Which treat is right for whom?

Host looking for something to share

Wants everyone to be able to choose something easily with their coffee. A box of individually wrapped chocolates in a range of flavours could be a good fit.

Gift-giver who checks the ingredients

Wants to check the ingredients, allergens and any alcohol in the chocolate or pralines before buying.

Gift-giver who values presentation

Is looking for a box that can be given as a small gift or thank-you without any extra wrapping.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to take biscuits or chocolate. If you choose chocolate, check the ingredients before considering the number of pieces and the gift packaging.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces on the packaging of the box you choose. For pralines, also check whether alcohol is listed. If I’m taking a box for someone with a known allergy, I don’t want to rely on the brand name. For around 42% of consumers, ingredient suitability is the top priority.
Easy to share Check how many pieces there are and whether the chocolates are individually wrapped. If more people are joining us, I want everyone to be able to help themselves easily. Around 33% of consumers prioritise ease of sharing.
Gift presentation Check the packaging and storage instructions if you won’t be giving the box straight away. For a thank-you gift, I want a box I can hand over as it is. Around 25% of consumers consider presentation the most important factor.

Common mistakes when buying and storing

  • Mistaking taaitaai for a box of chocolates

    ALDI Nederland describes taai-taai as aniseed biscuits shaped like figures. So if you’re looking for a chocolate gift, taaitaai is a different type of product.

    Before choosing a box, decide whether you want to give aniseed biscuits or chocolate with coffee.

  • Going by the assortment name or photo alone

    The boxes of chocolates and pralines described contain different ingredients and allergens; PLUS also lists 0,3% alcohol in its Bel’Chic pralines.

    Check the current packaging of the exact box you’re buying, especially if someone attending has a known allergy or would rather avoid alcohol.

  • Overlooking the storage instructions for pralines

    For the Bel’Chic pralines described, PLUS advises storing them in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises following the storage instructions and best-before date on the packaging of unopened boxes of chocolates.

    Before buying, check how you should store your chosen box until coffee time.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers, among other things, a Merci gift box of individually wrapped chocolates.

  • For the box described, Albert Heijn lists the number of pieces, ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
  • Albert Heijn warns that product information can change, so check the packaging of the box you buy.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers boxes of chocolates in various sizes, including a 250 g Merci assortment.

  • For this box, Jumbo lists 20 individually wrapped bars in eight varieties.
  • Check the current ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose; a mix of flavours won’t necessarily suit everyone.

PLUS

PLUS offers gift boxes of chocolate and pralines, including Bel’Chic cream pralines.

  • For the Bel’Chic box described, PLUS lists the ingredients, allergens, 0,3% alcohol and storage instructions.
  • Check that the filling and storage conditions suit the recipient and the time you’ll be giving the box.

Lidl

Lidl Nederland offers various types of pralines, including a praline selection and cream truffles.

  • The varieties listed give you options if you’d rather give pralines than individually wrapped chocolates.
  • The pralines described are only available in store; check the packaging there for the ingredients and allergens.

ALDI

ALDI Nederland describes taai-taai as aniseed biscuits, making it a different choice from a box of chocolates.

  • The product description can help you decide whether taaitaai is the treat you had in mind for coffee.
  • Don’t use the taaitaai description as information about what’s in a box of chocolates.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I give taaitaai instead of a box of chocolates?

Yes, if you specifically want to serve aniseed biscuits with coffee, but not if you’re looking for a box of chocolates. ALDI Nederland describes taai-taai as aniseed biscuits shaped like figures.

What should I look out for if someone has a food allergy?

Check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging of the box you choose, including any warnings about traces. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be clearly indicated on the labels of prepacked foods. Don’t rely on the brand name or a previous purchase alone.

Does chocolate served with coffee contain caffeine?

Yes, chocolate contains caffeine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives around 7 mg for two squares of dark chocolate weighing 14 g in total, and around 2 mg for the same amount of milk chocolate. The caffeine content and serving size vary from product to product.

How should I store chocolates that I’ll be giving later?

For an unopened box, follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the packaging, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. For the Bel’Chic pralines described, PLUS advises storing them in a cool, dry place at 14–18 °C; check the instructions on the box you buy.