A colleague who wants to share something quickly
They’re looking for something sweet that’s easy to hand out during a short break. The number of pieces and how they’re packaged can make all the difference.
Who is this choice for?
Someone buying a small thank-you gift
They want to give a colleague or night-shift team a little something, weighing up the look of the packaging and variety of flavours against how easy it is to share.
A shopper checking dietary requirements and allergens
They need to check the ingredients and allergens in the syrup waffles or box of chocolates they’re considering for the recipient.
What should you consider when choosing?
Syrup waffles
Choose these: if you want to share an informal treat and the pack size suits the number of colleagues.
Keep in mind: a stated number of portions doesn’t mean the syrup waffles are individually wrapped.
Assorted box of chocolates
Choose this: if the thoughtful gesture and variety of flavours come first. The merci box described by Jumbo contains a selection of individually wrapped chocolates.
Keep in mind: check the allergens for each box and whether the chocolate needs protection from heat during transport and storage.
When buying a treat or thank-you for night-shift colleagues, ease of sharing, the gift itself or checking dietary requirements may be your main priority.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of sharing | Check the number of pieces and whether they’re wrapped individually or in small groups. | I want to share something during a short break without leaving a large pack open. An estimated 40% of consumers prioritise ease of sharing. |
| Gift and variety | Check what’s included in the selection and the storage instructions for transport. | When I’m thanking a colleague, the gesture matters more than how quickly I can hand everything out. An estimated 30% of consumers say presentation as a gift is the main reason for their choice. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and warnings on the packaging. | I want to know first whether the recipient can eat the product I’ve chosen; an attractive selection doesn’t tell me that. An estimated 30% of consumers put these checks first. |
Common mistakes
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All syrup waffles contain the same allergens
This varies by product. Jumbo lists gluten, milk, soya and wheat among the allergens in its butter syrup waffles. Its gluten-free version contains egg and lupin and may contain nuts and sesame.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety you’re buying.
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A box of chocolates is suitable for every colleague
An assortment may contain several relevant allergens. The merci Assorted Chocolate Box described by Jumbo lists almond, hazelnut, milk and soya, among others.
If you know the group has relevant allergies, check with them in advance, then check the label on the box you’ve chosen.
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A portion is always individually wrapped
The portion size doesn’t tell you whether the pieces are individually wrapped. Jumbo specifically describes the Kanjers variety reviewed as four packs of two syrup waffles; other products may only state a portion size.
Check how the pieces are packaged if you want to hand out individual portions during the break.
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A sweet treat can replace a proper meal break
Arboportaal advises people working night shifts to eat well and avoid snacking.
Think of syrup waffles or chocolate as an occasional treat or thank-you, not a replacement for a meal.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
The 390 g AH Syrup Waffles are an example of a larger pack. Albert Heijn lists ten 39 g portions.
- The portion size helps you assess what’s in the pack.
- A portion isn’t necessarily individually wrapped. Also check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes both 468 g butter syrup waffles and a separate 240 g gluten-free variety.
- The gluten-free variety is clearly labelled as such and, according to Jumbo, carries the Crossed Grain trademark.
- This variety contains egg and lupin and may contain nuts and sesame. Check for each allergen individually.
Daelmans
A Daelmans syrup waffle tin described by Albert Heijn shows how syrup waffles can also be presented as a gift.
- A tin could be a good choice for a thank-you when the packaging matters.
- Check the current availability, contents and allergens of the specific product.
Kanjers
Jumbo describes a 320 g Kanjers variety as four packs of two syrup waffles.
- This clear pack size is useful if you want to hand them out in pairs.
- The variety described by Jumbo contains wheat, egg, milk and soya, among other ingredients, and may contain nuts. Check the label on the pack you choose.
Products for a treat or thank-you
These products include boxes of chocolates for a small thank-you and syrup waffles for a treat. If you want to hand them out individually, check the packaging of the specific product first.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A chocolate assortment to consider as a small thank-you. Check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped if you want to hand them out to colleagues.
Check the label for your recipients: this product lists milk, nuts, soya and wheat, among other allergens.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift to consider when a variety of flavours matters. Check the packaging if you want to hand out the bars individually.
This product lists almond, egg, hazelnut, milk and soya among its allergens. Check the latest label for your recipient.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
A chocolate assortment for sharing. Check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped if you want to hand them out in portions.
The product information lists milk, peanuts, wheat, gluten, soya, barley and egg, among other ingredients. Check the latest label.
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Kanjers Extra Delicious syrup waffles, 10 pieces
A syrup waffle treat to enjoy with a coffee or tea break. Before buying, check how the ten pieces are packaged if you want to hand them out individually.
The product information lists wheat, gluten, milk and soya. Also read the other allergen warnings on the latest label.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate collection to consider as a small thank-you. Check whether the chocolates are individually wrapped if you want to hand them out.
This product lists milk, almond, hazelnut, soya, wheat and gluten, among other allergens. Check the latest label for your recipient.
Frequently asked questions
Are syrup waffles suitable as a regular snack on every night shift?
It’s best to think of syrup waffles as an occasional treat rather than a regular food option. Arboportaal advises people working night shifts to eat well and avoid snacking.
Should I check for allergens when buying something for colleagues?
Yes. Check the latest label for the product you’ve chosen and take the recipients into account. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly listed on the label. Ingredients vary between syrup waffles and chocolate assortments.
Are gluten-free syrup waffles also free from other allergens?
No. Gluten-free doesn’t mean free from other allergens. The gluten-free syrup waffles described by Jumbo contain egg and lupin and may contain nuts and sesame. Check all the allergen information on the pack you choose.
How should I store the treat until the night shift?
Follow the storage instructions for the specific product. The syrup waffles described should be kept in a cool, dry place. The merci Assorted Chocolate Box described by Jumbo should be protected from heat.