings, and has no listed major EU allergens.
Why it suits this profile: This bar is aimed at lovers of dark chocolate, cocoa and pronounced nutty and caramel flavours.
The product description states the cocoa content and the percentages of hazelnut and caramel, so you don’t have to rely on the packaging alone.
At least 47% cocoa according to the product information; contains 12% caramelised hazelnuts and 3% caramel pieces.
Why it suits this profile: The large bag is ideal for sharing, entertaining guests or keeping a supply of liquorice sweets and fruit gums in the cupboard.
The combination of liquorice and wine gum is stated in the product description, so you know which textures and flavours to expect.
365 grams of contents, gluten-free according to the product information and made in the Netherlands; the packaging contains up to 50% plant-based plastic according to the stated description.
Why it suits this profile: Ideal if you want to try a soft, chewy snack with pineapple and coconut flavour instead of traditional sweets.
The product information explicitly mentions the soft texture and the allergens present. Check these details on the current packaging too.
180 grams of contents, pineapple and coconut flavour, and a soft, sticky texture; contains soya and milk according to the information provided.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose a sharing bag or individually wrapped sweets. Check the net weight and see whether the flavours are likely to appeal to a wide range of people. Fruitella Mini Vegan contains several fruit flavours and is individually wrapped. For lovers of liquorice and wine gums, Red Band Dropfruit Duos is a larger option to share.
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Seal opened bags and boxes securely. Moisture can change the texture of mochi and soft sweets, so follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Always read the ingredients and allergen information. When choosing vegan sweets, check for milk, gelatine, beeswax and other animal-derived ingredients. For nut bars, chocolate with hazelnuts and Turkish delight with almonds or pistachios, check the nuts specifically listed. If in doubt, the information on the current packaging takes precedence.