Who is this choice relevant to?

Gift-givers who prioritise vegan ingredients

Don't rely on the colour of the chocolate or the name of the box alone. Check the vegan label and ingredients for the specific product before giving it as a gift.

Gift-givers who want to put together their own box

You want to combine several chocolate products in one gift. Checking each item individually means you don't have to assume that a standard selection box is vegan as a whole.

Shoppers who also need to consider allergens

The recipient may need to avoid nuts, soya or traces of milk, as well as animal-derived ingredients. A vegan label is no substitute for checking the allergens and warnings on the packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check that the entire gift is vegan. Then decide which type of gift is right and check allergens separately.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it's important for
Vegan ingredients Look for the vegan label on the specific product and read the full ingredients list, including for a mixed box. If I'm giving chocolate to someone who eats a vegan diet, I don't want one of the items to contain milk or egg. This assurance is a priority for around 42% of consumers.
Gift format and shareability Check that every item is suitable, then look at the product format, net weight and number of individual pieces. A box with a selection of pieces is a better fit if I want to give chocolate to share, as long as everything is vegan. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this type of gift.
Allergens Check both the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. If the recipient has an allergy, I need to check which allergens may be present as well as looking for a vegan label. This extra check matters most to around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a selection box is vegan because it contains dark chocolate

    According to the ingredient information provided by Jumbo, the merci Assorted Chocolate Box contains several milk ingredients. So a few dark chocolate options don't make the whole box vegan.

    Check the ingredients for the entire selection or put together a box using products that you have checked individually.

  • Confusing vegan with allergen-free

    Albert Heijn labels the Alter Eco 85% Peru bar as vegan, but also says it may contain milk, nuts and soya. That requires a separate assessment if the recipient has an allergy.

    Ask about any relevant allergies and read the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging.

  • Treating Kano's and chocolate gifts as the same type of product

    Jumbo lists butter concentrate from milk and egg yolk in its Kano's with Butter. This means they are not a vegan alternative to a chocolate box.

    If you're looking for a chocolate gift, search specifically for vegan chocolate and then check the product you've chosen.

Brands for individual vegan chocolates

These brands offer options for individual chocolate products, but not necessarily a ready-made vegan gift box.

Alter Eco

An individual bar can make a small gift or be part of a box you've put together yourself.

  • Albert Heijn labels the 100 g Alter Eco 85% Peru bar as vegan and states that it contains at least 85% cocoa.
  • It's a bar, not a gift box. According to Albert Heijn, it may contain milk, nuts and soya.

Hands Off

A brand to explore if you want to combine different individual chocolate products in one gift.

  • Albert Heijn lists vegan Hands Off products, including bars and bites.
  • Check the current vegan label, ingredients and allergens for each product you choose. A brand listing doesn't tell you what a complete gift box contains.

Lindt

An individual chocolate option to assess separately if a bar is suitable as a gift.

  • Albert Heijn labels the Lindt Classic vegan hazelnut bar as vegan.
  • The listed variety contains hazelnuts, almonds, soya and oats, and may contain traces of milk. An individual bar doesn't confirm that a gift box is vegan.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are Kano's suitable as a vegan gift?

Not without checking the specific product. According to Jumbo, its Kano's with Butter contain butter concentrate from milk and free-range egg yolk, so they are not a vegan option.

Is a chocolate box containing dark chocolate automatically vegan?

No, what matters is the ingredients in the whole box. The merci Assorted Chocolate Box described by Jumbo also contains milk ingredients, so check every variety in the selection.

Can vegan chocolate still be a problem for someone with an allergy?

Yes. A vegan label doesn't mean a product is free from allergens or possible traces. For example, Albert Heijn says that its vegan Alter Eco 85% Peru bar may contain milk, nuts and soya. Always check the current packaging for the recipient.

What should you check on a pre-packed chocolate box?

For a vegan gift, check the ingredients and allergen information for the whole box. According to the EU rules described by Your Europe, the label on pre-packed foods should also include details such as the product name and use-by or best-before information.